Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream - Review

Morning!

I've been using the Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream for the last couple of months as my night cream - it has now (sadly) come to an end. It was one of the products included in the QVC TSV back in April.  I used it a few years ago and loved it then - suffice to say I still love it...

Pro-Collagen Marine Cream has been around for years and has won countless awards.  If you're not familiar with this iconic cream - here's a little info directly from Elemis ...

"This revolutionary Anti-Ageing cream uses the Marine extract Padina Pavonica to transform the complexion in just over 2 weeks*. Trials proved that the appearance in wrinkle depth was reduced by up to 78% and that hydration was increased by up to 45%. Skin firmness and elasticity are dramatically increased, whilst providing superior free radical protection." 

At my age I obviously need to 'step-up' on the anti-ageing front but as my skin is combination - still prone to oily t-zone, open pores and hormonal breakouts, as well as de-hydration and occasional dry patches on the cheeks - I want to sort all areas out without over-compensating,  I don't need anything too rich and heavy which (I imagine) would just compound existing problems.

The Pro-Collagen Marine Cream ticks all the boxes for me. It has a whipped, gel/cream-like texture. It glides on and sinks in effortlessly - is light, yet still hydrates and you only need a small amount. The fragrance is very subtle but fresh.  I also layered it with my facial oil on 'drier cheeks days' and it worked really well. Basically my skin seems to love this cream and did feel more in balance whilst I was using it. I'm now experiencing some issues (complexion-wise) - which I'll not bore you with today and am not sure if it's because my Pro-Collagen has run out - we'll see.

If money was no object this would be a regular re-purchase. Unfortunately - as it usually retails from around £79.00/50ml - as you can see here, it's not something I can afford to buy unless it's as part of a kit on good old QVC. If anyone knows of any decent alternatives out there please share!

Have you tried the Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream?


Jen x

Natures Healthbox - Green People Anti-Ageing Facial Oil - Review

Evening all!

I was recently sent a lovely product to review - from Nature's Healthbox - a new UK based website offering a vast array of natural and organic products including beauty and skincare,  supplements, food, household and baby and child products. You can check out the complete range here.  In their own words ...

"We offer a range of natural health, beauty and home products for men, women and children. Our mission is to bring you the very best in natural, organic and eco-friendly products and great service with a smile."

I received the Green People Anti-Ageing Facial Oil to review at the start of December...

"A pioneering brand established in 1997, Green People is the leader in certified organic body care products. With an extensive range of natural products – shampoos, face creams, sun lotions and body washes to name just a few – it is one of the biggest names in organic beauty in the UK."

Not sure if it's due to the cold weather, central heating or just plain impending old age but my cheeks have started feeling a little dry and tight at night in particular.  I've therefore been using one drop of this oil under my moisturiser every night and it seems to have done the trick. I concentrate mainly on the old cheeks but also apply a little onto my t-zone. Wasn't sure if it would make this area more oily or break me out (I have normal/combi skin) - but it hasn't and my skin actually seems to be behaving! I have heard that sometimes one of the ways to treat oily/de-hydrated skin is with more oil - in effect tricking the skin into thinking it doesn't need to overcompensate on oil production. In my case this oil has been really beneficial - I'm now using much less moisturiser to try to combat that dried out feeling.  I've also massaged a drop or two onto my neck and de-colletage (again under moisturiser at night) and periodically onto the backs of my extremely dry hands, under my hand cream last thing at night. It has a lovely natural soothing aroma so ideal for bedtime use - now all I need is to get some sleep!  The key benefits of this product are to nourish, enrich and balance - I think my skin would agree with all three!

The Green People Anti-Ageing Facial Oil is priced at £16.89/30ml - I'll definitely consider re-purchasing.  I've been using it for over a month and have only used a quarter of the bottle- the pump is easy to use - I have a thing a about dodgy pumps - this one seems to dispense the exact amount of oil - you can't beat a good pump!

You can check out the full range of tempting products from Green People over on Nature's Healthbox right here.  And...while we're about it...Nature's Healthbox are offering a 10% discount on all products across the website (valid until midnight 31st January 2013). All you need to do is quote the code  BLOGTASTIC2013  (and this discount is in addition to the existing January offers) -

25% off Salcura (amazing treatments for eczema, psoriasis, dry and irritable skin)
15% off A.Vogel (a vast range of remedies and tinctures extracted from plants)
20% off Amy's Kitchen (Seriously delicious soups with no nasties)

I won't break my spending ban but may have to get the hubby to order a couple of items for me and put them away for my birthday!  Will you be picking up any products from Nature's Healthbox - would love to know!

Jen x