No7 Instant Radiance Concealer - Review

Bonjour!

I've used the No7 Instant Radiance Concealer on and off for a few years. Originally only two shades were available, there now appears to be a third darker colour, however after swatching I stuck with my usual Shade II ... comes in at £13.50 but I had a No7 £3 off voucher ...

The Instant Radiance concealer includes light reflecting particles which are meant to give the impression of having had 'a good night's sleep' (can't remember the last time I had one of those!) and is meant to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.

It comes in a click pen with a brush applicator - I use the brush to dot the product on and then blend in (I use my fingers). I've tried it on it's own but it just adds a wash of translucent colour which doesn't cover my dark circles enough and can look a little grey at times. It's quite a light, creamy fluid but layering it on too much can make it sit in my fine lines and just draw attention to the old bags! It works really well, however, when used sparingly in the inner corners of the eye area and over the top of my colour correcting concealer - adds that bit of extra brightness and radiance.  Swatched and blended below ...

I do tend to use this more often when wearing my contact lenses - ie when my eyes are more exposed to the big wide world and need that extra bit of help. It lasts a few hours on and the pen is handy to shove in my make-up bag for any touch-ups during the day (oh dear how wrong does that sound!).  All in all I do like this product for it's highlighting properties and adding a 'finishing touch'.  It's just a matter of finding how it works best for you I guess and if used correctly it does a good job of freshening up my eye area. I've read that this works in a similar way to the YSL Touche Eclat - if I ever get to compare I'll let you know!

Have you tried the No7 Instant Radiance Concealer? What's your favourite way to use it?

Jen x

Boost My Radiance ...!!

Bonjour!

I am not a fan of Winter - and that's putting it mildly! Why we can't just hibernate like animals is beyond me - or at least half hibernate!  Despite using some lovely products, I need a helping hand at this time of year to help with rubbish skin days, we're talking lackslustre, dull, grey, yellow etc. Here's where this little lot comes in ...!

Vichy Idealia BB Cream - if you read my waffle you'll know I'm a big fan of this BB. It's perfect for 'not so much make-up' days and helps me to look more human - if you know what I mean! Full review here. 

Gatineau Radiance Enhancing Gommage - a non-granular, enzyme based exfoliant to brighten and smooth.  Great to use on a morning/pre night out to pep things up or before applying a favourite facial mask for a bit of a pamper. Full review here.

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm - this was a magazine freebie. It can be used as a primer, light moisturiser or flash balm.  It didn't work for me as a primer, my make up slid off my face after a couple of hours - shame - but it's lovely as a morning moisturiser - hydrating and brightening or for applying sparingly to your kite for a bit of radiance.

Gatineau Active Eclat Flash Radiance - I should have done a full review on this little beauty - love it. A lightweight serum which can be applied over moisturiser, mixed with foundation or patted gently over make-up. It's wakes your face up and gives you a glow. For me, personally. this has the edge over the Elemis Flash Balm (sorry Elemis!) and I use it every time I have a dull day (or a hangover!).

Liz Earle Brightening Treatment Mask - I've used this mask for years, it's so quick and easy. Just apply after a morning cleanse, leave on for 30 seconds - 2 minutes and rinse off.  It gives a healthy 'just been for a brisk walk' glow - a great quick fix and it smells good too!

Bare Minerals Clear Radiance - this was part of a QVC kit some time ago. Bare Minerals have various versions of 'Radiance' - this one is a soft flesh tone which can be used to highlight or give a subtle glow over the cheekbones. I like to sweep a small amount over a matte blusher to add a bit of luminosity now and again.

Bare Radiance in the pot below ...

and then swatched ...

So that's my current arsenal for adding a bit of radiance - always good to have a trick or two up your sleeve and the more the better don't you think?

What are your favourite brightening/radiance enhancing products?

Jen x

Gatineau Radiance Enhancing Gommage - Review

Bonjour!

Don't you just love a bit of French skincare - especially salon premium French skincare at that?  I've ended up with not one but two tubes of Gatineau Radiance Enhancing Gommage - courtesy of my lovely Mum - she's a good un you know!

The Gatineau Radiance Enhancing Gommage is a non-granular, enzyme based exfoliant said to be suitable for all skin types including sensitive.  It contains AHAs (apple extract) and a cocktail of vitamins to brighten and energise, together with a moisturising complex with includes hyaluronic acid.

It starts off as a pearly orange gel-like substance with a viscous feel to it. You massage into your skin with circular movements until melts into a liquid form which can then be rinsed off after a minute or so - with the help of a cloth if you like. It has a delicate orange citrus fragrance - more on the sweet than tangy side.

I use as a 'pick-me-up' to perk up my tired skin either in the morning or before a (rare) night out and it's also a good option before applying a face mask as it sloughs of the dead skin layers and so leaves your skin like a blank canvas if you like.  It is hassle-free and effective, there is no stinging or burning and it works well to brighten and smooth without disturbing my eczema-prone dryer areas. In fact it leaves my skin so smooth it almost has a glass-like feel to it - it's not often I want to stroke my own cheek!

Sometimes we are all so busy that I guess it's easy to overlook the fact that there is no point in applying serums, creams and treatments over a load of stale skin cells as it will just sit on the top and do very little? This is why it's important to find the right product and exfoliate regularly according to your own specific skin needs. I find twice a week or so is enough for me.

Gatineau products can be purchased from several online beauty retailers but are a bit pricey to buy alone - the gommage comes in at around £30/75ml.  There are usually offers around though, ie  QVC has this product as a duo at £30 which makes it much more affordable.

Do you exfoliate regularly? Which is your favourite product? Have you tried anything from the Gatineau range?


Jen x