Tag: beauty review

Vichy LiftActiv Range Review – Honest Thoughts

Vichy LiftActiv Range Review – Honest Thoughts

Posted on by Rebecca

I’m a bit of a sceptic when it comes to testing facial products. I have used the same products for years, with the same routine of wash, tone, moisturise and every now and again I use a mask and serum. I have a bit more of a sensitive skin tone and can be prone to breakouts so it takes a while before I really find something that works.

For the past 3 months I have been reviewing the Vichy LiftActiv range, specifically, the Collagen Specialist Cream and the Hyalu Mask.

I have to admit as excited as I was about reviewing Vichy products (I brand I adore), initially, I was a little apprehensive about the Collagen Specialist Cream.

The packing is glass and heavy, which gives it a deluxe, expensive feel. It has the most luxurious smell, which is synonymous with the Vichy Brand. It almost felt like I was putting perfume on my face. Which is exactly the reason I was unsure of it initially. With my more sensitive skin, the idea of putting a product on my face with such a strong scent left me uncertain. Never the less I carried on, and I am so glad I did!

The Vichy Liftactiv Collagen Specialist Day Cream claims to boost the skin’s collagen production and fights ageing signs by lifting wrinkles and fine lines, redefining contours and bringing a more even skin tone.
The key point being that the cream doesn’t necessarily contain collagen, but rather, the ingredients aim to boost the skins production of it, which for me is even better! It contains Vitamin CG and Collagen protecting biopeptides to smooth out and brighten your skin.

The consistency is rich, soft and velvety. Rich you say?  For a cream so rich in consistency, I was concerned that it would leave my skin feeling oily. Strangely enough though, it actually does the opposite, it almost has a mattifying effect. Probably down to the silicone in it, so if your skin reacts to silicone’s (it can cause break outs), then give this one a miss.

It actually surprised me how much I adore this cream. It nourishes my skin really well, keeping it plump, healthy and smooth and after almost a month of daily application, I noticed an increase in brightness and decrease in overall dryness. There is also an obvious difference in the fine lines on my forehead. I was so bothered by the “African Rift Valley”, in between my eyebrows (caused by squinting to see when I don’t have my glasses), that I actually considered going for botox. Since I have started using the cream it doesn’t bother me as much at all. It certainly hasn’t disappeared completely, but there is a huge improvement.

Would I repurchase this? Yes, absolutely without question. It nourishes my skin exceptionally well, I haven’t had one day of dry or tight feeling skin in the past 3 months and I feel my skin is looking healthier. I’ve also heard that if you combine it with mineral 89, it has a double whammy effect, so in time I am going to try doing that. It also makes the perfect make up base, because it smooths the skin it almost acts as a primer.


Vichy’s LiftActiv Hyalu Face Mask

Lets move onto the mask – now this, I was bowled over from day 1!

Vichy’s LiftActiv Hyalu Face Mask, is formulated with 1% Natural Origin Hyaluronic Acid, Agave Yeast Extract, and 15 Mineral-Rich Water for all skin types. It almost feels like you are applying a pure water gel to your face, but packs a powerful punch. When used consistently it helps to reduce fine lines, and replenish hydration. My skin felt softer, fresher and noticeably “brighter”. The mask is Paraben, fragrance and oil free.

As it’s a gel mask, it doesn’t dry. You apply a thin,layer of the face mask on clean, dry skin, wait for 5 minutes and wipe the excess with a damp cotton pad. Do not rinse with water. Leave the residue on while you sleep .

I have been in love with this product since the first time I used it and without a doubt it now has a place in my weekly routine.

I’m excited to try out the Mineral 89 as well as the Liftactiv serum as I have heard such great things about these as well. If you need a little “lift” (excuse the pun), to your skincare routine, I would certainly recommend Vichy.

Review: The Laser Beautique

Review: The Laser Beautique

Posted on by Rebecca

Lets talk about ageing….. or actually, lets not. Lets talk about PREVENTING any signs of ageing. I have this problem, even though I am comfortably into my 30’s now, I still think of myself as an early 20’s university student. Every now and again someone refers to me as “mam” and I nearly trip over my heels. MAM? When did that happen? I also avoid wearing my glasses whenever possible, stupid I know, but thanks to my difference to wearing them I have developed a spectacular frown line from squinting. I’m a little scared of the thought of Botox, but I also know I don’t want to end up with wrinkles like my mum (sorry mama, at least I’m not a smoker). Laser is something I have always been curious about, a little nervous, but curious and may just be my “in between” solution. It typically has me thinking of hair removal, not beauty, turns out there’s a whole world out there I didn’t know about.  The Laser Beautique is a chain of salons specialising in laser beauty therapies like pain-free hair removal, laser lipolysis and more. I was invited to experience their Cinderella Effect facial, using NIR technology, and left very, very impressed. But before I jump into telling you all about it, let me first explain what it is.

The “Cinderella” Effect

The Laser Beautique offers a Cinderella Facial which is a combination of magical lotions and potions using RegimA or Nimue skincare ranges, and Near Infrared (NIR) technology. This combination ensures your skin glows instantly, revealing it revitalized and refueled while being supplied with active ingredients that will leave you feeling and looking fit for a ball. This is a facial designed for royalty, and boy did the Morningside branch make me feel like a princess.

The Laser Beautique makes use of Near Infrared technology to heat the tissue under the skin’s surface, stimulating the infiltration of fibroblasts and the formation of new collagen, this enhances the tightening effect and helps to bolster the skin against future aging. Treatments provide safe, effective skin tightening, body contouring and improves skin laxity and skin architecture.

NIR or Near Infra Red is a type of light that can penetrate deep into your skin to heat up the tissue, causing the collagen fibres to contract, essentially tightening up your skin. The effect is instant but continues over a period of weeks after your facial. This procedure results in the tightening of the skin utilising safe, infrared light that triggers a biological response. NIR is useful in any facial or body area, where there is loose or lax skin. (Why not even use it for post pregnancy loose skin?) It is also useful for improving thin skin or any areas where there is distinct collagen loss.

I was greeted by Ronel, the owner of Laser Beautique Morningside, who walked me through the business and gave me a breakdown on exactly what they could offer. Together we decided the Cinderella facial would probably be best for me. I’m interested in Microneedling as well but baby steps…. Ronel introduced Sarah, my therapist to me, who was professional and friendly but what really impressed me was her knowledge of therapy itself.

A layer of Grape Seed Oil was applied as the base and the laser initially starts on a low energy setting and gradually gets higher and higher until it reaches a warm, manageable level which is when your collagen starts to tighten up. They recommend you have 3 to 4 of these treatments for maximum effect, but Sarah did half of my face first, to show me the difference between the two sides and it was an instant, obvious difference. The half that had received the treatment, was glowing, plumped and flushed, kind of like I had a really good work out ;).  For this reason, many celebrities opt for this kind of facial just before a big red carpet event as well as brides before the big day.

When it comes to laser hair removal this has been something on my bucket list for the past 3 years. I wanted it so badly I even asked for it as a birthday present one year as I always thought it was a bit “expensive”. Sarah gave me a quick underarm hair removal treatment as in insight into the level of “pain”. Well, there was none. If you get your eye brows threaded its a similar feeling, with less pain. A slight pull and “tug” feeling every now and again but nothing at all to make me reconsider. I am so excited to finally get my legs done. It turns out you don’t actually have to pay that big “lump sum” for 8 treatments. Though it does work out cheaper, if you want to start you can pay per session.

So, would I recommend the treatment? Would I go back to the salon? Absolutely! I really do believe that if you want to seriously invest in your ski, then “technology” facials are the way forward. Sure you could go to a “spa” and spend your money on a pampering surface facial, but lets me honest, we can also do a lot of that at home. The theory behind NIR treatments is tried and tested and if we want to invest into good skin going into our 40’s I would recommend this.

I’m already booking my follow-up treatments on my own accord. Thank you Ronel and Sarah for educating this beauty “sissy” and for helping this mama to get a little of her glow back!