LOW SHOWER by YVES ROCHER

Anti-Drying

Sensitive Skin

Face and Body

Immediately soothes skin thanks tot he formula enriched with organic Which Hazel that feels incredibly comfortable.

Protects skin thanks to a formula enriched with botanical oils. Skin is nourished in the shower.

I must say it’s the first time I ever pick up a “non-foaming” body cleanser. Well, in fact, some products I use form y face are recommended for body also, but it’s the first true body wash of this type I try.

As the product claims to be gentle enough for face also, I decided to give that a try also and used it as a second cleanse while I was in the shower. Honestly, I was PLEANSANTLY SURPRISED by the GENTLENESS of this product. Considering also, that this is an item I would put into the “budget buys” category !

The product itself compares to a cleansing cream or milk (not runny) and it has a very soft feeling on skin. The same goes for face too. After cleansing (and drying) skin feels supple, soft and hydrated, just likes the company claims.

Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera) and Shea Butter (listed as Butyrospermum Parkii) are – I suppose – the “botanical oils“ mentionned in the company’s description and they do their job just fine.

So, if you’re ready for something new, non-foaming, non fragranced (and thus not very sexy), but very, VERY GENTLE, go tot he Yves Rocher shop or visit their website and get yourself one of these!

Product type : face & body cleanser / Shower cream, non-foaming

Texture : creamy

Skin types : all

Fragrance : frangrance free

www.yvesrocher.nl

www.yvesrocher.be

www.yvesrocher.fr

 

BETA GLUCAN CLEANSING MILK & TONER BY KLAPP COSMETICS

Source of Balance

“Nowadays, more and more persons suffer of allergies. Part of these allergies are caused by certain ingredients in cosmetics. For this reason Klapp Cosmetics develloped an skincare programme that responds to the specific needs of these persons : BETA GLUCAN.”

Bèta Glucan by Klapp Cosmetics is free of perfume, colouring, chemical emulsifiers and preservatives. The formula is preserved by a hydrating ingredient that was integrated into the formulas. For this reason, all skintypes with permanent and/or temporary sensitivities can benefit from this product line.

The main active ingredient, Bèta Glucan, adheres to specific receptors of our skin cells and builds a protective layer against environmental pollutants/allergens. This way sensitive skin can be protected.

Composants/main Active Ingredients :

• Bèta Glucan : fights allergens
• Panthenol : vitain B5, calms skin
• Aloe Vera Juice : source of Amino Acids, moisturizing & soothing
• Allantoin : skin calming
• Squalane : skin replenishing ingredient
• Macadamia Nut Oil : source of essential fatty acids, skin repleneshing

The cream also has Hyaluronic Acid for moisture retention.

I have been using both the Bèta Glucan Cleanser and Toner off and on for the past seven years. I absolutely do love them, especially at times that my skin is more sensitive, which can be caused by changing weather conditions, as well as by changes in my skin care regimen (see the skin moments articles on the blog).

The milk is creamy, yet light and easily rinses off with tepid water, leaving just a slight residue, that can easily be dealt with by using a soft washcloth. It leaves skin feeling soft, hydrated yet VERY, VERY CLEAN. For the ladies with make-up ; it’s a good make-up remover too!

The Toner is just LUSH, it’s one of the BEST toners I’ve EVER used. It’s ever so fresh, yet very MOISTURIZING and prepares your skin beautifully to what comes next. Lovely after a (long hot) shower or after exfoliation/peeling. Great in the morning also. And for the guys : after shaving !

Bottom Line : highly recommend, especially if you like FRAGRANCE FREE products without too much blabla that just deliver what they promise !

Skin type : sensitive/reactive, or in combination with certain treatments like Acids or Retinoids (Retinol)

Age : all, great for youngsters too.

Texture : milky, creamy (cleanser), fresh & very hydrating (toner)

www.klappcosmetics.nl

www.klappcosmetics.de

www.klappcosmetics.be

 

 

 

SISLEY PARIS EAU FLORALE

FLORAL SPRAY MIST

“ Acombination of extracts of Rose, Corn Flower and Witch Haze lto soothe, soften and refresh skin for immediate comfort.

Alcohol free

Spray Floral by Sisley is an ever so nice, multi-functional spray mist for face. Its plant extracts do indeed soothe, calm irritation (like RAZOR BURN, HEY YOU GUYS) and gives your skin an immediate feel of comfort & hydration.

You could perfectly use this spray after cleansing, INSTEAD of a toner (it IS a toner, in a spray), or after using an exfoliating product (be it an acid toner or a “scrub”).

Sisley is an upmarket brand and tends to be in the higher price range. Up to you if you want to splurge on this – LOVELY – product. I can just say I’ve been using mine for about two months now on a daily (morning) basis and it is still not finished. I recon i twill last for about three months with daily use.

This is very a very “pure”, uncomplicated but effective product. If you have sensitive skin, it is great. If you want something luxury, hydrating and you  like your toner in a spray, this one is for you. Unless you’re on a tight budget. But it will be X-mas soon, won’t it. NO this is NOT an add, merely a suggestion J!

Skin types : all, especially sensitive, dehydrated

Age group : all

Use : am/pm after cleansing or as an “in between” refreshment

Detail : the packaging is 125 ml, so don’t put it in your handbag when you go on a plane !!

My product was a press sample

www.sisley.com

www.sisley.fr

 

REPACELL

Anti-aging cream

Version for normal skin

Repacell was introduced by Health Cosmeticals (part of the German Klapp Group) several years ago and has been an ongoing succes for years now.

Repacell offers an “in salon” alternative to several (expensive) upmarket brands and is available at spa’s and selected beauty salons.

It’s mode of action is based on “plant stemm cells”, which by no means are able to do any miracle, like some stories seem to imply. However, what plant based stemm cells CAN do, is offer your skin an extra boost of ENERGY and REGENERATION, simply by the fact that they contain a cocktail of active ingredients like amino-acids, peptides, vitamins, anti-oxidants and minerals.

Good stuff, but just no miracle.

I personally love this product for its very REPAIRING properties, I had the experience once after having had a mesotherapy treatment done to my face. I looked like I just came out of a war zone, but Repacell treated the agression in just one night. Effectiveness confirmed, as far as I’m concerned.

You will mostly be attracted to this product if you like high-end, luxury textures and are looking for an all-round antiageing product.

Very nice when combined with retinol and/or acids !

Repacell cream comes in 5 different textures, which is GREAT, because it means you can choose depending on your SKIN TYPE/SKIN CONDITION. No other brand offers this many textures in just one product (to my knowledge).

Repacell Cream for Combination Skin (has a tiny bit of Salicylic Acid)

Repacell Cream for Normal Skin (my favourite)

Repacell Cream for Mature Skin (rich)

Repacell Cream for Sensitive Skin (with extra plant-based skin soothing ingredients)

Repacell Cream for Dry Skin (Ultra-nourishing)

Need I say more ?

www.healthcosmeticals.com

www.klappcosmetics.com

 

TIME MOISTURIZING CLEANSING BALM

All skin types

TIME is Içi Paris XL ’s private label and offers quality products for a very reasonable price.

“Ultra-rich formula that removes make-up, impurities and pollution without drying out the skin. The smooth balm texture transforms into oil on contact with the skin, melting on the face and giving instant comfort and suppleness”.

I must admit it is the very first time I’ve ever tried anything from this brand. And I was pleasantly surprised !

As you will possibly know, I’m all for balm/oil/milk cleansing. The milder, the better, I believe. Even if your skin is oily, there is no need to strip it … So I tend to stay away from anything foaming (there might bet he occasional exception to the rule) and prefer something based on oils, to clean my face.

This cleansing balm is just perfect. Indeed it is mild, leaves skin supple and soft, but above all, VERY CLEAN and FRESH. You will need a (mild) washcloth to take it off, but that’s just the way balm cleansers work. Use either a washcloth (see my previous blog on them) or a facial mitt to rinse of the product. Once you’re done, you can splash if you like (I do). Use tepid, not hot water.

I’ve been advocating a double cleansing routine (as many collegue bloggers do), but I must say this product works so well that you might be lazy and just clean in one application. Unless you’re wearing more than a light make-up. For me, just wearing SPF, one cleanse is fine with this product. Massage fora bout 15 seconds in order to get all “filth” dissolved.

Pricewise – especially if you’re on a budget – this is a really good bargain (around 13 Euros for 75 ml) and you’re getting a GOOD FORMULA for your money.

No mineral oil.

Active Ingredients : Camelia (Green Tea) Seed Oil, Mung Bean Extract, Glycerin, Sunflower Seed Oil. Mild, hydrating & anti-oxidative ingredients ; good job done !

Skin type : all

Age : all

Use : massage about half a teaspoon over face and throat, emulsify with some water, wipe with a washcloth or facial mitt. Splash if you want. Repeat if you’re wearing more than a light make-up. Follow your routine as usual.

www.iciparis.com

www.iciparis.nl

www.iciparis.be

 

RETINOL REFACE – INDEED LABORATORIES

Skin Resurfacer

For fine lines & wrinkles

Helps to improve the appearance of visible signs of aging.

“This modern formula combines Retinol, Peptides and Plant-based microspheres to help deliver softer, smoother looking skin”.

The goods : “a 3-in-1 formula consisting of Retinol RA (Rapid Action), Retinol microspheres and Retinol-like peptide”.

So far for Indeed Laboratories. It pretty wells sums it all up. Retinol is widely recognised as THE number ONE anti-aging molecule. Internet is full of it, blogs mention it all over. Caroline Hirons wrote an excellent series on Retinol and Retinoïds, so place go and check that information out if you need more details.

Indeed Labs are famous for their HYDRALURON serum and this one I’ve discussed in a previous blog post. Indeed are a small lab (well, when compared to l’Oréal) and make some EXCELLENT, truly specific products, that are really worth being dicovered.

Their Retinol Reface is in fact a “dual” action type of Retinol, as it contains both the famous “classic” form of – potent – Retinol, plus another form called Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate. It has a similar, but somewhat different mode of action and is often being used as a “softer” form of Retinol.

I personally very much LIKE the COMBINATION of two types of Retinol molecules, as they will both act in their specific way on our skin cells, meaning there is a “double chance” the product will be benficial for our skin.

Although some put this product in the category “mild/beginners”, I personally found it quite POTENT and felt some light reaction after using it only one night. Which is GREAT, by the way, because we want our Retinols to WORK, don’t we ?

Bottom line : truly active product, good association of Retinol and Retinol derivative, plus two Peptides, that will stimulate COLLAGEN production. (Palmitoyl Oligopeptide and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7).

Skin types : as soon as you see your first wrinkles coming

Use : at night, start 2/3 times a week, gradually build up

Routine : cleanse, tone, exfoliate (if your skin can take it), put on your Retinol. Stop. If you must, use a cream (neutral/hydrating) after about ten minutes. If you put a serum before your Retinol product, be aware that it will lessen the effect of your Retinol product !

www.indeedlabs.com

I bought my product from The Sisters in Amsterdam

www.thesistersamsterdam.nl

 

SISLEY PARIS GEL NETTOYANT GOMMANT

BUFF & WASH FACIAL GEL

For daily use

Sisley Paris has a way of making lovely products. They just have. Price-wise, it’s not a brand that will go for everyone’s budget, but if ever you feel you want to give yourself a real treat (and a truly nice product), this is a brand to consider seriously.

I’ve been trying quite some Sisley product lately (as I’m training for the company actually), so there’s more to come. But let’s start with the beginning.

This is meant as a morning cleanser. Which doesn’t mean you can’t do it at night. That’s how I use it. After a “normal” cleanse (milk/gel/balm/oil), when ever I feel my skin needs “a bit more”. Either because I’ve been in town all day long (pollution), or just because my skin looks dull.

The product has tiny, yet active, srubbing particles, that nicely roll over your skin while you’re massaging it. I tend to insist on T-zone, but go for one or two rounds over cheeks and neck also. Always avoid eye area, it’s just too thin and sensitive. It takes one or two minutes to apply, and is simply rinsed off. Twice a week is great.

Although you’re not supposed to do anything more “agressive” afterwards, I do like to follow with a mild acid in order to make it an “acid” / regenerating treatment. Think toner or cream here. Whiche also means, I personally like it for the evening. Instead of mornings, of course.

In my opinion, if you want to re-activate your skin, you need to “take it by surprise” now and then. That’s just what I do.

Normally, when I’m not in an acid mood J, I will follow with gentle toning, essence and serum/cream. All by Sisley, of course. Well, most of the time, anyway.

Results : skin is IMMEDIATELY refreshed and looks ever-so-fresh. Blood circulation in the upper layers of the skin is ACTIVATED and anything you put on afterwards is immediately absorbed.

Texture : gel with buffing particles

Skin types : all (active acne : avoid, couperosis : avoid)

Age : all, especially after 35/40 when you skin needs some “vitalization”.

Frequence of use : Daily (Sisley) as a MORNING cleanser, twice a week (me), in the EVENINGS

Lovely, slightly aromatic smell.

www.sisley.com

 

MISSHA TIME REVOLUTION “THE FIRST TREATMENT ESSENCE”

Intensive Moist

“Highly concentrated essential essence fort he first step of skin care, containing Purple Barley and Fermented Gemmule Yeast Extract, to recover skin balance and basic ability of skin by raising skin moisture from deep inside of skin “.

So far for Missha’s own comments on their product. The packaging also mentionnes a “clinical test” with a 100% consumers’ satisfaction (!).

Missha’s Time Revolution Essence is mainly a cocktail of 2 types of ferment filtrates and niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3. Plus some plant extracts.

Ferment filtrates have been used in K Beauty products for decades (“K” for Korean) and are becoming more and more popular in both Europe and USA now. The reason for this is, that more and more brands are focussing on SKIN BARRIER and SKIN HEALTH and keeping a healthy “microflora”.

Probiotics for skin, in fact, not just for your guts. With the ever raising popularity of products like Yakult and special yoghurts, it’s kind of logic that cosmetics have found their way here too.

Anyway, more and more skin specialists and dermatologist agree that a healthy skin balance is indeed important for overall skin condition, so it is not at all a bad idea to apply ferments to our skin.

Niacinamide is added for extra power and helps improving cell communication (the way cells interact) and is also known for its skin clearing and pigment controlling properties.

The product itself is VERY NICE and highly MOISTURIZING without being sticky ! Anyone can add it to any skin care routine and it could even replace a toner if you are of the lazy kind J.

I’ve been using it off and on in several routines, combined with both Retinol, mild acids (like PHA or Bionics in Neostrata/Exuviance products) and I also mix it with some of my beloved French skincare brands like Biotherm, Clarins and Sisley. Not “mix” it in, by the way, I mean to say I combine i tinto my routine. Cleansing, toning, ESSENCE, serum, cream.

Texture : light, watery

Fragrance : unscented to my nose

Skin types : all

Who should use this : anyone who wants an improved hydration/skin barrier

Available from several webshops in Europe. I got mine from www.mylittlewonderland.nl

LUSH !!!

BIOTHERM AQUASOURCE AURA CONCENTRATE – REVIEWED

Intense Regeneration Serum

Moisture and Glow

I personally believe the name of a product gives you all of the information you need to know about that product. Or, at least, it SHOULD. This isn’t always true for many cosmetic products where the name still leaves you wondering what for heavens’ sake you would want that product for … (still with me, beauty lovers ?)

Anyway, I like a product to deliver what it promises. That what the whole thing is about. That what my beauty blog is about. Analyse, trying out and make a conclusion. Nothing less, nothing more J

I already reviewed this product quite some time ago. As I’ve been trying it again lately, I thought I’d do a second review on the same product. A bit shorter, more compact J. Hopefully, this will help some of you choosing a serum.

This serum by Biotherm is bi-phased, meaning no emulsifiers have been used. What you get, is a watery liquid, with the oily phase present at the top half of the product and the watery phase on the bottom half. Shake it, and both phases will be mixed to give you a somewhat “rich”, intensely hydrating and nourishing serum.

Sodium Hyaluronate stands for plenty of moisture in this formula (amongst others) and Squalane (very popular at the moment) is a skin-identical ingredient that will replenish skin beautifully if your skin is dry and in need of some extra help & comfort.

Macadamia Oil is a source of essential fatty acids (also great for healthy, glowing skin) and Nastutium Extract gives you your daily (or nightly) ANTIOXIDANT boost.

There is also some Vitreoscilla Ferment to keep skin flora (good bacteria) in a good mood.

Conclusion :

Does it hydrate well : YES

Does it give you a glow : YES (instantly)

Skin types : rather on the dry side. My combination skin likes it in winter, not in summer (too rich).

Use : AM/PM under a cream or ALONE

Fragrance : yes, citrus-like smell, quite present upon application, fades after a while

www.biotherm.com

 

EXUVIANCE SHEER REFINING FLUID

With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35

Powerful antiaging benfits

Formulated to firm, smooth fine lines and even skintone

Controls oiliness

Active Ingredients :

• Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate) 7.5%
• Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate) 5.0%
• Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone) 3%

“ This light, non greasy pH balanced fluid is the perfect daily base. Formulated with Phytotal*, a botanical blend that helps control oiliness without irritation. Contains our patented Neoglucosamine®, clinically proven to help reduce the appearance of dark spots from age or acne, and improve firmness for a younger looking skin.”

Woow, that’s a LOT isn’t it ? Honestly, one only has to look at the formula, to see that this product has just been BEAUTIFULLY formulated with PLENTY of active ingredients, PLUS, that the active ingredients are TRULY present in high amounts.

If there’s one thing that I personally often HATE when it comes to cosmetics, is that some companies CLAIM certain active ingredients in their products, but use them in too SMALL QUANTITIES to be effective on our skin. Do you get what I mean ?

The story about the one tenth of an Aspirin. The headache didn’t go. It’s the same thing with cosmetics. Some ingredients REALLY DO make a difference to your skin, and to the AGEING PROCESS of your skin, but you need a certain concentration to make it WORK.

Active ingredients need to be AT THE BEGINNING OF THE INGREDIENTS LIST, and not somewhere at THE END. Because if that’s the case, there might be more added fragrance, preservatives and colours in your product than actually active ingredients. I’m just saying this to make you AWARE of the TRUTH about cosmetics. Claims are many, proven results are few ……

The star ingredient in this formula – apart from the UV Filters mentionned above – is Neoglucosamine, which is an exclusive ingredient to the Neostrata Company, who also happen to produce Exuviance. It’s the SECOND ingredient in the INCI list (ingredients’ list), so that’s very, very , bloody good news actually ! It means that there’s certainly enough of the ingredient present to deliver the promised results !

Bottom Line : LOVE this product, because it’s GREAT

Skin types : all

Age group : all

Texture : creamy, sinks in fast

How to use : mornings only, as it has SPF. Over a serum or on its own. Great for guys, after shaving too !

 

My combination skin loves it, it’s rich enough form y 40+ skin, but still light enough to give me a “clean”, fresh feeling during the summer days. LUSH

www.exuviance.com  

www.exuviance.be