Beauty biz – does Boots #7 live up to all the hype?

Remember when the original Protect and Perfect was hailed as the next anti aging breakthrough in Great Britain? When it hit the shelves in the United States it sold out in days.

In a recent Boots No7 review, BBC reported a clinical study that showed Boots No. 7′s Protect & Perfect to be as almost as effective as prescription products. Wow, big claim! Is it true?

Gwyneth Paltrow says she is a user of Boots No7 skin cream which adds further credibility to the line. (After all, she should know).

In 2011, Multiple Boots No7 Products Receive Good Housekeeping’s First Annual Anti-Aging Awards.

Boots No7 has been featured and reviewed by a bunch of influential magazines. NBC claimed the serum was scientifically proven to repair collagen. The primary ingredient that is known to repair collagen is oligopeptide. But is this ingredient in a high enough dosage to repair collagen? Our first reaction is that Boots No7 represents good value for money. When you compare Boots No7 to premium products, the formula is actually quite effective. The concentration of oligopeptide is reasonable for the cost of the product and we feel it represents good value for money. The Dermatology Review.

No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum has been tested like no other cosmetic anti aging product in an independent 12 month trial. The findings clearly show that it has genuine, long term anti aging benefits. Contains Pro Retinol (I will blog about the importance of Retinol in my next post), concentrated levels of Boots unique antioxidant complex to protect from environmental damage and a skin-firming peptide complex to boost and maintain skin’s elasticity.

The serum does include Palmitoyl Oligopeptide and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide, two very effective anti-aging ingredients. Unfortunately, the peptides are the two LAST ingredients in a lengthy list of 31 ingredients. This means there are only enough peptides to allow Boots to list them which makes you wonder about the overall effectiveness. All in all, it feels silky on the skin and seems to work as well as many pricier serums. Only time will tell. Worth a try in my opinion.

Boots No7 is available at Target, QVC, Ulta, Walgreens, and Beauty.com. In Canada you can find them at Shoppers Drug Mart & London Drugs – priced between $20 and $40. It can also be purchased online through Boots USA.

I haven’t tried any of their other products – have you? Any comments?

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Beauty biz – what makes Shea so much Butter?

I’m sure you’ve heard or read about it before and have seen it listed on many beauty care products. It’s been around for a very long time.

Shea Butter is made from the nut of the African Shea tree and contains a rich amount of unremoveable fatty acid which renders it far superior to cocoa butter and other natural butters, but African women already know this. They’ve been using shea butter for so many years to protect and rejuventate their hair and skin.

This fatty acid is crucial to rejuvenating and moisturizing the skin. Shea butter provides all the essential vitamins (especially vitamin A) needed to make skin look and feel smoother, softer and healthier. The therapeutic properties stimulates cellular activity while protecting skin from the elements (wind, cold, sun) and helps wounds heal faster. It has been used to heal burns, sores, scars, dermatitis, psoriasis, dandruff, and stretch marks. Shea also contains cinnamic acid, a substance that helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays.

The container here doesn’t look so pretty (certainly won’t be front & center on my vanity) but buyer beware: some of the companies with fancier versions will alter it in order to have a better fragrance, texture, overall appearance. The alterations may disturb and in some cases destroy the natural integrity of the product. It will however, look much nicer on your bathroom shelf.

Listed below are some of the conditions that Shea Butter will provide improvement for. As you use this multi-purpose butter, you are likely to discover additional uses. The amount of time required for optimum results may vary with each condition. Wrinkles, for example, require 4 to 6 weeks of daily use. Itching is relieved immediately.

Dry skin

Skin rash

Skin peeling, after tanning

Blemishes and Wrinkles

Itching skin

Sunburn

Shaving cream for a smooth silky shave

Small skin wounds

Skin cracks

Tough or rough skin (Feet, Elbow)

Cold weather

Frost bites

Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy

Insect bites

Healthy skin

Muscle fatigue aches and tension

For before and after strenuous exercise

Skin allergies such as poison ivy or poison oak

Eczema

Dermatitis

Skin damage from heat, hot grease while cooking, radiation treatment for certain medical problems…

What can I tell by looking at the label? Ingredients on the label should be listed in the order from the ingredient that is the most to the least. Therefore, you should look for Shea Butter products that list Shea Butter early on the list of ingredients.

TIP: warm it up first in your hands before spreading it on your skin. Some people even put some in the microwave but I wouldn’t do this as it could break down the vitamins, interfering with the benefits.

On PINterest – some products I can’t live without:

http://www.pinterest.com/intrigueimports/beauty-products-i-cant-live-without/

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Beauty biz – because we’re worth it!

Once in a while an amazing hair product grabs my attention.

So far I find this hair product from L’Oréal Paris Absolue-tly amazing . It could be the best and easiest hair coloring kit ever invented. It met all the requirements. Easy to apply, non-messy (a real plus) with little to no odor. But the BEST THING about it – drumroll…..it’s reusable! The formulas are preserved in airtight tubes so you can stash the device away and re-use it as needed.

click to enlarge

Hair products for the most part seem to escape my interest so I concentrate on reviewing makeup and skincare products. It’s not that I don’t like them or need them but my routine is relatively unfussy and I don’t like to use much product – my hair is fine so too much product will weigh it down. Whenever I ‘m at my hairdresser she ends up putting mousse, then a color enhancer, then a little Moroccan oil (I love that oil) and then ruins it all by using hairspray. I keep saying “no” (I do not like hairspray overload) but she does it anyway. It looks great for one day and then it will take some effort on my part to get it to looking like I just left the hairdresser. And I hate to put a lot of effort into my hair. Maybe I should care more but I don’t want to spend a lot of time fussing. I haven’t been to a hairdresser to color or highlight my hair in a long time preferring to do it at home. I found a few easy root touch up kits and even a highlighting one. The drawbacks are that they tend to get messy (I have a white sink & tub) and there’s always waste.

This new hair dye from L’Oréal has been selling in Europe for quite some time so we’re really lucky the company finally decided to send it this way.

Here is what the company says:

L’Oréal Preference Mousse Absolue is the first automatic and re-usable hair color that’s, dare we say, quite the revolutionary product. After 10 years in the making, L’Oreal Paris has devised a canister with dual chambers that seamlessly combines the color dyes and color developer together at the push of a button.

See, I told you! Have you tried it?

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beauty biz – Supersize me!

Some things are just better bigger – this is one of them. Product Review:

I’m in bliss…literally. Being a huge fan of luxurious body butters and body lotions by bliss you can imagine my delight at finding a super sized version in vanilla and bergamot – two of my favourite scents.

Already familiar with their original lemon sage (which gained a huge following as it was the #1 body cream for over a decade and used to be available only at Bliss spa locations) this was a delightful purchase from Nordstrom’s. It’s completely moisturizing with a very familiar & pleasant fragrance(this aromatic moisture mix has amber, lemon, bergamot, myrrh and musk, putting the ‘thrilla’ back in vanilla) which means it can be used in place of a light fragrance. Made without parabens. I found that mixing this with a little bit of lavender lotion creates a signature scent.

Available in Canada at: http://www.canadabeautysupply.ca/bliss-super-sized-vanilla-bergamot-body-butter-moisture-cream-14-ounce/

Price: $51.00 for 14 oz.

beauty board on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/intrigueimports/beauty-products-i-cant-live-without/

Have you tried them?

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beauty biz – PURE Hyaluronic Acid is worth it’s weight in water

It all goes back to the womb. Have you ever met a baby with bad skin?

Babies are born with a high level of

episilk

hyaluronic acid, which keeps their dewy skin plump and smooth. Unfortunately, the amount of hyaluronic acid in skin diminishes with age, most significantly after age 40.

First off, don’t let the word “acid” fool you. Hyaluronic acid isn’t harsh or skin-stripping at all. In fact, it’s the exact opposite – a powerful humectant (aka moisture-binding ingredient) that keeps skin plump and hydrated which in turn means younger looking skin.

First off, let’s not mislead anyone here – disappointingly there is no “fountain of youth” magic skin cream or lotion fix that is available on the market despite various claims. The idea of remaining ageless has appealed to mankind since the dawn of time, but most of us realize this is a pipe dream. However, maintaining a youthful complexion and improving the appearance of our skin is not beyond our reach. In fact, one of the best kept secrets for naturally ageless skin is using hyaluronic acid (also known as sodium hyaluronate) serum.

WHY?

Don’t get too excited but Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is known for its ability to bind up to 1000 times its weight in water. Imagine that? When applied to your skin, hyaluronic acid serum actually helps the cells in your skin absorb and retain moisture. This helps to give you that supple glow that’s been missing. Unlike collagen, Hyaluronic Acid is able to penetrate the skin’s upper layers to improve and benefit the skin when applied topically. HA is a major component of skin, where it benefits tissue repair and protection. When applied in an HA cream or serum, hyaluronic acid forms an air permeable layer and penetrates into the dermis, thus boosting the elasticity and hydration of the skin. The protective barrier on the skin locks in moisture, thus giving it a more youthful appearance.
As you age, the body’s HA production naturally decreases, leaving the skin dry and that’s where wrinkles start to form. Replenishing the body’s natural HA allows skin to retain moisture and provides volume, form and lift.

PRODUCT REVIEW: I received a new (to me) HA serum called “episilk” to try out and this is what the company has to say about it:

Episilk™ PHA Serum is an intensely hydrating serum that rejuvenates skin from the inside out. It improves the tone and appearance of skin by enhancing the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Its light, non-oily texture soothes skin leaving it fresh and soft while smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. PHA Serum renews your skin’s suppleness and elasticity.

The Episilk Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum contains just two ingredients (de-ionized water and HA), which means that the acid isn’t subject to degradation from other ingredients and also allows a higher concentration of active ingredient for your money. Approx. price $59.95

How to use it: Apply twice a day to wet face or put a small amount on the back or side of your hand, and mix with an equal amount of water. This serum is very concentrated and adding a very small amount of water will help activate it for best results.

What I have to say:

Who am I to argue with all the beneficial research, claims and hype surrounding HA, and with only two powerful ingredients it can’t get much better. The fact that I received this product gratis doesn’t mean that I have to report back that I like it but after having tried it for only a few days (so far) my skin feels great and looks more hydrated. It feels similar to a previous one I tried (MyChelle Hydrating Serum, Ultra Hyaluronic) that had many more ingredients – not necessarily a bad thing but for this you want the purest form available. The company also has other types of serums.

How I use it:

First I spritz on my own face spray (étoile – hydrating facial essence)that has EXOTIC FLORAL WATERS and THEN USE ONE PUMP OF THE SERUM. You can also use it on your Décolletage (area on your upper chest that MANY WOMEN MISS). At night (especially in dry season) I always use a bit of FACE OIL over top of any serum.

Link for serum: http://episilkserum.com

Link for exquisite face oil & spray: http://GetSpoiledNow.com

On PINTEREST: Beauty Products I can’t live without: https://www.pinterest.com/intrigueimports/beauty-products-i-cant-live-without/

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Beauty biz – Under Cover

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY – another beauty product review

Clé de Peau Beauté – a perennial favorite of makeup artists, models, celebrities and non celebs.

Creamy and light reflecting, this legendary cover-up is “sly like a fox and strong like an ox,” says L.A. Matthew VanLeeuwen, who works with Salma Hayek and Minka Kelly.

The balm like texture diffuses both undereye circles and blemishes but won’t leave tacky traces of its hard work.

USD $70 CDN $105

Too pricey? That depends, as it will last you at least one year and it doesn’t settle into fine lines. I’ve had mine now for almost two years, but it still goes on nice & creamy so I don’t feel the need to trade it in for a new one just yet. If you warm the concealer a bit between your fingers it tends to blend easier. Also, I only use it on the inner corners of my eyes. There is good reason why this one is a cult favorite. I haven’t come across a better one yet. You’ll just have to go to the makeup counter and decide for yourself if the price is worth it. In Canada you can find it at Holt Renfrew.

*Available in four shades: Ivory, Ocher, Beige and Honey

InStyle Magazine named it “the best” concealer” for 2013 as well as Allure Magazine Hall of Fame award.

What’s Your Favorite Cover Up?

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In the Beauty Cabinet – getting “Lucky”

Literally….with Tarte’s LipSurgence™ collection. What is it? A hybrid between a stain, a gloss and a rich balm, these non drying lip tints deliver sheer color while keeping lips hydrated and refreshed. Best thing – the award-winning tint is goofproof. That’s because they go on like a lip gloss, stay on like a stain and hydrate like a dreamy balm. Added bonus: no pencil sharpener required. What’s not to love?

Feeling Lust, Joy, Spirited, Amused, Moody, Charmed, Enchanted, Glitzy, Adored, etc?

There’s a color to match every skintone or at least your mood.

Available at Sephora. $24.00

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beauty cabinet essential – Geisha Inc.

A product review – with love from Vancouver, B.C.

I’ve always held a fascination for all things Geisha. In fact, I followed a few when visiting Kyoto many years ago & it was pretty obvious. I love the ancient tradition (their skill in dancing, singing and playing musical instruments such as the flute and shamisen), their alluring beauty and gracefulness. The white skin, the elaborate jet black hair, red painted lips & glorious silk kimonos. They look like porcelain dolls. I loved the book ‘memoirs of a geisha’ (couldn’t put in down) and the movie too. But the closest I’ll ever get to a geisha now is by wearing Geisha Inc. liquid eyeliner. Not the same, but a little bit goes a long way.

Liquid eyeliner is not the easiest makeup product to work with for us non-geisha type girls. If you don’t have a steady hand it can get real messy real quick or can look way over the top. But then I discovered (okay I didn’t really discover it but I did find) a great liquid liner that delivers nice pigment with ease of use. To be honest, the packaging is what sold me at first but the product happily delivers. Bonus – the company is based in Vancouver, B.C.

What is it?

Geisha Ink Liquid Eyeliner is a 24 Hour water and smudge-proof formula that delivers effortless and precise application with its revolutionary microfiber brush tip. This quick-drying formula helps create subtle to dramatic looks. It comes in brown or black.

How to?

Shake liner a few times before use. Apply with enclosed micro-fiber brush to ensure precise application. Close cap tightly after each usage. Removes easily with warm water and/or regular eye makeup remover. For best result, use a eye primer or powder eye area prior to application.

Available at:

wish.list boutique
2811 West Broadway

Beauty Bar
2142 West 4th Avenue

For more locations visit Website: http://www.geishaink.com

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Beauty with Benefits – Exfoliating

Your morning routine can easily take a turn for the worst if just seconds after applying face cream, you notice dry, flaky skin appear. Naturally, anyone will go into defense mode and re-up the hydration, but those patchy spots could be a sign that you’ve skipped a critical cleansing step: Exfoliation.

http://ocskininstitute.com/

One of the best things you can do for your skin is to exfoliate it. Helping to ease congestion in spotty, blemished skin, it refines pores and can give dry skin back a bit of its lustre. But there’s more to exfoliating than whacking on some gritty stuff out of a tube every now and then. Here are a few things you may not know about how to get – and keep – skin looking its absolute best:

Oils have a mild exfoliative effect and this makes them brilliant for use as a moisturizer before bedtime. Over night, skin is renewed and you’ll wake up looking fresher. Plus, oils are really nourishing, comforting and perfect for dry complexions. Try getspoilednow.com

Face cloths can help to gently resurface skin too – but not lovely fluffy ones. Nope, a cheaper, thinner version is your best choice – try something like studio 35 beauty – premium exfoliating facial cleansing pads. One side is soft for wiping and the other side has a micro-bead exfoliating surface. Use with a creme or gel cleanser, and skin will be given that little extra bit of help.
Cotton Exfoliating Pads

How often should we be scrubbin’ with the exfoliating grains, gels or pastes? Two to three times a week, and no more. The old fashioned Biore pore strips are still one of the best ways for removing dirt & blackheads around the nose area. I try to use it once a week.

Rice and fruit are brilliant ingredients for exfoliant products – the acids in fruit gently resurface skin without too much scrubbing, and rice is less harsh than pumice or the gritty grains you often find in cheaper brands. Here’s an excellent choice:
MICABella

Mica Bella’s Vita-C Exfoliating Peeling Gel provides gentle exfoliation and vitamin C, all in one! They’ve taken advantage of a new technology to formulate the ”Vitamin C beads.” The Peeling Gel removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin silky smooth + with a healthy glow! Available online at: http://www.intrigueimports.com/product_info.php?cPath=3_16&products_id=132

Exfoliating skin does more than just clear congestion and blemishes – it can make you look younger too. How? Dead skin cells settle in lines and make them appear deeper. Clear the gunk out and it stands to reason you’ll look less lined.

Got any good tips yourselves? Share them in a comment!

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