Tuesday 31 July 2012

Join the Aussie gold rush and win gold (liquid gold, that is) thanks to Alpha-H

Well, the Olympics are in full swing now so I thought that I would have another competition, one where you can win gold...lots and lots of lovely liquid gold. That's right, Alpha-H have kindly sponsored this competition and have provided a whole bevy of Liquid Gold prizes for you to win.

There are two parts to this competition - a random drawing from all entries and then, if you are feeling particularly lucky or creative, a prize for the best answer. You can enter both parts or one or the other, it is up to you. If you enter both then you have the chance of winning two prizes.

Part 1: Two winners will be randomly drawn

You can get up to 6 entries into the random draw - one entry for completing each of the following:
  • Follow me on Google Friend Connect
  • Follow me on Facebook
  • Share this competition to your Facebook wall
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • Tweet the following 'Join Join the Olympic gold rush and #win lots of Liquid Gold thanks to @AlphaHQ and @skretchs  #giveaway'
  • Follow me by email
If you would like to enter the random draw then let me know in the comments section which of the above you have completed (and please include your Facebook and Twitter names so that I can follow up). The prizes:

1st Prize: Liquid Gold Skin Perfecting System RRP $99.50


The first randomly drawn winner will receive Alpha-H's Liquid Gold Skin Perfecting System.
Alpha-H has spent a decade developing a system of therapeutic cosmeceuticals which target the key factors of ageing as they manifest in the different layers of the skin. These formulas are now available for the first time in a unique three-stage course of night time treatments.... the Liquid Gold Skin Perfecting System. Each formula: Liquid Gold Prep & Prime, Liquid Gold Original and Liquid Gold Radiance harness the unique corrective effects of pharmaceutical grade Glycolic Acid, herbal extracts and antioxidants to provide overall renewal of the skin. Liquid Gold products are free from detergents, parabens, kojic acid, hydroquinone, artificial fragrances and colours.


2nd prize: The Original Liquid Gold RRP $57.50



The second randomly drawn winner will receive the original Liquid Gold.
Alpha-H’s world renowned skin refining solution. A powerful night time resurfacing and firming lotion for the skin. This exclusive complex jump-starts the skin’s metabolism, tightens enlarged pores, and delivers lighter, clearer and more even skin tone. Also an effective treatment for acne when used in conjunction with our other acne solutions.


Part 2: Tell me your favourite Olympic Memory or Moment
For those of you who would like the chance to win a second prize then I'd love for you to tell me one Olympic moment that stands out, whether it be Cathy Freeman lighting the flame or the standing ovation Eric the Eel received for completing his 100m freestyle race (if you haven't heard of Eric the Eel you must have a read about him here or have a look at this video on YouTube - I thought that it was a real feel good moment of the Sydney 2000 Olympics!). The memory or moment can be whatever you choose, just tell me why you chose it. I will choose my favourite response from the answers and that person will win:

Liquid Gold Perfecting Daywear RRP $89.95

Liquid Gold Perfecting Daywear is a high performance Hyaluronic Acid rich treatment which attracts and binds precious moisture to the skin; helping to swell surface cells and plump out fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a fresh youthful appearance. More than just a serum, Liquid Gold Perfecting Daywear is an instant hydrator and skin illuminator. Microencapsulated bronzing spheres burst on application releasing a blend of mineral pigments and natural light reflecting particles leaving the skin with a radiant healthy glow. Suitable for all skin types Liquid Gold Perfecting Daywear is particularly beneficial for dehydrated ,prematurely ageing, mature, uneven complexion and lacklustre skins.

Rules
Just a few rules to the giveaway:
  • the competition will run until 8.00pm AEST on Sunday August 19th
  • the winners will be announced on the blog and notified by email
  • the competition is open to all subscribers of the blog, both Australian and International.

Good luck and thanks for entering!

Monday 30 July 2012

Quench thirsty winter skin with The Jojoba Company’s Botanical Hydrating Face Mask

Having two kids to look after means that I rarely take proper care of myself. I have never been a good water drinker at the best of times and now that I am breastfeeding I need even more fluid - but again fail to drink any more. I can't tell you how many times I have been on my way to the kitchen to get a drink only to be distracted by Crazy or Kiki or mess or a myriad of other things. This lack of hydration is really showing on my skin, especially as I am spending a lot of my time indoors with the heater on. My skin was looking crepey and dehydrated and in need of some serious plumping.

Although I have very little time for myself these days, each night I have to sit in the bathroom for around 45 minutes whilst Crazy has his bath. I figure why not multitask and use this time to put a mask on. I have been using The Jojoba Company's Botanical Hydrating Face Mask.




What they say: Deeply hydrating to rebalance dryness and re-energise. An exquisitely silky, hydrating clay mask with a powerful combination of active botanical extracts including antioxidant rich ginko biloba, plumping marine collagen, Vitamin B5 and green tea to boost the natural hydrating qualities of jojoba. Combines Australian clays with jojoba to renew and rejuvenate all skin types.

Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types

Usage: Apply a thick layer to cleansed skin. Leave on for 15-20 minutes or overnight for a more intense treatment. Rinse with water. Use 1-3 times per week.

Key Ingredients
  • Pure Australian Jojoba - antioxidant, rich in Vitamins A, D & E, hydrating
  • Marine Collagen - plumps
  • Ginko Biloba - rich in antioxidants
  • Ivory Clay - hydrating
  • Green Tea - antioxidant
  • Silk Amino Acids - firming proteins
 What I Say: I was a little surprised when I first applied this mask as it is clay based, which I wasn't expecting in a hydrating mask (though, if I had read the ingredients first I would have noticed this). However, it doesn't dry rock hard like clay masks often to. It remains soft and wet feeling, even after 20 minutes of use. Since it doesn't dry on the skin, I found that it also didn't leave my skin feeling tight afterwards. Clay masks often leave my skin feeling like I have had a face lift (not necessarily in a good way) but this one didn't. My skin was left feeling soft and supple afterwards.




Its smells gorgeous. Faintly herbal with floral notes - perhaps ylang ylang. It is not at all overpowering - just the right strength to give the mask experience a spa feeling. I can't imagine that the scent would offend anyone.

It took a little bit of effort to remove. Initially, I tried to remove it just by splashing water on my face but this was taking too long so I used a face washer instead and it then came off easily.

As I applied the mask whilst Crazy was in the bath it meant that I often didn't have time to moisturise afterwards. When Crazy decides that it is time to get out, he means immediately so Mummy doesn't have time to fluff around with moisturising. Even without moisturising my skin felt really soft and never once felt tight. My cheeks lost their crepey appearance and my fine lines, which were due to dehydration, disappeared. This mask was just like a big drink for my dehydrated, thirsty skin.

The effect of the mask would last about 2-3 days before I noticed that it started looking a bit dehydrated again. So, where possible, I have been applying this mask every 3 days (though this is dependant on Crazy's moods - if he is grumpy then I know he won't be in the bath long enough or me to do a mask!). I can't say that I have tried it overnight, as suggested by The Jojoba Company - I am too scared of the mess I would make. I toss and turn and almost always sleep on my side so I can only imagine that the mask would end up over my entire bed!

I recommend this mask to anyone who's skin is looking dehydrated and in need of a fast moisture boost as that is exactly what I have experienced with this mask.

The Jojoba Company’s Botanical Hydrating Face Mask is $49.95 for 80ml and is available online or this link will show you where to find a stockist near you.
Finally, if you would like more information on why Jojoba is so good for the skin, I have previously written about this topic in more depth here.

Have you tried Jojoba in your skincare routine?


All opinions are my own and I received no remuneration for this post. This product was provided for consideration.

Sunday 29 July 2012

Lancôme Visionnaire [LR2412] Correcting Polishing Cream Review

A few weeks ago I told you about a Lancôme media briefing that I attended. One of the products that we were introduced to was the new addition to the Visionnaire [LR2412] line, the Correcting Polishing Cream. This product was designed to compliment the Lancôme's Visionnaire [LR 2412 4%] Advanced Skin Corrector serum. The Visionnaire serum contains 4% of the active ingredient LR 2412 whereas the Polishing Cream contains 2%. This is because it also contains active ingredients to polish, or exfoliate, the skin.


I described the Lancôme's Visionnaire [LR 2412 4%] Advanced Skin Corrector, and in particular the science behind it, in greater detail last year (see here if you missed it). In brief, Lancôme claimed that: Wrinkles erased, unevenness and redness reduced, pores tightened: a very beautiful skin, even before make-up. This was achieved through a mixture of silicones and light reflecting particles which instantly leave the skin looking more even plus the active ingredients LR 2412, adenosine and jasmonic acid which work to slow down cell turnover allowing damaged cells to be repaired.




In my original article, I published this statement from Lancôme: LR 2412, the 1st molecule of our Research Laboratories designed to “self-propel” throughout all of skin’s layers, it reprograms the skin to “auto-correction” mode. This statement has often troubled me as I never knew how companies could make that claim - I highly doubted that volunteers would allow their skin to be biopsied to prove a cosmetic was actually penetrating through all layers. At the media briefing I was able to ask how exactly did they know that it penetrates through all of the skin's layers. It turns out that L'Oreal (parent company of Lancôme) have developed a model that replicates the barrier effect of skin, and they can use this to determine how far ingredients are able to penetrate through the various layers of the skin.




What they say about Lancôme Visionnaire [LR2412] Correcting Polishing Cream: Lancôme Visionnaire [LR 2412] Correcting Polishing Cream helps correct the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while reducing the appearance of pores. The cream retexturises the skin and polishes away any imperfections to reveal a refined and smooth skin texture. The clarity and transparency of the skin is magnified. It is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin and includes a polishing pad.

What I say: Firstly, before I describe the cream I need to tell you how to apply it. I know that sounds strange - any idiot knows how to apply a moisturiser - but this one is slightly different. It comes with a nifty little application tool - the polishing pad. I have to admit that I did think that this was a tad gimmicky when I first saw it, but that was until I used the polishing pad. The pad has two sides, a smooth side and a rough side (which you can see in the pictures below). The way I used it was to apply the Lancôme Visionnaire [LR2412] Correcting Polishing Cream to my face after cleansing then massage it in with the rough side of the tool to enhance the polishing effect. It provided the most delightful massage. I am quite sleep deprived at the moment (thanks to my beautiful little Kiki) and I find that when I am tired I am much more sensitive to touch - a head massage feels so much more pleasurable, orgasmic really, and this paddle is having a similar effect on my face. And, because it feels so good, I actually do use it every night - in fact I look forward to the ritual of massaging in the cream.

You can see below the polishing pad that comes with the cream. Apparently, it is ergonomically designed for ease of use. You use the large end on the forehead, chin and cheeks and the small end on the harder to get to areas of the face such as around the nose.





The Visionnaire [LR 2412 4%] Advanced Skin Corrector serum and Polishing Cream can be used together; however, I had run out of the serum so this review is of the polishing cream on it's own. If I did have both, then I would have used the serum on it's own (under moisturiser) in the morning and then the serum + the polishing cream at night. In this instance I just used the polishing cream at night and my normal moisturiser in the morning.





The Visionnaire Polishing Cream was actually a lot lighter in texture than I was expecting and this is a good thing. It is not a thick, heavy cream but a lovely smooth light one. It sunk into my skin almost instantly. My skin felt really soft to touch and the light reflecting particles gave it the most wonderful natural looking glow. It really did leave my skin looking radiant.



The positive effects this cream had on my face were instant. The day after I had used this cream for the first time, my skin still felt really soft and plump, even without applying moisturiser. After 3 weeks of use my skin is definitely looking plumper, more radiant and I think that some of the pigmentation I got during my recent pregnancy has begun to fade (though perhaps this is also due to there no longer being gallons of pregnancy hormones coursing through my system). The crepey fine lines I had been noticing on my cheeks have vanish, although the smile lines around my mouth are still evident (must cut back on smiling and channel my inner Victoria Beckham if I want those lines to disappear!!).




After 3 weeks of using this cream I agree with just about all the claims made, that is that the cream helps correct the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while reducing the appearance of pores; retexturises the skin and polishes away any imperfections to reveal a refined and smooth skin texture. The clarity and transparency of the skin is magnified. The only area I haven't noticed an improvement in is the appearance of my pores; however, I have been quite lazy with my skincare routine since Kiki was born so mypores are quite congested. Hopefully, if I can get on to of the congestion, their apearance will be reduced.

At $AU145 for 50ml this cream is on the expensive side; however, I have noticed positive result after using it for a short time. If you are looking for plump, radiant glowing skin then give this a try as that is exactly what I have achieved after 3 weeks of use.

The Visionnaire [LR2412] Correcting Polishing Cream is being release onto counters in Australia and Asia on 29th July 2012 and retails for $AU145 for 50ml.


What do you think of the polishing pad - genius or gimmicky? Are you planning on giving the Visionnaire [LR2412] Correcting Polishing Cream a test drive?


All opinions are my own and I received no remuneration for this post. This product was provided for consideration.

Saturday 28 July 2012

Track how your guesses went in my massive Olympic Giveaway

Firstly, apologies for going AWOL again. We went away on another little family getaway and I just didn't manage to find the time to blog. I should be back to normal blogging from next week.

For the past two weeks I have been hosting a massive Olympics related giveaway where you had the chance to win a heap of prizes just by guessing how many medals Australia would win in the London Olympics. Entries for this comp have now closed so I thought I would compile a table for you to follow how you are going as the Olympics progresses. Good luck everyone!


Name
Order of Entry
Total
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Meedee
6
38
11
14
13
MLE
25
38
16
9
13
Carlie
27
40
13
9
18
Sair
24
41
13
16
11
beautybabe
7
42
12
17
13
Priscilla
29
43
10
14
19
Kristine Simmonds
2
44
13
14
17
Rose
13
44
15
15
14
Eamond Tomaszewski
12
45
15
12
18
Rin
4
45
15
13
17
Sue
23
45
15
17
13
Rachel Veloso
30
45
17
10
18
Alina
17
47
11
23
13
Michaela
5
47
12
16
19
Nidhi
14
47
12
20
15
Mel
1
47
13
16
18
Madeleine
8
48
15
13
20
Lucinda
16
48
15
16
17
Abigail
18
49
15
17
17
danielle
10
50
14
11
25
Carolyn
28
51
11
18
22
Holly
3
51
12
18
21
Elizabeth
21
51
13
22
16
catrina murray
11
58
18
15
25
Gen
15
63
4
17
42
Vanessa Carey
19
70
45
15
10
MelissaB
9
75
28
32
25
Cath
26
76
26
32
18
Dorme
20
76
37
21
18
Sewislife
22
143
50
73
20


If your guess has proven to be way off the mark, or you missed out on entering this comp, don't worry. I have another great giveaway, this one sponsored by Alpha-H, launching very soon!


Are you interested in the Olympics?