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Review: Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray

Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray

Remember when I visited France this Summer and picked up some facial sprays?
Well here is my first review of the bunch – Evian’s Brumisateur Facial Spray.
What is it?
A moisturising and toning facial spray to be used throughtout the day, or in your daily skincare routine.
You can spray it throughout the day if you feel your skin needs a pick-up, or if you need to cool down.
What can it do?
Evian claims that their facial spray will hydrate, moisturise, refresh and even tone your skin.
It also claims that it will help hold your make-up – just spray your face gently with the product after application.
Does it work?
I think that a lot of people just see this as water in a can.
Well I don’t know whether that’s true or not, but after using it I don’t think it is that simple.
I can be quite lazy in my skincare routine, so I will grab any cheat I can get. So naturally the idea of a spray that does the work of a toner and moisturiser, as well as holds my make-up appealed to me. Was I let down by the product? Not at all! Sometimes my skin can feel a bit raw or dry (not in a scary way) after I’ve washed/exfoliated, and a quick spray of this automatically helps ease my skin so that it feels normal again. I also agree that it can help hold your make-up although you need to be careful not to spray until after everything has dried (mascara, eyeliner etc.), or you might end up with a smudgy face. It works great as a toner, and it certainly helps moisturise. It’s also very gentle on the skin, so no chance of breakouts or dry patches.
The Evian facial spray is perfect to carry in your handbag, use as part of your routine, or just to take on holiday.
You can buy it in selected branches of Waitrose or online here.

bloomzy /

Event: Birchbox Champagne Afternoon Tea

Birchbox – Joliebox Champagne Afternoon Tea event

As soon as my plus-one and I walked through the doors we were giddy. I’d invited her to the Birchbox event as we both share a love for champagne and afternoon tea. It was held at The Soho Hotel, which is fashionably fancy, as is the drawing room which we were directed to. The tables were lined with cakes, sandwiches, biscuits and scones – with jam and cream, of course!

We arrived early and were greeted by the lovely team behind Birchbox and Joliebox. We were shown samples of October’s Joliebox, whilst waiters offered us salmon sandwiches and champagne. I loved the effort that the team went towards to greet and have a proper talk with everyone, not just a 5min chat. I knew quite a bit about Joliebox but I was really interested in finding out more about Birchbox, an American monthly beauty sample box company which are now moving into the European market, hence the event.

We even got to meet Katia Beauchamp, one of Birchbox’s co-founders – an incredibly funny, intelligent and gorgeous lady – definitely a power woman if I did ever meet one. I thought having some of the American team there was a really great edition to the event and showed just how passionate they are about making it here in Europe. Although I won’t lie, the highlight of the event were the ornately decorated (and incredibly yummy) biscuits! I think we can all expect big things from Birchbox once it’s launched in the UK – I can’t wait!

Birchbox UK will be launching in January 2013.
Joliebox will now be merging with Birchbox and becoming Birchbox UK.

bloomzy /

Event: Avène & Klorane Bloggers Breakfast

Avène and Klorane Bloggers Breakfast

When I was invited to the Avène and Klorane Bloggers Breakfast I was so excited. I fell in love with Klorane’s dry shampoo earlier this year, and I am a big fan of pretty much all of Avène’s products. The breakfast was held at the gorgeous Delaunay Grand European Cafe Restaurant, in Aldwych – by Covent Garden. The breakfast itself was delicious and there were plenty of yummy treats to choose between, although the mini-pastries were my favourite – I think Sascha of Beauty Geek UK agreed with me on that too. However, the stars of the show were of course, the array of products by Klorane and Avène.

I was introduced to Klorane’s shampoo and conditioners, as well as being given some advice on which product would be best suited for my hair/needs. For me it was Pomegranate (for coloured hair). Also on show were 3 shampoos that will be released early next year into John Lewis stores – more on that at a later date. If you haven’t come across Klorane’s shampoo & conditioners before, they have them for every kind of hair type, and they all smell gorgeous!

I like to think I know my Avène products, just because I’m such a fan…and because I’ve bought so many. I was wrong though, which was actually a nice surprise as I was introduced to some new products I didn’t know about. In particular the Antirougeurs range caught my eye as it offers a variety of products to help combat skin redness. I hadn’t heard of the range, or seen it in any French pharmacies so I was very interested in finding out more. I’m hoping I can get my hands on some soon to review for you all!

You can find my previous posts on Klorane here, and Avène here.

bloomzy /

Review: Trilogy Daily Defence Moisturiser

Trilogy Daily Defence Age Proof Moisturiser with SPF15*

Trilogy is not a new brand to the beauty market, some of you may even remember the review I did earlier in the year of their facial exfoliant. I am a fan of the brand, so I was excited to try out their daily defence moisturiser.
What does it do?
Trilogy say; “This lightweight formula contains a new generation SPF to provide effective UV protection from the sun’s harsh rays, while 100% pure plant oils offer long-lasting hydration for soft, supple skin. Provides the perfect base for make-up.” They also boast that it is used by Strictly Come Dancing’s latest edition, Denise Van Outen.
Does it do it?
Well obviously I can’t comment on the UV protection as Winter has now hit and we barely ever see the sun. However I will take Trilogy’s word for this as I’m always happy to see a moisturiser/foundation that contains an SPF – especially for my pale complexion. As for the perfect base for make-up, I would have to disagree. It goes on slightly dry and needs to be worked in. I didn’t find it much of a base but that may be down to my skin type.
As for my skin, well it is soft & supple.
What is it like?
The texture of the product is quite dry to be honest, and a little like putty. Trilogy have suggested adding a little rose hip oil to the product (with good results). That’s fine if you have some handy, but it’s not ideal for most people.
That aside, for my combination – sensitive skin type this is a wonderful moisturiser. It’s not too rich or creamy and it doesn’t weigh my skin down. I was really impressed as it didn’t cause me to get dry patches or break out, which is always a possibility for me when trying a new moisturiser.
Would I buy it?
The price tag is a bit hefty for me at £28.50 so I don’t think so.
I would consider it if it were slightly cheaper…or I had more money.
You can buy Trilogy’s Daily Defence Moisturiser in Boots stores and online here.
bloomzy /

Introducing: Shopcade

A preview of my Shopcade page
Shopcade is a new way to keep track of the things you love and the items you want to buy.
As you all know I am a wishlist addict. I love compiling them and sharing them with everyone else.
So it’s only natural for me that Shopcade is a site that is not only fun but essential for me when I’m online.
Shopcade is a social shopping application that allows you to share the items you’re buying or just want to buy.
You have your own personal page where you can add products and lists of items to show off to your friends and the Shopcade community. If you have ever seen a photo of an item online and wondered where it’s from and how you can buy it – Shopcade is your saviour! You can click through the product and be taken directly to the brands page where you can buy the item and earn points (& cash!) on Shopcade. You can also just earn points by adding products to your page. Once you have a certain amount you can use your points to get free gifts or vouchers. I used my points to get myself some new business cards and I’m currently saving the rest for a big prize!
I personally was drawn to Shopcade through the product sharing/list creating, and by the idea that you can then buy the item you just re-blogged/pinned. Earning points and cash whilst doing this is just an extra perk for me really. 
I also don’t feel any pressure to buy items – I can just enjoy sharing products and making my page pretty.
Add me on Shopcade here, and check out my Shopcade feature here.
Please ignore the name, it’s old and is in the process of being changed.
bloomzy /

Review: Mudd Face Masks

Mudd Face Masks: Sea Clay, Peel-off and Original*

Recently I was sent a lovely pink package, and what did it contain? It contained a set of the new Mudd face masks – sea clay, peel-off and original. I love putting on a face mask once or twice a week. It helps me relax and is great for my skin. So of course I was very happy to see that I had been given a selection of the masks to try out.

Mudd are quite smart in the way they’ve decided to package these. They come in single packs (1 application) and packs of 5 or 10 applications. The 5/10 application packs have a handy flip lid so you can squeeze out the perfect amount and then replace it. No need to worry about the mask getting everywhere or drying out!

I tried out the Hydrating sea clay face mask, as you can see. This really was hydrating and left my skin feeling super soft and light (does that make sense?). After application the mask dries and tightens…oh does it tighten. It felt a bit odd to start with but I got used to it. After 15mins 99% of the mask had dried and it felt like I’d had botox – I removed it with warm water and a cloth. This was a lovely mask and I can’t wait to try out the others, especially the peeling mask!

You can buy Mudd Face Masks in Boots and online here.
Prices are £1 for a single, £3.05 for a 5 pack and £4.99 for a 10 pack.

bloomzy /

Review: Tanda Zap – Acne spot treatment device

HoMedics Tanda Zap – acne spot treatment device*
HoMedics Tanda Zap is a new handheld blue light device to help fade or clear acne.
The great thing about Tanda Zap is that it is an on-the-spot treatment, which means you can do it at home, in work etc.
It easily fits into your bag, or on your dresser so you can grab it for a treatment whenever you fancy.
What does it do?
It uses blue light technology, along with sonic vibration and a gentle warming to open the pores, help destroy bacteria and reduce swelling/inflammation. It even claims to help clear or fade blemishes within 24 hours.
It can also help to prevent future breakouts.
For use on all skin types and tones.
How do you use it?
By pressing the big orange switch on the front, the blue light is activated.
Hold the Tanda Zap gently against the affected area and let it run its course – 2mins.
You can end the treatment before the time is up, or it will turn off after the 2mins has passed.
You can use it up to 3x a day on the one blemish, and on other blemishes.
It is battery powered and lasts for 1000 treatments.

 

My Personal Experience
I usually suffer from one or two breakouts during my period, but am generally spot free the rest of the time.
Luckily I had a nasty spot for this same reason, when the Tanda Zap arrived at my front door. These tend to last around a week and fade with my usual skin care routine but I decided to try out Tanda Zap instead. I used it as part of my normal skin care routine day & night, as well as once in the afternoon. After 24hrs I definitely noticed a difference – actually the spot was more inflammed, but I think this was due the treatment bringing out all the bacteria etc. After 48hrs I was really happy as the spot was noticeably smaller and less inflammed.
I’m impressed and will definitely continue to use it when a spot pops up!
Before use I would suggest you read the instructions as some medication such as antihistamines apparently don’t work well with it (can cause skin irritation and redness), however I take them occasionally and haven’t had a problem.
You can buy Tanda Zap in Boots stores, and online here.
For those who suffer with long-term acne problems, Tanda Clear+ is also available, here.