Sunday Samples - Cor, Moroccan Oil and Lavera

In an effort to trim some of my samples stash, I thought I'd try a few new products this week.

First up is Moroccan Oil Treatment.  I've shied away from Moroccan oil previously as I tend to have rather oily, fine hair and I just thought that Moroccan oil would weigh it down further.  I have been very impressed with this oil though, using it several times a week, usually on days when I don't condition my hair as otherwise I find i gets a little overloaded.  It leaves my hair noticeably softer and shinier.  I have been using a minuscule amount rubbed over my hands before applying to damp hair, so I think this sample will last me some time.  I'm interested to try the light version of the oil which I think may be even better for my hair type.

I've been using Cor soap recently (a review is coming up next week) and along with the soap, I also received some small samples of the Cor Moisturiser, Serum and Eye Cream.  The samples themselves were tiny, to the point where I actually had to hunt for the product within them!  First impressions were that all products sank in quickly and had a pleasant, almost clinical scent.  Cor market themselves on their unique silver healing properties of their product, however they are on the fairly pricey side which would prevent me from purchasing full size versions at their current price-point.

  

Lavera Hand Cream came as part of a beauty box some time ago.  I hadn't tried this before and found it to be a decent basic handcream without any airs or graces.  It has a pleasant, not overwhelming scent, and sinks in quickly.  I liked how it contains organic almond and shea butter, and did find it fairly moisturising, although it will not be replacing my L'Occitane or Palmers hand creams.

Have you tried any of these products?

Managing Keratosis Pilaris

Today, I am blogging about Keratosis Pilaris (or KP) - a condition that affects many people to different degrees.

For those of you who are unaware, Keratosis Pilaris usually manifests itself as a rash or series of small red bumps on the surface of the skin, often on the arms and thighs, although it can appear elsewhere on the body too.  Along with the rash, another symptom is multiple hairs growing from a  single follicle, which can mean that those who suffer with it often have excess body hair.

Typical appearance of KP (not mine!)

For years, I was unaware of what the red rashes on my upper arms and thighs were.  All I knew was that I was extremely self-conscious of them as they were very unsightly, and I used to do anything to avoid wearing sleeveless tops, always covering up with a scarf or cardie.  

Finally, a couple of years ago, I decided enough was enough and decided to do some reading online to see if anyone else had my mysterious skin complaint.  I felt as though I was the only person putting up with it, and upon seeing my doctor, he was extremely unhelpful and told me it would disappear and clear up over time.

KP is essentially caused by the build up of keratin on the surface of the skin, which causes the raised, bumpy appearance.  To combat this, I have been using a couple of simple but effective products in my daily routine:

1) I exfoliate my upper arms daily with a course-grained scrub. 

 

The problem with many scrubs are that they are not scrubby enough and you do need something that is quite abrasive to smooth the skin effectively.  I find the scrub I use in the areas with KP would probably be too harsh for other areas of my body, but on the areas with KP, it works well.  

Recently, I have been very impressed with The Body Shop's Chocomania scrub.  If you can get past the sweet, chocolately scent first thing in a morning, it is both moisturising and exfoliating , and I have certainly seen an improvement in my skin tone over the period I have been using it.  Other scrubs I have enjoyed using and have found effective at combatting my KP have been Korres Watermelon scrub and the Elemis Lime and Ginger Scrub, although this one is rather on the pricey side, but it does feel very luxurious.

2) Following my daily exfoliation of the affected areas, I always moisturise, usually using a lotion rather than a body butter as it is lighter and less likely to clog pores.  You may prefer unscented lotions if you have sensitive skin . I have been using the Vaseline Intensive Care lotion recently and have been pleased with its performance, but any regular body lotion will do.

3) I don't tend make a conscious effort to tan, but during the Summer I do find that the appearance of my KP  diminishes somewhat when my skin is a little darker.  

The sun seems to clear it up a little, and the darker skintone helps to disguise it.  Of course, you can always pick up a fake tanning product and this will camouflage the rashes somewhat.

I hope this post has been of some help to those of you who suffer with KP and has given you some ideas for how to treat it.  

Do you use any products which  help treat your KP?

Saturday Samples

                 

Another week has passed and its time for another delve into my samples box.  I am really pleased with how this series has been encouraging me to use up some of my travel and sample-sized products that I would otherwise neglect and I have found a  few products already that I am planning on purchasing the full sized products.

Temple Spa Aaahhhh! Soothing Balm for Aching Feet and Limbs

Temple Spa was a brand I had never heard of until I spotted their products in a hotel we stayed in for hubby’s birthday last year on the Isle of Skye and it was refreshing to find some products that were not the usual Molten Brown staples usually found in boutique hotels. 

This is a thick gel which contains dandelion, lavender and menthol to calm and sooth your feet and on applying it, the scent of menthol is very prominent.  I tried this for the first time after a 10k run, smoothing it onto my feet and calves.  It rubbed in easily and didn’t leave any sticky residue and  was certainly soothing, although after a few minutes my feet did feel rather cold which would have been the menthol taking effect.  I did find this quite relaxing for my tired feet, although I would probably be more likely to use it in the summer or on holiday, when my feet are feeling hot and swollen after walking around all day.  I could see this complementing my Body Shop Peppermint Foot Spray nicely for an end of day treat!

Quick Verdict

A useful addition to my summer footcare routine, I’m looking forward to trying this out properly when it gets warmer.  In the meantime, it will sooth my tired, achy feet

Blemish Complex – Clarifying Cleanser, Exfoliating Blemish Cream and Skin Perfecting Lotion

Blemish Complex is a brand from the US which was created by dermatologists for dermatologists and has been in development for 35 years so it should be pretty good at tackling problem skin.  

There are three steps to the process: cleansing, exfoliating / treatment and moisturising so it isn’t all that different from other skincare solutions and routines.  There was only enough product in each of the sachets for 2 applications so these are my initial impressions only.  I always test skincare for a month before reviewing to ensure they have been fully tested and my skin has had time to adapt.

Clarifying Cleanser – the scent was very clinical and not particularly pleasant.  This scent was also present across all three of the products, however I am willing to overlook that if the product works well.  It is a clear, foaming gel which is applied to damp skin and rinsed off.  I did like this but it felt quite harsh and I was wary of putting it anywhere near my eyes.

Exfoliating Blemish Cream – Another gel product, this tingled and stung for the first 20 seconds of application.  Again it was applied to damp skin and massaged in.

Skin Perfecting Lotion – Essentially a regular moisturiser, this was massaged in after the blemish cream had sunk in.  I didn’t find it to be particularly unique or especially hydrating.

Quick Verdict

Two applications of these products are not enough to test out their claims and first impressions leave me thinking the full 3 steps are a little harsh for my sensitive skin.  I would however be tempted to try out the Exfoliating Blemish Cream from the range, in collaboration with my usual cleanser and moisturiser.

Trilogy Instant Bronzing Gel

I have to admit that I am not a frequent fake-tan user, as having a NC20 skintone that tans easily I don't feel overly pale.  My legs however do not see the sun that often in winter and they do tend to look a little neglected, so I decided to give this sample of bronzing gel a try.

 

First impressions are that is smells unlike most other self tanners, more of a caramel smell which isn't entirely unpleasant, just unusual! 

 

It looks a deep golden bronze on application but soon fades to an even, natural brown and keeps developing for a couple of hours.  It is non-sticky too and dries within about 10 minutes so there is no sitting around in your pants waiting for it to dry!!

Leg pre bronzing Gel - eeek!

 

 

After an hour, not a massive different but you can see the shimmer.

I did notice that it was VERY shimmery and sparkly and for that reason I would probably only use this for the evenings - it is a little too much for me during the day.

Quick Verdict
As a self-tan novice, I found this very easy to use and applywith no streaks!  For those who like to add a bit of shimmer and sparkle to their tan, this may be a useful product to try.

Have a good weekend

Victoria
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Saturday Samples #3

This week's Saturday samples products are again a bit of a mish-mash and have all been sitting, unloved, in my sample box for a wee while.

Dr Organic Bioactive Skincare Organic Rose Otto Skin Lotion

This was only a small sample but I managed to make it last a couple of days, only using it on a targeted area (my dry elbows and arms!).  It moisturised nicely, although I did feel it took rather a lot of rubbing in to absorb fully.  The rose scent also evoked strong memories of collecting rose petals and putting them in a jar when I was younger in an attempt to make perfume (did anyone else ever do this?!).  All very nice but not what I want to smell of for the following couple of hours after using it.  I prefer more sophisticated rose scents that smell a little more complex.

Price - £7.19

Where to Buy - Holland and Barrett

Caudalie Vinosource Quenching Sorbet Creme

This cream claims to be a godsend to dry, thirsty skin and I have to admit from the outset that I am not the correct target audience for this product.  It is very rich and would be perfect for winter skin or if you have been outside a lot and need to add something soothing to your skincare routine.

I tried using it as a night cream, rather than twice daily as suggested, but it was still a little rich for my combination skin.  I have, instead, been smoothing it on my neck and chest, which usually get less attention from me on a daily basis and it is definitely making the area feel smoother.  Perhaps one to try if you have very dry skin.

Price - From £18.50

Where to Buy - Boots, Feel Unique, SpaceNK, HQ Hair,

Biotherm Aquasource Levres  SPF8

I've been testing this lip balm out for the past week and I'm rather pleased with its performance.  It has a faint fruity scent and glides on as a clear gloss - great to just slick on if you are popping out to the shops or if you don't want to wear a bright lip.  I haven't found it as moisturising as other similar balms such as Lanolips, but it does a fair job and the addition of an SPF is a welcome bonus, although SPF8 cannot really offer enough protection for your lips in high summer.

The main issue I have with this product is the price.  I couldn't justify spending  £13 on something that does effectively the same job as a much cheaper product and for that reason, I wouldn't purchase a full-sized tube.

Price - £13.28

Where to Buy - Boots

Thanks for reading and hope you are having a good weekend.

Victoria

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