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Bonjour Gatineau, Welcome to my Skincare Regime

gatineauBonjour Gatineau,
Welcome to my Skincare Regime

My love affair with French skincare started around five years ago. At the time I was travelling to-and-from France on a regular basis, and I was enthralled by the products that lined pharmacy shelves. They promised quality over quantity,  unlike a lot of British & American beauty brands that churn out product after product. Not only that but most of the brands had reassuringly been around for years. One of these brands was Gatineau, founded back in 1932 by beauty therapist, Madame Jeanne Gatineau.

C’est Gatineau

Over the years Jeanne Gatineau’s pioneering research and development has resulted in cosmetic breakthroughs that have been stepping stones for the entire beauty industry. Par exemple, Gatineau were the first beauty house in the world to develop an exfoliator and alcohol-free cleansers and toners – I bet you didn’t know that.

Back to 2018, and Gatineau very kindly offered to send me a selection of their products to try, which I was happy to accept. After all I had been longingly staring at them for several years now, and I was dying to try out more than the travel size companions (body lotion, and hand cream) I had in my beauty cabinet.

I’m currently using the Perfection Ultime Beauty Cream, and I’m completely in love with the texture and scent of the product. I recently had a bad breakout and this has helped bring back some luminosity to my skin. Alongside this I tried the Collagene Experte Eye Pads in my bi-weekly routine., which have been freshening up my tired eyes. I’ve yet to try the other items I received, but if this experience is anything to go by then I can’t wait. Gatineau’s products look, feel and ooze quality – exactly what I’d expect from a luxury skincare brand.

Check out more of my beauty must-haves now!gatineau gatineau

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A Rather Bazaar Beauty Box | Review

Bazaar Beauty BoxBazaar Beauty Box by Latest In Beauty

Remember when beauty boxes were a thing? It’s been a while since it was popular for companies to charge us an arm and a leg for travel size samples; you were one of the lucky few if you found a rare full size product in your box. After the hype died down, I personally took to researching products and buying the full size versions. And I was happy. But then VA went and sent me a link to the latest ‘Latest in Beauty’ box. It included a collaboration with none other than Harper’s Bazaar – a brand that had won me over previously with their Birchbox collaboration. I couldn’t resist finding out more.

So what’s inside?

The limited-edition Spring/Summer beauty edit features high-end favourites from the likes of Laura Mercier, Elemis, Dermalogica, and many more.

  • Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (full size)
  • Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder (full size)
  • MAC Prep + Prime Fix + (full size)
  • Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair  (full size)
  • Benefit They’re Real Mascara (full size)
  • Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Day Cream (15ml travel size)
  • Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Essence (50ml travel size)
  • Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask (15ml travel size)
  • Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (30ml travel size)
  • Alpha H Liquid Gold (50ml travel size)
  • Shavata Complimentary Brow-Shape (gift card)

Bazaar Beauty Box – final thoughts

This box is worth an incredible £224! But is it worth £50 (that’s the RRP) of your hard earned cash? Well quite frankly, yes it is. This box includes some amazing – and expensive – products. I already had plans to repurchase the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, and the MAC Prep + Prime Fix +. So straight off I’d saved myself £18, and that was without counting all the extra products that came in the box.

The amount of full size products is way more than most beauty boxes. And these are popular products, they’re not just cast offs from some company you’ve never heard of. I’ve already started using a few of the items, and I’m excited to try out all of the others (yes, all of them). £50 is a lot of money, but I am so glad I splurged on this.

You can purchase the Bazaar Beauty Box at Latest in Beauty.
Check out more of my beauty must-haves now!

Bazaar Beauty Box Bazaar Beauty Box Bazaar Beauty Box

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Lixirskin Vitamin C Paste | Beauty Review

Lixirskin Vitamin C PasteLixirskin Vitamin C Paste

2017 was the year that science made it big time in the cosmetics world, and on the high street. Of course beauty aficionados were already aware of the benefits of acids, retinoids and antioxidants in skincare. But the high street wasn’t. Small brands boasting these products soon became bigger brands, and the general public were suddenly encapsulated in a foreign, exciting world.

I myself was a part of this movement; telling everyone and anyone about the amazing products I couldn’t live without. But it got a bit boring seeing the same brands everywhere. I also wasn’t too keen on established companies jumping on the bandwagon, especially when they were known for using a cocktail of chemicals. So I began to look elsewhere, and that’s when Yasumi suggested I try Lixir skin.

Lixirskin Vitamin C Paste

The Lixirskin Vitamin C Paste is a concentrated product designed for quick morning use. It claims to leave you skin ‘vibrant, luminous & smooth…brighter, more even toned and lifted.’

But how exactly does it do this?

  • Scavenges free radicals
  • Helps Collagen production and protects Elastin
  • Provides natural sunscreen against UVA & UVB, and regulates melanin production
  • Neutralises oxidised sebum and proteins to revive greyish, greenish and dull skin undertones.

That’s some in-depth science stuff right there, and some big claims. So does it do what it says on the tin? I mean tube…

Final thoughts

  • Beautifully designed packaging
  • Smooth gel-paste texture
  • Applies and rinses off easily
  • Lightly evened out my skin tone
  • Unappealing scent

It may smell funny, but once you get over the initial scent – which doesn’t last for long by the way – you realise that there’s a lot more to this little tube of goodness. Apart from being a welcome – and easy – addition to my skincare regime, it’s been a lovely product to use. I bought this to try and combat my dull skin tone and the red marks left behind by old spots, and it did not disappoint. At £32 this is quite an expensive tube of paste, but it’s one I would buy again, and I’d like to try more products in the range too.

You can purchase Lixirskin Vitamin C Paste online.
Check out more of my beauty must-haves now!

Lixirskin Vitamin C Paste Lixirskin Vitamin C Paste Lixirskin Vitamin C Paste

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Rodial Chin & Neck Lift – Freeze & Sculpt | Review

Rodial Chin & Neck LiftRodial Chin & Neck Lift – Freeze & Sculpt

I’ve not necessarily neglected my chin and neck when it comes to skincare, but I’ve definitely not give it the tender loving care I’ve done with the rest of my regime. So when I attacked the Rodial sale last month, I decided it was time for a change. I was ready to shell out on a product that made some big promises – Rodial Chin & Neck Lift Freeze & Sculpt.

Rodial Chin & Neck Lift

Inspired by the effects of viper venom, Rodial Chin & Neck Lift claims to instantly firm and lift the contours of the neck area; altering the appearance of the chin and neck area, for visibly smoother and younger looking skin. That’s a mighty big claim for one little product.

Let’s break down the ingredients, shall we…

  • Ovaliss: Reduces appearance of a double chin.
  • Decapeptide: Boosts cell metabolism.
  • Pomegranate Ellagic Tannin: Firm & tone the skin by boosting collagen production.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Long lasting hydration.

Everything looks in order, but does it live up to the hefty promises it makes?

Final thoughts

  • Nice texture
  • Applies easily
  • Well designed packaging
  • Didn’t notice much change

I’ve been using this for a little over a month, and I’ve barely noticed a change in my chin or neck area. I’ve read reviews by middle-aged women who swear by it for helping with lines and the first signs of ageing, so I’m going to give Rodial the benefit of the doubt and assume it works better on older skin. Moaning aside, the packaging is efficient and aesthetically pleasing, and I like the texture of the product itself.

I bought this in the sale for £25 because I wanted a moisturiser primarily for my chin and neck. I’m not unhappy with it, but I definitely don’t think it’s the miracle product some people have claimed it to be. At the original price of £85 I would have been pretty, let’s say annoyed, with the meagre affect it’s appeared to have. I guess it goes to show that just because it has a high price tag doesn’t necessarily mean it works.

You can purchase Rodial Chin & Neck Lift online.
Check out more of my beauty must-haves now!Rodial Chin & Neck Lift Rodial Chin & Neck Lift

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Rodial Hydrate Freeze Collection | Review

Rodial Hydrate FreezeRodial Hydrate Freeze Collection

January means a new year, and another birthday. And turning another year older means more need for anti-aging skincare. Of course anyone in their mid-20s and later should be using anti-aging skincare, but personal needs and goals will change over the years. My goal this year is start to exfoliating and using moisturising masks twice a week, which fits my needs for even skin tone and plump skin. Thankfully I managed to grab something in the Rodial sale that promised to do just that: the Hydrate Freeze Collection.

Rodial Hydrate Freeze Collection

The Rodial Hydrate Freeze set is suitable for all skin types; Dragon’s Blood delivers intense hydration whilst Snake blurs fine lines and wrinkles helping to correct skin tone.The kit includes:

  • Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic Mask (50ml): A moisture boosting face mask with instant visible results, this double action hydrating and plumping face mask reduces redness and soothes the skin whilst plumping lines and wrinkles.
  • Snake Mask (50ml): This jet-black peel off face mask visibly brightens and corrects skin tone whilst decongesting pores for radiant looking skin. The unique Syn®-ake ingredient mimics the effect of temple viper venom for a mild freezing and tightening effect on the skin.

Final Thoughts?

Snake Mask

  • Difficult to apply
  • Peels off relatively easily
  • Leaves skin feeling cleansed
  • Skin appears tighter & tone corrected

Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic Mask

  • Nice texture
  • Applies easily
  • Absorbs into skin well
  • Soothing and plumping

I’m currently on the fence about this set. My issues lie with the peel-off Snake Mask which is very difficult to apply – it dries too quickly and doesn’t spread well. It works pretty well once it’s on, but the application is just frustrating. The Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic Mask is much better in comparison, and I would definitely purchase it by itself. It applies and soaks in well, leaving the skin smooth and plump. At the original price of £49 I’m not sure I’d be re-purchasing this set. But at the current sale price of £25 I would definitely consider buying it again.

You can purchase Rodial Hydrate Freeze collection online.
Check out more of my beauty must-haves now!

Rodial Hydrate FreezeRodial Hydrate Freeze

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The Beauty Lover’s Christmas Gift Guide

Beauty Lover's Christmas Gift GuideIt’s that time of the year again, when every other sentence is either “Urgh it’s too soon for Christmas stuff” or “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it’s Christmas already”. Whichever kind of person you are (I’m the latter), you are almost certainly beginning to think about gifts for Christmas. Right? I thought so. And in true Bloomzy tradition, I have decided to write a series of gift guides again this year. First up is ‘The Beauty Lover’s Christmas Gift Guide’, and it’s jam packed full of awesome products that will leave you looking like a pro gift giver.

The Beauty Lover’s Christmas Gift Guide

With several big launches this year, beauty products – in particular gift sets – are great standalone gifts or stocking fillers to put under the tree. I’ve included some of my favourite products from 2017, alongside some of the items I currently have on my own wish list. It’s safe to say you’ll find a variety of high quality brands and price points, from well known-names such as Givenchy and The Ordinary, to independent must-haves such as Etta French and Maya Nije. With this gift guide, you’re bound to impress any beauty lover.

If you enjoyed The Beauty Lover’s Christmas Gift Guide, check out the rest of my Christmas Gift Guide series.

Beauty Lover's Christmas Gift GuideBeauty Lover's Christmas Gift Guide Beauty Lover's Christmas Gift Guide Beauty Lover's Christmas Gift Guide

 

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La Crème Main – Chanel Hand Cream | Review

Chanel Hand CreamLa Crème Main – Chanel Hand Cream *

I’ve always been oddly proud of my hands, and I often joke that I should have been a hand model. Sadly those dreams were not realised, and I was resigned to using my hands in another way… Ok, get your head out of the gutter, I meant typing! However using my hands so much means that I’ve become slightly paranoid about taking care of my skin. I’ve used a variety of creams, but in the past few years I’ve not gone back to any one in particular. So when Chanel announced their new hand cream – which comes in a design-geeks daydream – I decided to pick it up and see whether it could change all of that.

La Crème Main – Chanel Hand Cream

Honestly the packaging is what drew me in. It’s simple, yet beautifully designed. “Singular and innovative, its design was thought like a true handbag accessory. Fitting perfectly into the hand, the packaging maintains its shape and protects the formula.” I spotted it in an ad campaign a few months ago, and I knew I would end up adding it to my collection once it was launched.

That said, there’s more to this than just a pretty face. The cream claims to smooth, brighten and moisturise hands and nails, with a melt-away texture that absorbs quickly into your skin.

Final Thoughts?

  • Moisturises
  • Smoothing
  • Subtle scent
  • Creamy texture (quickly absorbed)
  • Nicely designed packaging
  • Easy to use, hygienic applicator
  • Didn’t notice any brightening

At £45 would I purchase it again? It wouldn’t be my first choice, but I would definitely keep it in mind. I think it would be a great gift for someone who is a fan of Chanel, or simply if you wanted to treat someone to something special.

You can purchase La Crème Main Chanel hand cream in-store and online.
Check out more of my beauty must-haves now!
Chanel Hand Cream Chanel Hand Cream Chanel Hand Cream