Kickstart Your Complexion with Neutrogena’s New Bright Boost Range

The Bright Boost Range from Neutrogena contains hero ingredient Neoglucosamine which helps dull-looking skin achieve ultimate radiance in just one week of use. Here’s what you can expect from each product:

Neoglucosamine is a wonder ingredient found within the Bright Boost range that’s responsible for transforming dull-looking, tired skin into fully-fledged radiance, amongst other things. It lightens dark spots, increases cell turnover (ten times faster than usual, might I add) and makes your complexion look fresh and awake.  

It boosts the formulation of Hyaluronic Acid and collagen within the skin.

Seeing as though it’s the last stretch of the year (can you believe it’s already September?), it’s a range that majority of us truly need. Having used the range meticulously for over two weeks, I’ve been super impressed with the results. Coupled with fast-acting, beneficial ingredients such as Vitamin C and E, Moringa Seed Extract, AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and Neoglucosamine, it’s no wonder my skin’s looking as good as new.

The Neutrogena Bright Boost range consists of 4 products, each containing the powerful Neoglucosamine ingredient. For maximum effect, use them all in this particular order (no skipping!):

FIRST UP:

Use the Neutrogena Bright Boost Resurfacing Polish, R149,95: Apply this exfoliator to damp skin and massage gently in circular strokes. It contains AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) which makes your skin more sun sensitive so best wear a sunscreen after using this product. Honestly, it’s one of the best exfoliators I’ve ever tried, leaving my skin feeling smooth and properly cleansed.

SECONDLY:

Try the Neutrogena Bright Boost Illuminating Serum, R239,95: Make sure you use the Resurfacing Polish first as it helps your skin absorb this product like a dream. This serum lives up to its name, giving your complexion a bright, healthy glow.

THIRDLY:

We have the Neutrogena Bright Boost Gel Cream, R199,95: It’s my favourite product of them all! It has a soft, lightweight texture that also contains AHAs so use an SPF after this product. When used with the Illuminating Serum, my complexion seemed revitalized and rejuvenated. You can also use it day or night (or both).

LASTLY:

Apply the Neutrogena Bright Boost SPF 30 Gel Fluid, R199,95: This product helps with dark spots and uneven skintone and the best part – it contains a 30 SPF! It absorbs into the skin leaving no residue and protects you from the sun at the same time. Win win.

You’re guaranteed glowing results.

LET’S CHAT:

Have you tried any of the products from this range before? What’s your favourite item? Let me know in the comments section below.

*The Neutrogena Bright Boost range is available from select Clicks, Dis-Chem, Foschini and Takealot.

Visit www.neutrogena.co.za for more info.

*This article was sponsored by Neutrogena.

Meet My New Summer Essential...

Summer’s on its way and I’m packing my beach bag already — starting with the ESI Aloe Vera Argan Gel.

Not only is it a fantastic solution to sunburn, it helps to nourish, moisturise and firm the skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. ⁣⁣

A little goes a long way with this product. This 200ml tube can easily last for a year (at R180, it’s a steal). It just depends how often you use it. ⁣

Store the ESI Aloe Vera Argan Gel in your bag for travel, when you exercise outdoors or on your nightstand to ensure your skin looks and feels its best at all times. It’s a lightweight-textured, transparent solution that absorbs very quickly, leaving no residue or stickiness. ⁣

⁣

Argan oil has countless benefits, including anti-ageing, moisturising and firming abilities. Aloe Vera contains anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in anti-oxidants. ⁣⁣

What’s not to love? ⁣⁣

I have an exciting giveaway with ESI South Africa launching soon so keep an eye on my Instagram feed next week for more details. ⁣⁣Follow me here.

If you have any product queries, let me know below in the comments section below.

Click here to purchase directly (R180 for 200ml) or visit www.esisa.co.za for more information on this product.

Ten Reasons Why I Love Tea Tree Oil

The list of benefits of Tea Tree Oil extract are endless. Combine it with Aloe Gel and Vitamin E and you have a winning formula. ⁣

Here are my top ten reasons for loving ESI South Africa’s Aloe Vera Gel With Vitamin E & Tea Tree Oil. ⁣

*Trust me, it was hard to condense them into just ten but I think you’ll find these useful.

1. It relieves psoriasis. If you have a psoriasis flare up, apply the ESI Aloe Vera Gel With Vitamin E & Tea Tree Oil to the skin immediately. It soothes and calms.⁣

2. It’s ideal for travel. I love the size of this product. It fits perfectly in my bag and never leaks, making it a great travel companion.⁣

3. It helps dehydrated skin. The current cold weather has taken its toll on my skin lately, making it extremely dehydrated. The ESI Aloe Vera Gel With Vitamin E & Tea Tree Oil sorts out the dehydration quickly and effectively upon application.⁣

4. It gets rids of blemishes. Pesky spots due to maskne? No problem. Apply the ESI Aloe Vera Gel With Vitamin E & Tea Tree Oil to your blemish and zap your zit before it gets too painful. Remember not to squeeze, unless you’re a qualified skin professional.⁣

5. It soothes overly sanitized hands. The world is currently experiencing a pandemic. Sanitizing and washing your hands has become the norm. Applying the ESI Aloe Vera Gel With Vitamin E & Tea Tree Oil helps soothe and hydrate dry, flaky hands.⁣

6. It sorts out sunburn. Tea tree is known to reduce inflammation of any kind and kill bacteria. ⁣

7. It calms insect bites. Apply it the area as soon as you’ve been bitten and you’ll notice a decrease in inflammation and itchiness. ⁣

8. It works well as a primer. Believe it! Apply it before your foundation and watch your makeup last longer (whilst keeping your skin hydrated).⁣

9. It repairs cuts and scrapes. Apply it to a minor wound and watch the area heal before your eyes.⁣

10. It helps soothe razor burn.

It works quickly, no matter what the ailment. Try it. Send me your thoughts in the comments box below.

You can purchase it directly here. Or visit their website www.esisa.co.za

R147 for 100ml.

⁣

SkinMiles Special: Everything You Need To Know About Winter Skin

‘Winter skin’ is a problem that a lot of us are currently experiencing. Dryness, dehydration, rosacea – the list is endless. Founder of SkinMiles, Dr Alek Nikolic comes to the rescue with his sage advice and product recommendations in this informative interview:

KELLI: Why does our skin change so dramatically during the winter months?

DR ALEK: This is purely an environmental change. The cold weather tends to be dryer with less humidity. This naturally strips our skin from essential moisture through trans epidermal loss. Compromise to the skin barrier will aggravate this water loss. Adding the use of heaters which further dry the air will also aggravate the skin and promote dryness.

KELLI: What can we do to protect our skin during winter?

DR ALEK:

- Avoiding very hot showers and baths.

- Adding a humidifier In our living area.

- Changing your moisturiser to a thicker consistency that contains lipids and ceramides.

- Adding a HA (Hylaronic Acid) serum to your regime.

- Using a creamy cleanser.

- Using a serum with vitamin C and E as these antioxidants help to protect the skin barrier.

KELLI: What basic rules should we be applying during winter?

DR ALEK:

Sunscreen is a must, irrespective of the weather. Try and drink at least 2 litres of water per day. Eat healthy fats such as olive oil (in your salad dressing) and avocados.

KELLI: What is the difference between dry and dehydrated skin?

DR ALEK: Dehydrated skin is fairly common and as a result most of us will suffer from dehydrated skin at one time or another.

Causes of Dehydrated Skin:

1.     Weather and environmental changes

2.     Pollution

3.     Diet

4.     Skin product usage (incorrect ingredients or excessive use)

5.     Medications

6.     Over-cleansing (or over-exfoliating) and too rough handling of the skin. The weather and environment are big ones.

Our skin experiences water loss in cold weather and when the environment has a low humidity. Heat sources such as fires and heaters evaporate water from our skins. Sun exposure during the summer months also play a big role in dehydrated skin.

Interesting Fact:

Dehydration affects all skin types including oily skin: Oily skin may look and feel oily but still lack water. This is typically caused by people who over-cleanse, over-exfoliate, or use harsh rough and granular cleansers.

These are the most common areas of dehydrated skin:

1.     Forehead

2.     Outer cheeks

3.     Around the eyes

Dry skin is due to a naturally low production of oil or sebum and as a result this is a skin condition, and this is genetically determined. Very simply put, if your skin has any shine to it, then you do not have dry skin as the shine is a sign of oil or sebum production.

There are some causes of dry skin that is not linked to one’s genetics:

·       Natural Aging: as we get older, our hyaluronic acid production (water holding molecule) reduces and to add insult to injury our sebum or oil production in our skin is also reduced.

·       Lack of Essential Fatty Acids in the Diet

How to Treat Dry Skin:

- Use humectants & occlusive ingredients to minimize water loss.

- Help your skin hold onto water with humectant ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid.

- Prevent water evaporation with occlusive ingredients such as petroleum jelly (eg/ Vaseline)

- Use lipids to replenish the reduction of sebum content with ceramides and fatty acid ingredients.

KELLI: How does one take care of naturally oily skin during winter?

DR ALEK: This depends on how the skin changes. Most oily skin sufferers will not see a dramatic change in their skin so their regimes should continue as is. However, if dryness is noted, I would consider adding a HA based serum to one’s regime.

KELLI: What ingredients should I look out for when purchasing skincare products during winter?

DR ALEK:

- Polyhydroxy acids (PHA’s) are small molecules that penetrate the skin and have a number of effects including collagen stimulation, increasing hydration by stimulating GAGS and they help to soothe the skin and produce minimal irritation.

- Lactobionic Acid, a patented non-irritating “Bionic” PHA derived from milk sugar, helps prevent and reverse the appearance of photo-ageing, including fine lines and wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, enlarged pores and roughness. A natural humectant, it binds water to create a moisturising barrier on skin.

- Gluconolactone strengthens the skin’s barrier function, reducing sensitivity to irritants and skin redness over time by reducing glycation. Gluconolactone does not increase the potential for sun sensitivity.

- Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is our own hydrating molecule found in our skins. Its function is to hold water and improve moisturisation. Hyaluronic Acid is a glycosaminoglycan (aka a sugar-based protein) which acts as a structural component of skin and is found in almost all living organisms (including the human skin and body). The importance of this ingredient lies in its ability to retain moisture: one HA molecule will bind to 1000 water molecules.

- Ceramides and Cholesterol are fairly new in skincare and should be seen as vital skin care ingredients for dry skin sufferers. Ceramides and cholesterol have a number of skin benefits:

·       Ceramides: restore skin’s barrier function and nourish skin

·       Cholesterol: is essential for building the structure of skin’s barrier and maintaining elasticity

- Antioxidants are vital ingredients for any skin type or skin concern including dry skin. Antioxidants are a group of ingredients that reduce free-radical damage and environmental damage within our skins. Very simply when our skin loses its ability to retain water dry skin develops. Antioxidants will help repair and prevent this moisture loss and help repair the skin barrier. Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Ferulic acid all potent antioxidants.

- Glycerin is a skin-replenishing and skin-restoring ingredient that is naturally found in the skin. Glycerin main function in the skin is to keep it looking healthy and to improve hydration by maintaining the skin’s moisture content. It increases hydration levels, improves skin barrier function and health and has a synergistic effect with Hyaluronic Acid.

KELLI: What tips do you have to prevent/help with chapped lips?

DR ALEK: Similar to approaching dry skin. One should use humectants and moisturising ingredients such as HA, ceramides, fatty acids and lipids.

Here are my suggestions (all available from SkinMiles):

• LA ROCHE-POSAY Cicaplast Levres Lips (Click here to buy)

• FILORGA Nutri Filler Lips (Click here to buy)

• ALPHA-H Absolute Lip Perfector (Click here to buy)

• BIODERMA Atoderm Baume Lèvres (Click here to buy)

• TEAM Dr Joseph Intense Hyaluronic Lip Treatment (Click here to buy)

• IS CLINICAL Youth Lip Elixir (Click here to buy)

KELLI: Dry hands – they’re worse than ever due to constant hand washing, sanitizing and the colder weather. What products can you recommend for this?

DR ALEK:

- Look for hand cleansers that are creamy and/or moisture replenishing.

- Reduce the use of soap. We can just use running water.

- Apply a hand cream after each wash.

- Remember to exfoliate your hands once a week with a chemical exfoliator such as glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid.

- Use hand sanitisers that moisturise at the same time.

Here are my product suggestions (all available from SkinMiles):

• OPTIPHI Renew Anti-Aging Hand Therapy (Click here to buy)

• TEAM Dr Joseph Daily Cellular Hand Cream SPF10 (Click here to buy)

• CURALOE Aloe Vera Hand & Body Lotion (Click here to buy)

• DERMAQUEST GlycoBrite Hand and Body (Click here to buy)

• GOODLEAF CBD Hand Cream (Click here to buy)

KELLI: How necessary are body exfoliants during winter? 

DR ALEK: Similar to our face we need to exfoliate the skin on the rest of our body and In the same fashion It Is best to use chemical based exfoliators versus granular scrubs. exfoliation removes the dead outer layer and at the same time stimulates new cell production. glycolic acid has the added ability to stimulate GAG's (glucose amino glycans) that are vital to keep our skins hydrated and glowing.

KELLI: How necessary are facial exfoliants during winter? Will they aggravate sensitive, dry winter skin?

DR ALEK: We should exfoliate our skin year round however we may have to reduce the exfoliation frequency during the winter months. If during the summer months one is exfoliating twice or three times weekly then once a week during winter should be fine. If one's skin becomes too sensitive then we may have to reduce the exfoliation to every second week. Sensitive, dry winter skin should be able to handle more 'gentle' chemical exfoliators such as lactic or mandelic acid. Another good chemical exfoliator for sensitive skin is citric acid.

KELLI: For rosacea sufferers (like myself), what tips do you have to keep it under control? I find that things such as fire, heaters and red wine (factors that I can’t really avoid during winter) are quite triggering.

DR ALEK: Avoiding triggering factors can help but is not always practical. Rosacea is difficult to manage as the redness is caused by hundreds of little veins in the superficial layer of the skin. The best approach would be to consider laser vein removal.

There are a number of great topical products that will help calm the sin and reduce the degree of the redness experienced such as:

• IS CLINICAL Pure Calm Trial Kit (Click here to buy)

• NEOSTRATA Redness Neutralizing Serum (Click here to buy)

• LAMELLE Serra NSB Cream (Click here to buy)

(All products are available from SkinMiles)

KELLI: How often should one mask during winter? What are the best ones to use: sheet masks, leave-on masks, rinse-off masks?

DR ALEK: One can use hydrating masks as often as you want. The type of mask is not really important but rather a personal preference.

Dr Alek says: “All 3 contain vital skin barrier repair and hydrating ingredients which are essential during the colder and dryer winter months. The SkinCeuticals TLR and sk.in marvel hydro shot also contain antioxidants which further help in repairing and maintaining the skin barrier and helps to reduce inflammatory damage and free radical environmental damage.”

Dr Alek’s TOP 3 PRODUCT PICKS:

1. Lamelle Serra Restore Cream (Click here to buy)

2. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 (Click here to buy)

3. sk.in marvel | hydro shot (Click here to buy)

Kelli says: “Each product has hydrating, soothing formulas that don’t dry out the skin. I have sensitive, temperamental skin which likes to act up during winter and these products seem to do the trick every single time. Remember: Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient when buying winter beauty products as it plumpens and hydrates the skin.” 

Kelli’s TOP 3 PRODUCT PICKS:

1. SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser Cream (Click here to buy)

2. Esthederm Intensive Hyaluronic Serum (Click here to buy)

3. Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream (Click here to buy)

*All products available on www.skinmiles.com. If you’re unsure of what products to buy or have any other skincare related query, chat to an experienced SkinMiles somatologist live on the site.

*This article was sponsored by SkinMiles.

Environ's Dr Des Fernandes receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Hugest congrats to Dr Des, founder of Environ on his Lifetime Achievement Award from The Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa. I’m so proud!

Dr Des (above) founder of Environ and one of the pioneers of skincare.

Image credit: supplied

When I started my beauty career as a Beauty Assistant for FAIRLADY Magazine in 2010, my first event that I attended happened to be a dinner celebrating Environ’s 20th birthday. It was then that I fell in love with the brand, met Dr Des Fernandes and began to admire his work.

Hearing the Environ team speak and watching a video that showed everything the brand and Dr Des had accomplished over the years blew me away. Now, here we are over a decade later, celebrating this incredible feat; a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa (SCFSA for short) for his significant contributions to the skincare industry, more specifically, the technologies associated with skin rejuvenation, photoprotection, topical antioxidants and vitamins within the industry.

"I am truly humbled to receive this award. My work is and has always been driven by my passion for finding scientific solutions to common skin issues and sharing that knowledge as widely as possible. The skin is the largest organ in the human body and so it's my belief that we should all be united in understanding how it works and should be cared for," says Dr Fernandes.

Bravo, Dr Des. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the skincare industry. I can’t wait to see what you’ll do next!

Find your nearest Environ stockist here.

For more info, visit www.environskincare.com.

Clarins Body Treatment Oil Review

My thoughts on the Clarins Body Treatment Oil range:

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of oils, especially ones for the body. Clarins has a range of the most beautiful, 100% plant-powered body treatment oils which I can’t get enough of. Here are my thoughts on the Relax Treatment Oil, Contour Treatment Oil and Tonic Treatment Oil. Their scents are so exquisite.

Fun fact: these body oils were the first three products ever produced by Clarins over 60 years ago!

If you have any questions or comments, let me know below.

Click here to purchase the Body Treatment Oils.

Click here to purchase the Tonic Sugar Polisher.

Visit www.clarins.co.za for more info and browse their online store.

Why You Should Use Neutrogena Hydrogel Sheet Masks

Admittedly, I was one of the last people in my industry to get into the whole sheet masking fad (shocking, I know, but I’m just being honest) and now can safely say that I can’t do without them. As I type this post, I’m sitting with the Neutrogena Purifying Boost (The Detoxifier) Hydrogel Recovery Mask on my face because, I enjoy to multi-mask (see what I did there?) and will walk you through the experience of wearing one of them, and of course, explain why these brilliant products should be incorporated into your life too – unless you’ve beaten me to it.

You’ll notice a pattern when it comes to the beauty products I rave about. They all seem to have two things in common:

1) They need to be fuss-free and…

2) Deliver great results, INSTANTLY.

Neutrogena Hydrogel Recovery Masks are heaven sent. In just 15 minutes, the equivalent of a 30ml bottle of concentrated moisturising serum is delivered to your skin. All you have to do is simply apply the Hydrogel sheet mask to your face and relax (or type a post raving about it if you want to save time, like me).

*1 mask = 1 application.

What Does a Sheet Mask Feel Like?

Removing the Hydrogel mask from the packaging can be tricky as you don’t want to lose any of the serum/product. This mask has two parts; one for the top half of your face (eyes, forehead and upper cheek area) and the other for your bottom half (bottom cheek area and chin). The Hydrogel mask itself feels quite jelly-like but cooling as soon as you put it on your face. Be sure to smooth out all the areas to even out the mask properly. You don’t want to miss any spots.

Which Neutrogena Hydrogel Recovery Mask Would You Pick?

• Neutrogena Purifying Boost – The Detoxifier, R59,95:

This is the one I’m wearing right now and feel my skin needs the most. With silly season upon us, this mask may be your new best friend. December and January means consuming more of everything, which takes its toll on your skin. ‘The Detoxifier’ contains seaweed extract which intensely purifies, helps your complexion look healthy and feel super soft. I’ve used this one countless times before and it’s my go-to after a long, exhausting weekend of one too many glasses of bubbles.

• Neutrogena Radiance Boost – The Illuminator, R59,95:

Dull-looking skin? ‘The Illuminator’ should be your mask of choice because it contains Vitamin B3, known to perk up tired-looking skin (which we all need from time-to-time), illuminate, enhance radiance and leaves you feeling refreshed and glowy.

Remember, one mask application is the equivalent of one month’s serum use. It’s incredible.

• Neutrogena Hydro Boost – The Super Hydrator, R59,95:

‘The Super Hydrator’ is my favourite of them all but I haven’t had to use it recently as my hydration levels have been good. But, if you’re in the need for a mega boost of hydration – this mask will be your saving grace. It contains heaps of Hyaluronic Acid which as you know, intensely hydrates the skin, making it feel supple and resulting in an overall healthy glow. It’s also suitable for sensitive skin.

• Neutrogena Ageless Boost – The Smart Smoother, R59,95:

‘The Smart Smoother’ lives up to its name and rightly so – it contains Adenosine which helps smooth the skin, fill in fine lines and gives your complexion a youthful appearance. Sounds good, right? Each mask that I’ve referred to is designed to resemble a ‘second skin’, allowing the active ingredients to penetrate the skin.

How To Use Each Mask:

Step 1. Cleanse your face thoroughly.

Step 2. Peel the white film backing from the Hydrogel sheet mask and discard.

Step 3. Place the hydrogel mask onto your face and leave on for 30 minutes. (Tip: You can leave it on for 15 minutes but I prefer sitting for 30 minutes in order for my skin to soak up all the benefits of this product. It’s entirely up to you, though).

Step 4. Remove the Hydrogel sheet mask and massage what’s left of the product onto your face and neck.

Kelli’s Top Masking Tips:

1) I use my Hydrogel masks before bedtime as it gives the product and ingredients enough time to absorb – plus, it’s the ideal way to wind down after a long day. Remember, you can only get one application from one mask.

2) Why wait until January 2020 to begin your ‘beauty ‘ New Year’s resolution? Rather kickstart it now, in December, to make sure your skin’s always looking fab.

3) These Hydrogel masks are the ideal products to travel with. They take up minimal space in your toiletry bag, have strong packaging that will definitely not leak and it’s also a great way to relax during your holiday.

4) Do NOT apply moisturiser before your mask. Just cleanse your skin. The whole purpose of the Hydrogel sheet mask is for your skin to absorb ingredients properly and effectively.

5) These Neutrogena Hydrogel masks are essentially serums so make sure you use the leftover bits of the formula and apply it to your skin. Every little bit helps.

6) Designate one day a week as your masking day. I choose Sunday evenings as it’s a great way to unwind and start the new week afresh.

*All masks are R59,95 each and are available from Clicks & Dis-Chem.

LET’S CHAT:

Now, I want to hear from you! Have you ever used a sheet mask? Which one of the Neutrogena Hydrogel Recovery Masks speaks to you the most? Leave your comments below.

Follow Neutrogena here:

Instagram: @NeutrogenaSA

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NEUTROGENASA

Twitter: @Neutrogena

*This post was sponsored by Neutrogena.

Introducing NIVEA’s Newest Skincare Range: Hyaluron Cellular Filler Elasticity

Let’s be real for a second – we all have ageing concerns the older we get. It’s impossible for our skin to look, behave and feel the same as it did in our twenties (it’s a fantastic thought though, right?) but, thankfully, we have brilliant facial products available to improve the condition and sort out our skincare woes.

Personally, one of my concerns has been loss of volume within my face, along with elasticity. I’ve been training at the gym at least 4-5 times a week since the beginning of January and of course, I’m happy with my weight loss, but I’ve noticed that my skin has started to sag a bit. You can imagine how happy I was when I got given the NIVEA Hyaluron Cellular Filler Elasticity Range to try out; a range designed specifically to target this problem.

We’re also changing seasons at the moment. It’s getting cold (#WinterIsComing) and my skin enjoys going into ‘lazy mode’, resulting in a lot of moisture loss and dryness. Each product in the range contains Hyaluronic Acid (music to my ears), the best ingredient to boost and maintain moisture levels within your skin. Other environmental factors such as pollution and stress also contribute to your skin looking dull, feeling sensitive and uneven. After using the range for a few weeks, I can safely say that I haven’t experienced any of these things, even after a recent trip to Johannesburg and my skin has remained hydrated, smooth and looked more radiant.

Elastin and Collagen work hand in hand to keep the skin looking firm and youthful and are the other two hero ingredients found within the range. The Elastin fibres responsible for getting the skin back to its original shape along with the protein Collagen made my skin feel tighter and more defined. I was incredibly impressed.

Let me walk you through each product in the NIVEA Hyaluron Cellular Filler + Elasticity Range:

1. The NIVEA Hyaluron Cellular Filler Elasticity Anti-Spot Serum, R289,99 for 30ml has a soft, velvety texture with a pump dispenser, making it ideal for travel. This serum has a powerful melanin inhibitor, which helps reduce the appearance of dark spots (admittedly, I didn’t have many) while keeping the skin sufficiently hydrated.

I would use it in conjunction with the NIVEA Hyaluron Cellular Filler Elasticity Day Cream SPF 15 (more details about this product below), as it contains a sun protection benefit and achieved more holistic results such as overall radiance.

2. The NIVEA Hyaluron Cellular Filler Elasticity Day Cream SPF 15, R269,99 for 50ml was my favourite product of them all! The texture, the scent, the way it quickly absorbed into my skin – I could go on and on. It’s a winner. I’m close to finishing my tub. I love that it had a built-in SPF to protect my skin and of course, kept it hydrated and feeling fresh.

3. I’d apply the NIVEA Hyaluron Cellular Filler Elasticity Night Cream, R269,99 for 50ml at night of course and woke up with plumped up skin. The texture of this cream is a lot thicker and richer than the day cream and leaves  your skin feeling super nourished the next morning. You only need to apply a thin layer before bedtime.

4. Last but not least is the NIVEA Hyaluron Cellular Filler Elasticity Bi-phase Nourishing Oil Elixir, R289,99 for 30ml. I would apply this either in the morning or evening, after shaking the bottle to mix the formula, depending how parched my skin was. The triple-oil complex found within this product was responsible for keeping my skin nourished, moisturised and a lot more youthful.

The entire range is already on shelves and I’d highly recommend it to those who need a moisture boost, have elasticity concerns and want more skin definition. All the products are lightly fragranced and absorb like a dream. They’ll fit easily into your current skincare routine.

 *This blog post is sponsored by NIVEA

LET’S CHAT: What’s your biggest skincare concern at the moment? I want to know! Leave a comment in the box below.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

YES, the Foreo LUNA™ 2 is Worth The Hype!

Two months ago, the incredible Dermastore team sent me my very own Foreo LUNA™ 2 for Normal Skin (that’s the pink one) to test out and I have been so impressed with the results. After my trip to Zanzibar (end of September 2018), my complexion appeared all tanned and glowy but if you looked closely, the top layer of my skin felt dry, rough and flakey. I noticed my regular facial products weren’t penetrating my skin properly.

My pores appeared bigger, regardless of how much primer I used, and my foundation, well, instead of providing the usual natural finish, just looked uneven. Worst of all, it just looked obvious that I was wearing makeup and that’s a huge pet peeve of mine. I tried various masks, exfoliators, you name it – but nothing could do the trick. My only hope was the LUNA™ 2 and it exceeded my expectations tremendously.

How to use the device:

1. Make sure the LUNA™ 2 is fully charged (you will receive all this equipment in the box).

2. Apply your cleanser all over your skin. Even the most gentle cleansers work effectively in conjunction with the LUNA™ 2.

3. Wet the LUNA™ 2 (don’t be shy) and use the + and – buttons on the device to control the speed.

4. Using the side containing the bristles, apply the device in circular motions to your skin for one minute only.

5. Rinse any excess cleanser off.

6. Apply your usual skincare products (eg. moisturiser, serum, etc.)

7. Flip the LUNA™ 2 around to use the Anti-Ageing Mode and use this to massage your skincare products into the skin for another minute. Focus on areas of concern that have fine lines and wrinkles. This will help with skincare product absorption and stimulate the skin.

8. And there you have it! Glowing, smooth skin. Don’t forget to rinse your LUNA™ 2 with warm water, leave in a cool place to dry and charge it when you can.
   
   

Click here to see a tutorial on how to use it.

28 September 2018:
My skin felt dry, flakey and rough. Redness was also an issue.

29 October 2018:
After a month, my glow had finally come back! My skin felt smoother, my skincare products absorbed easily and I barely felt the need to wear makeup. Quite a dramatic change, right?

1 December 2018: My present day skin which is smooth, hydrated and all round flawless, even though I’ve been incredibly stressed lately. The LUNA™ 2 is a lifesaver!

I’ve compiled a list of FAQs regarding the fabulous Foreo LUNA™ 2

1. What does the LUNA™ 2 actually do?

What can’t the LUNA™ 2 do? It eliminates 98.5% of excess oil and dirt, using the latest T-Sonic™ Technology. It thoroughly cleanses your skin and removes makeup effectively. It doesn’t take up a lot of room and is the perfect traveling companion to ensure your skin always feels and looks its best. After only 2-3 uses, you’ll notice that your foundation applies better – all due to better product absorption because of the LUNA™ 2. It’s also safe to use on your neck area, not just your face.

2. Does the LUNA™ 2 work well with all skincare products? Are there any products I need to use/stay away from?

The LUNA™ 2 works well with anything. Any cleanser is effective, but try stay away from ones that are abrasive. I recommend using a foaming cream cleanser with it, like the new La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar or SkinCeuticals Replenishing Cleanser Cream.

3. Is it best to use it in the morning/evening? Can I use it twice a day or is it too stimulating/overwhelming for the skin?

You can use it twice a day and it won't over-stimulate or anything. Although, I’ve incorporated mine into my nighttime cleansing routine before I go to sleep. The more you use it, the more your skin gets used to it and you’ll soon see what your skin needs.

4. What different devices are there?

There’s quite a variety! I am using the one for Normal Skin, but there’s a device for sensitive skin, men, combination skin, oily skin and there are mini devices too.

Click here to see all of them.

5. How much is it? And where can I buy it?

It’s R3400 and you can purchase it from Dermastore. Their delivery service is impeccable. You won’t be disappointed!

MY PERSONAL TIP:
A lot of you that follow me on social media would know that I’ve experienced Dermaplaning twice before. I am sure this contributed to the smoothness of my skin but do believe that using the LUNA™ 2 each day for the past two months religiously has made my skin look better than ever before.

*This article is sponsored by Dermastore.