Author: Tracey McAlpine Category: Beauty Product Reviews, Beauty
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Featuring Institut Esthederm, Blistex, Dr Jackson’s, Astral, Hask, Murad, Dr Sebagh, Bodhi & Birch and Miss Gorgeous

Genevieve is back with me this month for what should really be called the late June video.  We have both been travelling over the past month but it hasn’t stopped us trying out some new products.

Institut Esthederm

The French skincare company Institut Esthederm recently launched the Intensive Collection.  The collection uses the most powerful molecules at the correct dose for optimal efficacy.  In effect, you are getting the same quality product for home use that you would receive in an aesthetic treatment.  The range consists of Intensive Hyaluronic, Retinol, AHA Peel, Vitamin E2, Vitamin C and Propolis.  Each has been formulated to tackle skin conditions we experience as we age.

I have been testing the Hyaluronic and Retinol products which are most suitable for hydration, lines and photo-ageing, I think I can tick all those boxes. The Hyaluronic is quite different to any hyaluronic acid I’ve used before.  The consistency is slightly thicker, more of a gel than a runny serum, and instantly feels moisturising.  It consists of two molecular weights of hyaluronic acid which gives an immediate plumping of the skin, working both on the surface locking in moisture and deeper in the dermis as well.  I’ve noticed a marked improvement in my skin hydration since using it.

Vitamin A is a well proven ingredient to improve the look and condition of older skin, it works hard to increase cell turnover, improve pigmentation and unclog pores, at the same time it softens lines and wrinkles – what’s not to love?  But not all Retinol products are equal and it’s worth finding one that has been clinically tested such as Institut Esthederm Intensive Retinol.  The range consists of a serum which has 0.3% Retinol suspended in a light oil, this keeps the Retinol stable.  It really is a joy to use and slips over the skin beautifully leaving it moisturised and not in the least oily.  I’ve been using the serum at night followed by the Intensive Retinol Cream.  Again, this is a lightweight formulation which contains 0.2% Retinol and can be used alone, over the serum or mixed with it.  If you haven’t used Retinol before then build up slowly, the skin needs to build Retinol receptors and could possible react by slight peeling or flushing.  You can build your dose by adding a drop of the serum to the cream.

Insitiut Esthederm recommend using the Intensive Retinol for a two-month period once a year, avoid using in the height of summer and ALWAYS wear sunscreen, but especially when using Retinol products.

Blistex

Genevieve has been on a drug store haul and came back with two products from Blistex.  If you thought Blistex was only for cold sores then think again.  The first, Blistex Intensive Moisturiser Cherry has an SPF 15 and contains shea butter and beeswax which help to protect and hydrate the lips.  It’s also an absolute bargain at only £2.25 and tastes delicious!  The next is the Lip Brilliance a bullet of rosy pink shimmer which also has hyaluronic spheres to boost lip fullness and vitamin E and grape see oil to condition the lips, another bargain at only £2.49.

Dr Jackson’s

It was a photograph on Instagram that first alerted me to Dr Jackson’s 07 Face Wash, the ingredients sounded so cleansing and refreshing that I had to find out more.  Containing baobab, kigelia, mandarin, lemon, Roman chamomile and pomegranate this face wash removes every last trace of makeup but leaves skin feeling hydrated.  I’ve been using it morning and evening and I’m ready to order another bottle, it’s one of the nicest face washes I’ve ever used.

Astral

Do you remember Astral?  My mother always had a pot when I was a child and just smelling it takes me back years.  Astral is still the all-round moisturiser it always was and another bargain priced product from Superdrug at only £1.29 for 50ml, the perfect travel size.

Hask

Hask was a new range to me, Genevieve has been using the Argan Oil Repairing Hair Shine Oil which is lightweight, and instantly tames the frizz which is especially good in the summer heat.  This super slim 18ml bottle is perfect either to try before buying a larger bottle or for your travel bag or handbag.  Another Superdrug bargain at only £2.49.  It’s worth checking out the full range as it’s so affordable.

Murad

I’ve been lucky enough to meet Dr Murad on several occasions and recently I was pleased to be able to thank him personally for Murad City Skin Age Defense. One thing I have learnt over the past few years is just how important it is to wear sunscreen every day.  Whether it’s cloudy, raining or brilliant sunshine, you still need to wear an SPF product.  What I hadn’t realised is that the blue light emitted from computers and mobile phone screens is also damaging the skin in the same way as the sun.

Dr Murad has of course thought of everything with the new City Skin Age Defense, it protects from UVA, UVB, Infrared and Blue Light as well pollution.  The sunscreen is 100% mineral based and works as skincare as well as suncare.  This is the only facial sunscreen product that I have used that has never made my skin breakout.  Some have been better than others but this has been the best.  I’m about to start my second bottle and that says it all for me, I have a cupboard full of sunscreen products but this is the one I choose to wear.

Dr Sebagh

I am slightly envious that Genevieve has been exploring the Dr Sebagh range, I have heard so many good things about Dr Sebagh but haven’t ever tried his products.  The Rose de Vie Serum was voted ‘Best Serum’ by Tatler 2017 and contains organic rose hip oil ideal for mature skin.  The serum’s anti-oxidant ingredients work to calm and repair even the most sensitive skin.

The Dr Sebagh Supreme Eye Serum is delivered from a cooling roller ball to target the signs of ageing around the eye area making it younger and firmer looking.  The serum quickly absorbs to illuminate and refresh while reducing the appearance of lines and deeper wrinkles.

For all round skin maintenance, Dr Sebagh has developed High Maintenance Cream, another award winner having won ‘Best Winter Skin Cream’ by Harper’s Bazar.  This all-in-one moisturiser has anti-ageing growth factors and ceramides to restore the skin barrier and helps to protect against pollution, it also works particularly well for combination skin and can be mixed with your favourite serum.

Miss Gorgeous

Ok, I’m a sucker for a cute product and they don’t come much cuter than the Miss Gorgeous cosmetic applicators.  Whether they are the aptly named ‘I Am Not Lipstick’ or the swivel top Roll and Shine applicator they are perfect for applying makeup and for travelling.

Bodhi & Birch

Sometimes your heart sinks when you hear that a favourite product has been reformulated.  Often, it’s a cost cutting exercise and the formulation isn’t as good as the original.  This isn’t the case with Bodhi & Birch Desert Rose, the formulation has been improved because Elijah Choo the founder of Bodhi & Birch is always striving for perfection.  Desert Rose is a beautifully fragranced oil to rejuvenate ageing skin with argan rose, prickly pear and starflower.
If you have any questions about these products just drop them in the comment box below or below the YouTube video.  If you wish to purchase any of the products click the links below.

 

Institut Esthederm Intensive Hyaluronic Serum 30ml £49.50 available from Lookfantastic

Institut Esthederm Intensive Retinol Serum 15ml £49.00 available from Lookfantastic

Institut Esthederm Intensive Retinol Cream 50ml £59.00 available from Lookfantastic

Blistex Intensive Moisturiser Cherry SPF 15 6ml £2.25 available from Boots

Blistex Lip Brilliance Blushing SPF15 3.7g £2.49 available from Boots

Dr Jackson’s 07 Face Wash 200ml £25.00 available from Dr Jackson’s

Astral 50ml £1.29 available from Superdrug

Hask Argan Oil Repairing Hair Shine Oil 18ml £2.49 available from Superdrug

Murad City Skin Age Defense SPF 50 50ml £45.00 available from Lookfantastic

Dr Sebagh Rose de Vie Serum 30ml £129.00 available from Space NK

Dr Sebagh Supreme Eye Serum 15ml £95.00 available from Space NK

Dr Sebagh High Maintenance Cream 50ml £95.00 available from Space NK

Bodhi & Birch Desert Rose Facial Oil 15ml available from Bodhi & Birch

Lipstick Sponge with Mirror £9.99 available from Miss Gorgeous

Roller Cosmetics Applicator £9.99 available from Miss Gorgeous

Follow Genevieve on Instagram @this_is_fifty

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Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post; we only talk about the products we genuinely believe in and love to use.  Some links may be affiliate links.  Products may be press samples.

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