Comments Off on Weekly product review: Environ Tri-Peptide Complex Avance Moisturiser
Hands up if you are concerned about fine lines, loss of elasticity and just starting to look older? I am always on the look out for anything that can delay the effects of ageing. I’ve been using this product for about a year now and can honestly say my skin looks and feels better.
So what are the magic ingredients?
The product contains 3 peptide complexes, matrixyl 3000, trylagen and matrrixyl synthe 6, these peptides leave the skin looking younger and smoother and protects the skin from losing that firm, smooth and plump appearance.
I use this product as a serum beneath my Vitamin A moisturiser, I’m currently using AVST 3. The benefits of using Vitamin A are many and we need to replenish it every day to keep the skin looking smoother and younger.
Some of the benefits of using Vitamin A
It strengthens the effects of the skins outer layer to keep it looking firm.
It promotes skins natural moisturising factor and gives it a radiant glow
Balances the production of sebum to prevent breakouts.
Environ is a prescription skincare, you will need to have a consultation prior to buying the product as our skin needs to become accustomed to adding vitamins to it, especially Vitamin A. Your skincare therapist will advise you what the best products are to start on.
I can highly recommend the avance tri peptide moisturiser, its feels lovely on the skin and the results it delivers are worth every penny.
Comments Off on My favorite summer beauty products.
When summer rolls around, my beauty regime changes to a more minimal approach. I don’t want my make up melting off, whilst going make up free isn’t an option for me, opting for light and natural is. Packing your holiday essentials really must start with the most important product – Sun Protection
This is my all time favourite SPF, Environs’RAD SPF15 is a super sunscreen product for the face and body that gives UVA & UVB broad spectrum medium protection. This is a light non greasy lotion that both guys and girls love. Rad contains ingredients that will filter out blue light ( from screens) which can cause premature ageing. I wear this under my make up and I love how my skin feels.
I’ve been wearing Jane Iredale mineral make-up for 14 years, there are various BB creams, tinted moisturisers and foundations to choose from but the pure pressed powder is my go to. Used with ‘the handi’ brush it gives great coverage whilst feeling lightweight on the skin. It provides an SPF20.
If you like a primer then you will love Jane Iredale Smooth Affair, its a primer and brightener designed to even out skin tone, minimise pores and visibly reduce fine lines for a smooth matte finish. ( great for oilier skin types)
I take this product everywhere with me, Pommisst Hydration Spray, its a facial spritz that hydrates, conditions, protects and calms inflammation on all skin types. The powerful Pomegranate extract with its antioxidant and UV protector, also known to help protect against skin cancer. It is used to set mineral makeup foundation for a long lasting smooth finish with natural and organic botanicals. You can spritz over make up if your skin feels dehydrated and it will re-ignite your make up.
My Pre-holiday treatments.
Summer is all about having that sun kissed look, if you are like me and prefer not to expose your skin to UV rays then there is no better and safer way than to get a spray tan or use a self tanning option.
He-shi Gold is my favourite spray tan, giving a light coverage with a natural look. To maintain the tan and help it last longer I moisture every morning and night which usually gives me anywhere between 7/10 days duration.
He-Shi Supreme Glow is the perfect gift set for tan lovers. The Gold foaming mousse is ideal for achieving a golden glow which absorbs quickly to give an instant tan. The ultra-smooth velvet mitt, with a lotion proof barrier is easy and quick to use giving streak free results. I have used several self tanning products in the past and this is far superior. I used this on my legs for the weekend and application took 5 mins and no mess.
My makeup is minimal during the summer and if I take the kids to the beach or go to the Aqua park I prefer not to wear mascara especially waterproof mascara, as I find this a nightmare to remove. I opt for a more natural look and have my eyelashes and eyebrows tinted instead. The blue/black tint for the eyelashes is darker than black, otherwise available in Black or Brown. ( always have a patch test first)
Preparing your body for treatments like waxing and spray tans I love Sanctuary Salt Scrub and Thalgo Artic Salt flake scrub. Both exfoliate leaving your skin silky smooth and smell devine.
Waxing is a must and I love the feeling afterwards, not only does your skin look great but you feel lighter as well.
Tips before waxing:
Prepare skin before waxing, use an exfoliator 1 to 2 times a week, to remove dead skin cells and to stop the hair getting trapped under the dead skin.
Book waxing appointments on a regular basis.
Make sure you are not in the sun for at least 24 hours after a waxing treatment
To me the hot weather is all about flip flops and cool cotton summer dresses. A perfect time for painted toes and hands. If I am not going on holiday I always opt for a Gel polish on hands and toes, you can guarantee the longevity of the gel paint, usually at least 2 weeks.
Lots to think about, but keep it simple and stay safe in the sun …. Happy holidays.
Comments Off on Environ Sebu-ACE Oil Review: A Weekly Product Review for Oily Skin Moisturiser
Oily skin is a result of an overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous glands, theres nothing you are doing wrong, its all down to genetics. There are benefits since sebum helps to moisturise the skin, however too much can lead to clogged pores and acne. The temptation is to opt for skin products that promise to rid us of spots within a few days and leave a flawless complexion, often these products which have been heavily marketed are high in alcohol content which can irritate the skin and trigger oil production.
I have an oily skin which, with the correct products I can keep under control. I discovered Environ Sebu-ACE oil from the Focus Care Clarity range. This product contains Vitamins A, C and E plus botanicals, it feels lightweight and helps control breakouts. I have recommended this to many clients who have reported a reduction in redness and breakout activity. This is one of those products that you use as long as you need to and then once you have achieved the desired result you would change to using Environ’s AVST 4 moisturiser. The Environ range is a prescription only range so you will need to find a stockist who will advise you. Having used this product myself on and off as I need to I have found I rarely have breakouts anymore and my skin feels nourished and looks fresh and bright.
The product is priced at £38
For full details of the Focus Clarity range contact the salon. 02890666628
Comments Off on Weekly product review: Vita Peptide Eye Gel
When I first brought the Environ range into the salon, the Environ sales representative told me that the vita peptide eye gel was one of the ranges best sellers, it was so popular that clients would risk double parking to nip in and stock up on their favourite product, perhaps she was exaggerating I thought, but no, this is in fact the best eye cream I have ever used and I admit that I too, would panic if I ran out.
The product is packed with essential vitamins, peptides and anti oxidants helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area. The gel formula feels very light, a little goes a long way. Its absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling really hydrated and looking refreshed. I have always favoured a gel texture, and as well as applying below the eye area I also apply to the lid.
Vitamin A is the magic ingredient in most of Environs products, this product contains Retinyl Palmitate, this is a very low level of Vitamin A so won’t irritate the eyelid. Some clients can be contraindicated to the use of Vitamin A so always make sure you get professional advice before purchasing, there are other alternatives if this product isn’t suited to you.
Comments Off on Weekly Product Review. Environ RAD SPF 15
I absolutely love the texture and feel of this on my skin, it feels creamy, yet light enough to wear under make up. RAD SPF15 is a suncream which contains sun filters and reflectors to provide an SPF of 15, it also contains titanium oxide, anti oxidants, beta-carotene, Vitamins A & C to protect against free radicals. Titanium oxide protects against blue light which is said to cause ageing, think of your laptop, mobile phone and the amount of time spent on these devices. I mentioned this to my 14 year old who advised me that there is a blue light filter on his phone which he has switched on, hmmm, its at times like this I feel old.
I am often asked by clients if the SPF of 15 is high enough. The answer is yes, according to a recent article written by IIAA, stockists of Environ skincare and Jane Iredale mineral make up, High SPF’s have a higher concentration of potentially harmful chemicals, scientists do not recommend anything higher than an SPF of 15-20 as there is a greater concentration of sunscreen agents which can turn into free radicals with exposure to UV rays. For example an SPF 30 does not block twice the amount of rays of SPF15 , it blocks 97% whereas SPF 15 blocks 93%, a difference of just 4% but a greater number of harmful chemicals.
Its a bit of a myth that beauty therapists are pampered and preened, quite the contrary, its difficult to fit in our own treatments at times especially when we are so busy in the salon. Quite often we resort to a bit of DIY, I’m often found sitting on my bathroom floor waxing my legs or painting my toenails.
Creating a simple skincare routine need not take up all your time. Heres what I do?
My regime consists mainly of Environ products of which I am slightly obsessed.
Twice a day I cleanse, tone and moisturise using low foam cleanser, followed by Botanical Infused moisturising toner. I adore the vita-peptide eye gel which not only contains Vitamin A but a combination of peptides to plump up the skin and reduce those fine lines that have crept up on me. The AVST Moisturiser I use is packed full with Vitamin A, its a step up programme to introduce the skin slowing to Vitamin A, starting on AVST 1 and working up to AVST 5, I am currently on AVST 3. In addition to the basics I use a product called avance moisturiser, this is essentially in place of a serum and is great for hydration and anti ageing.
Two or three evenings a week I love using the Revival Masque, lovingly nicknamed “facelift” in a box, your skin feels so lovely the next morning. If like me you have reached level 3 of the moisturiser you can add in rollering. This is safe to use at home and enhances penetration of the products.
My treat to myself is to book myself in for a treatment once a month. In most cases I manage it.
The Environ Advanced Collagen Power Facial is my favourite, my skin instantly looks better, this peptide-packed facial helps to boost collagen, soften fine lines and tightens lax skin, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Ideal for targeting mature or photo- damaged complexions.
The Environ facial treatment works by using gentle sound waves to drive a special nutrient-packed serum deep into the lower layers of the skin. The skin appears plumper and more radiant.
The image I have attached to this blog ,is a before and after photograph of myself after using Environ frown serum for 12 weeks ( no need for Botox after all)
Body Scrubs
I love a good body scrub, I had an amazing treatment when on holiday in Thailand last year and have been a scrub addict ever since. We recently introduced the Thalgo body range to the salon, the Merveille Artique salt body scrub is an excellent exfoliator and smells divine. You can of course have this done in the salon for you but if like me, time is an issue the scrub is easy to use at home and will give your skin a fantastic polish, leaving it feeling silky smooth.
For a real treat I can’t recommend highly enough the Thalgo body rituals. The Rituals are inspired to create a stunning sensory experience inspired by the culture of Nordic treatments. More than just a treatment… a new experience of well being in three steps: 1. Hot 2. Cold 3. Relaxation
Following a full body exfoliation, this massage aptly combines Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage techniques. Relaxing Massage Balls are used to relieve tension, remove stress, harmonise/balance the body push the limits of your senses! Its target: to relax muscle tensions, aching and stiffness for sportswomen and men or sedentary-related tensions, stress and overall fatigue.
Here at Beauty Haven we are delighted to help you decide on treatments and/or products that we have all tried and tested.
