Rodial Bee Venom Eye... The new BUZZ in skincare

A few weeks ago I was kindly sent the Rodial Bee Venom Eye to review for my blog. I have never used any Rodial products before and I think the main reason being the price - they are expensive.

Having said that, I do think that the ranges sound fabulous (Glamoxy Snake Range, Dragon's Blood Range, Bee Venom Range etc) and I also think the packaging is lovely. Rodial are always pushing the boundaries and coming up with new and exclusive product ranges which are always out of the ordinary.

Inject some life and bee venom into your current skincare routine with the latest anti ageing offering from Rodial... Bee Venom Eye... 

The product claims to: 

Immediately plumps and smoothes whilst reducing the appearance of dark circles with a unique blend of 6 active ingredients.

Rodial’s bee venom eye is a revolutionary formula especially designed for the eye area and delivering intense moisture, increased cell vitality and a plumper, more smoothed appearance. It has also been proven to help combact the damaging effects of the Menopause.

Active Ingredients - RonaCare Cyclopeptide-5, P-CELL, Juvinity VC IP,Haloxyl and PROTURON. 

The consistency of this eye cream is very rich with a buttery feel. It's moisturising enough to nourish the eye area without leaving it greasy. I do quite like the scent; its almost got a faint grapefruit type of smell to it but not at all overpowering. It's very fresh scented.

For the past two weeks I have been applying this around my eye area using a cotton bud to apply 4 'dots' under each eye with any remaining product applied to my eye lid. I have been using my middle ring finger to pat in the cream gently around the eye area after my basic skincare routine.

I have taken a 'before' picture of my under-eyes as I do suffer with dark circles so I will be coming back to this review to see if it lives up to the claim of reducing the appearance of dark circles. So far though, my eye area is definitely a lot more moisturised and even after a good 10 hour sleep, when I wake up my eye area still feels hydrated. I don't have any fine lines so I can't comment as to whether it plumps/smoothes, but so far so good. My mum has commented that my under eyes look more 'fresh' but I don't know if thats down to my make up or the product!

There is something about reaching for this bright yellow tub every night that really completes my skincare routine. It's definitely a little luxury that I look forward to applying. Would I spend £115 on this product? Hmm, well, you do get a lot in one tub (25ml), probably enough to last you a good 4 months (I will have to finish using the tub to give an exact figure as to how long it lasts), so at around £28 per month, if this product actually reduces the appearance of my dark circles (again, I will do a further update when I have used all the product), combined with the lovely firm, moisturised feel it gives my eyes, in addition to the lovely packaging, I would definitely repurchase. You can find the entire Bee Venom range here.

Have any of you tried the new Rodial Bee Venom range yet? 

*This review contains a sample product sent for consideration by the brand/PR firm. I was not paid to do this review or to write anything specific & as always, my honest opinion was given!

My journey to clear, healthy, glowing skin

Hey-hey

Hope you have all had a lovely Christmas and New Year!

My New Year's resolution has been to maintain an active lifestyle (gym freak!) and look after my skin a lot more. I say a lot more because I feel at 25, I should now be upping my game in terms of what I use on my skin, and yes, I am also referring to anti ageing methods - I don't mean injectables such as Botox and fillers; more so a decent serum/cream and to treat myself to the odd non surgical procedure such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

I have always had fairly good skin with the odd breakout during that time of the month, but I never suffered with acne or anything too severe in my teens. However, the past 2/3 months, I have noticed a constant patch of blemishes around my jawline, which I know is typically a 'hormonal' place of outbreaks, but this has literally been a consistent problem which my current skincare regime is not fixing. FYI I have been using the Liz Earle skincare line for just over 3 years and it has been amazing but I feel like my skin is craving for something more at the moment.

About 5% of women between 25-40 develop acne, and whilst I would like to stress that I do not have acne, I certainly have a cluster of blemishes that are not going away. Seeing as I haven't changed my skincare routine, or lifestyle or anything significant for that matter (aside from over indulging at Christmas), the only real explanation for the condition of my skin right now has got to be my age.

A few days ago I took myself for a skin consultation at an advanced skin clinic as I wanted to purchase the right cosmeceutical products for my skin type in the hope that they would help clear up my skin.

After a consultation I had my face cleansed followed by the practitioner conducting a skin analysis under a microscope. We discussed a course of treatments which I was advised to come back and have after using some recommended retail products for home.

I was recommended a selection of products from the Agera RX and SkinCeuticals range - both cosmeceuticals. Cosmeceuticals refer to the combination of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products with biologically active ingredients purporting to have medical benefits. Agera's range has been developed to stimulate the skin, with anti-aging skin care products that have been scientifically tested and provide fast, noticeable results. SkinCeuticals is another advanced anti-aging line which is heavily backed by science.

Today was the first day I used the products purchased and so far so good - my skin feels soft, supple, taut, and my blemishes are not so red. Here is what I used/did:

Agera RX

Ultra Mild Cleanser (180ml) RRP £26.50 - I used Nivea Visage gentle eye make-up remover to remove my eye make up prior to the cleanse. I then applied the Agera Ultra Mild Cleanser to my damp skin and massaged in circular motions avoiding the eye area for 1 minute and then rinsed with warm water.

Deep Cleansing Salicylic Wash (180ml) RRP £27.50 - While my skin was still wet, I applied this wash in the same motion as above. The consistency of this wash is thicker then the ultra mild cleanser and is more a gel formula.

Microderma System (Mask & Activator) RRP £33.50 - I towel dried my face and then applied the mask in circular motions for 1 minute around my t-zone, cheeks, chin and upper lip, massaging slowly. You can really feel the crystals in the mask sloughing away dead skin sells, almost like an exfoliation process. I then applied an equal amount of activator on top of the mask (which sort of like fizzes on contact with the mask, but you do not at all feel any fizzing or discomfort on your skin) again, in circular motions for 2 minutes until all the crystals were dissolved. I then rinsed off with warm water and patted my face dry.

Oxy Infusion Cream (30ml) RRP £29.50 - I then applied a small amount of the oxy infusion cream to all blemishes on my face - a little goes a long way!

Antibacterial Peptide Cream (30ml) RRP £29.50 - I followed up with the antibacterial peptide cream on top of the oxy infusion cream. I did not feel any tingling or burning with either of these specialist creams (which have been formulated for acne prone skin).

SkinCeuticals 

Hydrating B5 (30ml) RRP £59.00 - I really love the packaging of this serum. Its in a very medical-esque style glass pipette which allows you to equally distribute 3-5 drops in the palm of your hands. I then rubbed my palms together and applied this gel to my entire face in upwards motions. There is no distinctive scent with this gel which is something I really liked as I know that other gels/serum in this range can have quite a strong smell. SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 binds moisture to the skin using Hyaluronic Acid, a natural humectant found in the skin making this product one of the most effective in moisturising the skin. It also contains B5 which helps with the repair of skin tissue and replenishes lost nutrients in the skin. This product instantly soaks into your skin without leaving a greasy residue so is perfect for daily use.

Clarifying Clay Masque (60ml) RRP £45.00 - I am yet to use this masque as I used the Agera mask this morning instead. However, I will apply this one day next week, and do a separate post on my findings.

So far though, I am LOVING my new purchases. My mum commented on how much brighter and clearer my skin looked 4 hours after my at-home facial. I will be doing a fortnightly update on my new skincare regime with pictures to keep you all updated on my journey to clear, healthy, glowing skin.

Have any of you tried the Agera RX & SkinCeuticals range? Or any other cosmeceutical range for that matter? What are your thoughts?...

How to get rid of Cellulite - Step 3

Hey you guys!

Ok so my final step to preventing cellulite is the use of Lush Sugar Scrubs. Priced now at £2.65 for one (they used to be £2.50!), you can get 4 uses from one piece. I chop mine up in quarters making it just under 70p for each use.

Sugar Scrub is a vegan product aimed at diminishing cellulite using sugar, cream of tater, lavender, ginger and fennel extracts. The ginger and fennel oil extracts are the 2 active ingredients that help to minimise the look of cellulite with lavender oil having a soothing effect on the skin.

As this product is made from sugar it is not supposed to be used in water (i.e. in the bath). While showering, you need to ensure that the designated area is wet, and then with your quarter, gently rub the sugar scrub over your skin. The scrub is quite gritty so you will definitely have to start with a light hand or you will end up seriously scratching your skin. You will notice that the scrub will begin to break apart ever so slightly... at this point you should continue to massage the sugar scrub with a more firmer hand into the skin. Rub your skin for a few minutes while the scrub starts to lather up, and then rinse off with warm water. Your skin will look a little red - don't worry though, this is just the deep exfoliation of your skin cells. You yourself can determine how hard to rub the scrub into your skin.

I specifically use the Lush Sugar Scrub on my thighs and after the first use you immediately notice a difference - skin is left super smooth and soft, freshly exfoliated, with the added bonus of active ingredients penetrating the skin to combat those problem areas.

I tend to save my Sugar Scrub chunks for special events/holidays as the results really are that noticeable. I try to use a whole sugar scrub a week before a special event (where my thighs might be on show due to a dress im wearing, or a week before im due to go away on the beach). I would suggest that if you are going on holiday, take a few chunks away with you, and each time you have a shower, just use one of these chunks on the backs of your thighs. They will definitely improve the look of your skin for the next morning!

Which scrubs do you use to combat cellulite?

How to get rid of Cellulite - Step 2

Hey you guys!

So my next step for combatting cellulite is a product review. The Garnier BodyTonic Hydrating Lotion.

Featuring Mandarin Zest, and Stimulating Caffeine, with a unique blend of fruit essences (grapefruit, kiwi, apple) which are known for their smoothing properties, this lotion is designed as an energy cocktail for your skin, to keep your skin moisturised all day long, firming each time you use it.

The uplifting citrus fragrance is not too overpowering which I like. The texture of this product is a gel creme formula which is not greasy at all. It glides on easily with a very hydrating feel to it. The gel creme almost dissapears/sinks into the skin as you apply it.

The Garnier range is currently on offer at Superdrug at better than half price making this product £3.04.

I have been using this product specifically on the backs of my thighs after showering so combined with the workout regime I have been doing its hard to say whether this product alone actually firms my skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite. I do think it is a combination of both working out, and then massaging this into the backs of my thighs. The massaging movement stimulates the blood cells which in turn can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite. I am yet to try the additional Tonic products in the Garnier range but based on the lotion I will definitely be repurchasing this product as I love the fresh citrus scent, the active ingredients, the smoothness of my skin after using it, and the bright yellow summery packaging.

What do you think of the Garnier BodyTonic range?

Step 3 of combatting cellulite coming soon...

How to get rid of Cellulite - Step 1

Hey you guys!

As the summer is approaching I thought I would do a couple of posts on cellulite with my 3 steps to preventing &/or minimising the look of it.

At a size 6/8, 5'3, weighing 8 stone I am not considered plump let alone over weight but the truth is cellulite affects most women no matter what shape or size you are. Last summer I noticed dimples on the back of my thighs at the top and near my bum. I don't have a straight stick thin figure, I do have curves in the right places. I have always done around 20 sit-ups a day to maintain a toned, flat tummy, but I have never done any other form of exercise. I never wanted/needed to lose weight as I love my curvy derrière, plus I have high metabolism so im lucky enough to be able to eat what I want and still remain a petite size 6/8.

I decided last September that I would combat my cellulite in 3 easy steps.

The first step was to start working out 3-5 times a week to tone up my body. I have been following 2 workout regimes - both found on YouTube!

The first is The Beach Bum Workout which is great! This workout tones up your arms, legs, & bums. It is not designed for you to lose weight, it is designed to help you tone up your body. What I like about this workout is there are 3 ladies to follow; each one doing the same workout, but at slightly different stages (beginner, intermediate, advanced).

As YouTube only allows each video to be up to 15 minutes in length, you have to search and save each clip, and then stop and play the each video, when the other one finishes.... So what I did was downloaded each video to my MacBook and import them on iMovie to compress the full 45 minute session into 1 clip - that way I can just open up iMovie and play the entire workout.

The workout starts with a warm up and I then go on to do arms, legs, bums, and finally a cool down. Now let me tell you, you will definitely feel this workout the next day on your body, but in a good way! The tension lets you know you did a good job! I do this workout usually after breakfast, or if im having a busy day, I will do it in the evening around 7pm.

Another workout that I came across is the Island Girl Workout (Tahitian Workout). You learn a selection of Hula steps, combined with fitness moves to deliver amazing results. What I love about this workout is throughout the entire session your legs are slightly bent, so your thighs really feel the punch. Perfect for combatting cellulite! In addition to this, your stomach muscles are constantly contracting, so although your not directly doing sit ups, your stomach is still getting a really good workout as well. I would probably say that this workout is much more harder than the Beach Bum Workout. I tend to do this workout every 3 days when I want to switch it up a little from the Beach Bum Workout. I don't know why but I always feel like "im dying" when im doing this workout LOL. You will definitely need the bottle of water at arms reach for this one!

Have any of you tried either of these workouts? If this is your first time doing the workout after reading this post how did you get on?

Step 2 to combatting cellulite coming soon....