ELEMIS PRO-COLLAGEN SUPER SERUM ELIXIR {REVIEW}

This ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Super Serum Elixir was another inclusion 

in my wonderful ELEMIS Christmas gift set and to be honest, I don't think I 

would ever have contemplated it's purchase.

I've become rather lazy with serums over the last few years

and whilst I do use regularly, I do go through naughty stages where I don't.

On reflection I was more diligent with serum use in my 30's and 40's than

I have been in my 50's, so I welcomed this Pro-Collagen addition to my

current ELEMIS regime.

If you would like to read my past ELEMIS reviews

Here

As skin ages, it begins to lose the solid architecture of its youth and the

Pro-Collagen was created with this in mind. 

Developed with incredible, ultra-hydrating marine actives and cutting-edge science, these formulas deliver intense, skin-plumping hydration to smooth the 

appearance of lines and wrinkles.

The ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Super Serum Elixir is anti-ageing concentrate that

has been formulated to plump, smooth and nourish

 the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, 

for a more youthful look.

Powered by a unique blend of intelligent bio-actives including Tri-Peptides, 

African Birch Bark, Red Seaweed and Padina Pavonica,

 this concentrated anti-wrinkle elixir claims to leave the skin feeling firmer 

with improved elasticity. 

The formula is also infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Omega-rich Camelia Oil 

to provide superior moisturisation, for a visibly smoother, plumper look.

It's a super easy serum to incorporate into your daily beauty regime, apply morning 

and/or evening under your moisturiser or night cream.

It can be used by all skin types.

Dispense 1 to 2 pumps (I found one pump was enough) onto fingertips and

 massage upwards onto a cleansed face, neck and décolleté, but

this super serum can also be used as a specific line and wrinkle treatment.

I chose to apply all over the face and neck in the morning and as a concentrated specific line treatment at night.

Despite the sizing only being 15 mls it does offer a good pricing when it 

comes to the cost per application, as a little does spreads a long way.

N.B It is important to shake this product well before use to mix the ingredients.

I have been using this serum now for nearly 3 months and this concentrated

active serum has been an absolute pleasure to use.

This lightweight oil/cream formula glides beautifully onto the skin and has

an almost silk like feel.

It's not the fastest absorbing serum and that's ok, as it's one of the nicest

serum formulas that I've tried in a very long while.

The clue to how good this serum is lies in its name "Super Serum".

My skin has been feeling "SUPER"and incredibly plump, so much so that my forehead furrows and lines have definitely softened.

I've found it to be very efficient on the moisturising front and post application

the skin has a lovely sheen and smoothness to it.

If you are looking for an easy to use, fuss free, yet effective anti-ageing 

product that tackles those major ageing concerns, then the

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Super Serum is certainly one to consider.

PRO-COLLAGEN

SUPER SERUM

ELIXIR

15ml

R

1260

$

78.50

£

53

My favourite retailers of ELEMIS products are:

The Red Carnation Hotels & Spas

OneSKIN.emporium

ELEMIS PRO-COLLAGEN STARS OF THE SHOW GIFT SET

The ELEMIS Gift Set offerings for Christmas 2020 were fantastic to say the least

and each set did offer a saving on buying the products individually. 

(In the case of the set below it was approx a 35% saving)

Whilst here in South Africa we didn't get the full compliment on offer from 

ELEMIS,

 we did get many and I was so lucky to have received one from my youngest

"kiddiewink" as a Christmas gift and it just so happens to be the 

best in my opinion!

Having used and reviewed several ELEMIS products in the past just click 

on the link to catch up click here

  I have said in those previous reviews that it's a brand that I would love to

discover more of and that is why I love this collection of ELEMIS products

so much, as it enables me to explore more of the Pro- Collagen range.

The 

ELEMIS

 PRO-COLLAGEN

STARS OF THE SHOW

GIFT SET

 

was perfectly named as it really was the "Star of the Show"

and for any Pro-Collagen fans out there, this was a gift of dreams.

The six face-care products and a facial cleansing cloth were

 all housed in a high quality vanity/jewellery case, with a removable insert.

Having only tried the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream prior I was very happy indeed

to have a replacement, but this time in the form of their Super Size 100ml.

The other 5 products, 2 of which were full size, were all skincare products 

from ELEMIS that I had not tried previously, so this collection of

products, for me were truly the Stars of the Show.

Inside the Luxury Vanity Case were the following products:

NEW Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask 15ml – Full Size

Pro-Collagen Super Serum Elixir 15ml – Full Size

Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 100ml – Super Size

Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm 50g

Luxury Cleansing Cloth

Pro-Collagen Insta-Smooth Primer 5ml

Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix 30ml

As you can imagine 2021 will be for me and Beauty Shout Box an 

ELEMIS year, when it comes to skincare product reviews. 

A couple of year ago I had a year where I focused on products from the 

French skincare brand Caudalie

and I know that many of you enjoyed those reviews, so expect more

of the same, just a different brand.

I cannot wait to slowly include the above into my daily skincare regime 

and as you may have seen in my recent "Currently Under Review" post

for January the NEW Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask is the first to be included.

Beauty Products Currently Under Review (Jan 2021)

This set was purchased from the OYSTER BOX HOTEL SPA however

I'm not sure if these SA retailers still have this set available.

ELEMIS stockists in SA:

SUPERBALIST

ABSOLUTE SKIN

BRITISH BESPOKE

TAKEALOT

Please let me know, in the comments below if there are any of your 

ELEMIS faves here... 

HUXLEY SECRET OF SAHARA CREAM : GLOW AWAKENING {REVIEW}

Huxley is the first Korean skincare brand that I have ever tried any product from

and by my own admission I have and always will be a lover of European skincare, especially the French brands.

That being said I'm open to sailing into new skin care waters and Korean

Beauty has lots to offer, so this is me dipping my toe in...

Huxley is a contemporary skincare brand from South Korea. 

Their formulations respect the skin barrier with minimalist, plant-derived ingredients. 

The key ingredient found in all Huxley products is Sahara Prickly Pear Seed Oil, 

a desert cactus and real wonder of nature. 

It contains unique phytochemicals that provide intensive moisturisation 

due to its excellent ability to retain water.

Huxley products are expertly crafted with elegant and sophisticated formulations that are a pleasure to use. They are manufactured at a cutting-edge facility

 in South Korea and preserved within high-quality packaging.

All products are vegan-friendly, Dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic

and Paraben free

The Huxley Secret of Sahara Cream

 Glow Awakening

was the cream that I had heard most rave reviews about and it sounded like

a product that my skin and I would enjoy.

The Secret Sahara range has been formulated to be rich in antioxidants that moisturise and brighten dull, lack lustre, stressed skins, whilst offering 

protection from pollution and the 

Glow Awakening Cream 

appears to be the star of the show.

I found this cream to be a light-medium weight texture that not only had 

a very pleasant clean, fresh fragrance, but it also felt instantly comfortable

on the skin and applied smoothly and easily.

This cream can be used am & pm and is suitable for all skin types and I 

would imagine a more combination skin type would particularly enjoy its texture.

I've only been using mine in the morning, as I had other 

night creams on the go, but I'm about to also use both morning and evening.

I must make mention of the packaging, as it comes in

a solid glass jar, that has a more luxe feel about it than many 

creams double the price and I'm happy to say it also comes with a spatula.

The Huxley products are well priced here in South Africa and are only

available through DERMASTORE

Truthfully this cream didn't WoW me on the glow factor front as much as

 I thought it would, but it does give the skin a dewy appearance which I liked.

I've thoroughly enjoyed applying it as part of my morning routine, as it's just one

 of those comfortable, reliable, all round everyday, well priced moisturisers

 and as my first K Beauty product, I'm happy I dipped my toe into the Korean waters and I think I may be dipping more toes into the water.

I would, without hesitation recommend this cream and re-purchase 

it again myself...

HUXLEY

SECRET OF SAHARA

GLOW AWAKENING CREAM

50ml

R

590

LUMENE NORDIC HYDRA INTENSE 24H MOISTURIZER {REVIEW}

This 24H Intense Moisturiser came from the Finnish skincare brand LUMENE and formed 

part of a gift set that contained 3 deep hydrating products from their 

NORDIC HYDRA collection.

Being the 3rd product from LUMENE that I'm putting to the test and initially all of the products appealed to me greatly, hence why I bought the set, but sadly only two of the three products have been a hit with me...

Click on the Pink Links below to read the previous 2 reviews.

Nordic Hydra Moisture Plump Lip Balm Review

Nordic Hydra Aerating Gel Mask Review

After having experienced one huge success, that I adore and then one that was a complete and utter fail,I really wasn't too sure what to expect from the 
NORDIC HYDRA 24H Intense Moisturiser. 

I needn't have worried, as I have completed fallen in love with this cream that
absolutely delivers on all it promises and I would go as far to say that this
super hydrating moisturiser is one of, if not, the best hydrating products 
I have ever tried.

The delightful clean fresh fragranced cream is light, almost soufflé like, quick absorbing and intensely hydrating from the very first application.
As with all LUMENE products it contains Pure Arctic Spring Water to promote
 a healthy-looking complexion, whilst replenishing Organic Nordic Birch Sap and the Hydra-Technology, support continuous hydration throughout the day.

It's this continuous hydration that has impressed me the most, as my normal/dry
skin felt more than comfortable and soft throughout the whole day and even though I didn't put it to the 24H test, I have no doubt that it would continue to perform well.

Key Benefits:

Hydrate, Quench, Refresh

- Sensation of 24 hours of intense hydration*

- Radiant, healthy-looking skin

Key Ingredients: 

Pure arctic spring water

- Naturally exceptionally pure

- Skin pH affinity

- Low in mineral salts for optimal softness

Organic Nordic birch sap

- 100% natural. 

- Rich in minerals and amino acids

Hydra-technology

- Slow-release technology with naturally derived moisture binding agents for lasting hydration

LUMENE is a 100% natural, Clean, vegan 

and cruelty free skincare brand and free from parabens

Lumene Lähde Intense Hydration 24H Moisturizer is applied daily to the
face and neck after cleansing and can be used by all skin types.
Over the months I have not applied daily, but rather alternated with other moisturisers and if I felt that my skin needed deeper hydration I would switch and use for several days
until my skin was balanced again.

This product has already been added to my list of Top 10 Skincare Products  for 2020and I will be very disappointed when this product finishes, as it's been a real bonus in 
my skincare regime and my skin has responded well.
 I would love to explore more of this reasonable priced skincare brand that hails from colds of Finland.

LUMENE

NORDIC HYDRA

24H MOISTURISER

50mls

R
N/A in South Africa

£

17.90

$
19.99

ZELENS Z PURE CLEANSING LIQUID BALM {REVIEW}

Even though ZELENS is still relatively new to me, I'm already excited about trying 

more of their products, especially after raving about their Youth Glow Foundation

in a recent blogpost to read my full review

Just as a reminder of who the man is behind the brand:

Dr. Marko Lens is an internationally renowned authority in the field of skin aging and skin cancer. He is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon practicing in London and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. Dr. Lens holds a Master of Science degree from Harvard University and a PhD degree from the Oxford University in the field of skin cancer. 

His thinking is highly sought after by the skin care industry. He holds several patents in the field of anti-aging skin care. Dr. Lens regularly lectures on shaping trends in skincare and development of novel and cutting-edge anti-aging skin care.

I have been trying out their Z Pure Cleansing Liquid Balm this past week and it's

 a cleansing liquid balm formulated to thoroughly cleanse the skin and help 

remove impurities and make-up.

Enriched with a fusion of essential oils, this daily cleanser transforms into a light milk when mixed with water to instantly deliver moisture and help strengthen the skin's protective barrier. 

Leaves skin purified, soft, smooth and radiant. 

Benefits:

Helps remove impurities and make-up

Delivers instant moisture

Helps achieve a smooth and radiant complexion

Application:

Apply to the face and neck using gentle circular motions avoiding the delicate eye area. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. Follow with a moisturiser.

I managed to get three uses out of the sample and I cleansed off a full face of 
make-up and also used to cleanse a make-up free skin.
Suitable for all complexions, this honey coloured liquid gel effortlessly breaks
 down and melts even long-wear foundation when massaged over dry skin, before transforming into a mild cleansing milk when emulsified with water, 
it reminded me very much

of my favourite EVE LOM Cleansing Balm, but in a liquid form.

It also isn't dissimilar to the OSKIA RENAISSANCE Cleansing Gel, so if you enjoy either of these two cleansers then I'm sure you will enjoy the 

ZELENS cleansing liquid balm.

I was super impressed with how it left my skin feeling not only perfectly 
cleansed, but super conditioned and surprisingly soft and no tight feeling 
on the skin whatsoever.
This is one of those products that is a pure delight to use and for once a product that lives 
up to the claims above and it would be
a great replacement for my EVE LOM when that eventually finishes.

Having now used two of the ZELENS skincare products I am beginning to 
understand why the brand has a band of loyal and dedicated followers and 
I would love to explore more of what the Doctor orders... 

Z PURE

CLEANSING LIQUID BALM

125mls

R

1,190

£

50

$

80

RODIAL DRAGON'S BLOOD LIP MASK {REVIEW}

WoW this review is long overdue, as I've had this in my sheet mask stash,

you know that stash that I never seem to get around to using, for literally

 a year or more and to be honest it's on the edge of its expiry date.

If you read my blog regularly you will already know that I'm the worst person when it comes to using sheet masks, as I find them such a faff, yet I still continue to

 buy them with all good intentions.

I recently reviewed the

 RODIAL DRAGONS BLOOD EYE MASK 

which I loved, so I'm hoping to enjoy this Lip Mask as much.

To read my full review

I'm not sure that you can technically call this Lip Mask from RODIAL a sheet mask,

 as it only covers the skin over and around the lips.

 It is however made from the same bio-cellulose fibre as a sheet mask and is

applied over the lips and left to work its plumping, hydrating magic for 15mins

and then removed.

They claim to achieve the perfect, fuller looking pout and give an instant moisture boost, comfort and soothe the skin for smoother, younger looking lips and wouldn't that be just wonderful on my aged lined less than perfect pout.

It is a sad fact that the lips loose their fullness with age and become thinner, due to the

decline in collagen production, Hyaluronic Acid and dehydration.

Thankfully this product contains a cocktail of lip plumping ingredients:

Dragon’s blood extract: 

anti-inflammatory and soothes and protects skin from external aggressors.

Hyaluronic acid: 

provides intense hydration.

Glycerin: 

helps main skin’s outer barrier to retain moisture.

How to use:

Remove lip mask from the protective fabric sheets on each side and apply directly to cleansed lips. Leave for 15 minutes and peel away. Gently massage any residue into lips. Discard mask after use.

Cautions: 

Wash hands thoroughly before use. Do not use on eczema, broken or irritated skin. Discontinue use if you experience any redness, swelling or irritation.

This Lip Mask from RODIAL has gained the love of many a celebrity and beauty

editor globally, so there must be some merit to what it can do...

My Impressions:

This is a well saturated soft gel textured mask that's a little fiddly to apply,

aren't they all, and once on its easy to manoeuvre into the correct place.

The sachet contains ample serum to apply on its own for several

more applications.

It initially feels quite cool and soothing on the lips and over time the serum is 

absorbed leaving the mask to almost become a second skin over the lips and around 

the mouth. There is obviously no drinking, eating or talking for 15 mins.

After 15 minutes its easy to remove and then you can just massage any excess

serum into the skin.

I can't say that I noticed any immediate plumpness and it didn't make my

lips look any thicker, but I did notice that there was a deepening of my natural

lip colour.

For me the most noticeable and immediate difference was the softness

 and smoothness of my lips and with time i.e the next day, I started to think

that my usual thin upper lip had more volume and there was also a slight softening 

of the feathery lines above my top lip.

 In comparison to other one shot face or sheet masks I don't think it works out too expensive per mask, especially if you buy the better value box of 8.

Despite being a quick fix type of product, which would be great for a big night out

or a special occasion, I would definitely re-purchase, if for no other reason than

 for the great way it made my lips feel, soft, moisturised and smooth.

Let me know in the comments below if you have used either of the RODIAL

masks and what you thoughts are on either of these products... 

RODIAL 

DRAGON'S BLOOD

LIP MASK

1 mask/box of 8 masks

R

N/A in SA

£

6/36

$

7/45