Skin Care Jack Pot - MuLondon Organic White Chocolate Truffle Moisturizer

I think this blog and the sheer amount of skincare posts illustrate the fact that I take my beauty products quite seriously. My reviews are lengthy, precise and hopefully helpful to those of you researching your next beauty endeavor. I take my time with testing things out and if I like something I can be quite vocal about it.

Well, I honestly can't be loud enough about this product - MuLondon's Organic White Chocolate Truffle Moisturizer just might be the single best skincare product I have ever had the pleasure of using. Everything about this moisturizer is beyond impressive and testing it out has gotten me so excited about everything else they have to offer so much so that I have been stalking their for website days plotting what is sure to be a huge order.  

In the world of cosmetics there is a lot to be said about the new crop of so-called natural and organic brands swept up by the rising need for good for-you products that are kind both to the body and the environment. The success stories are there and need to be celebrated but recognition needs to be given to the best of the best, those companies that deliver the natural products they promise without sacrificing functionality, feel and results. 

Let's just say that something being natural doesn't always translate into a good beauty product, which is why I believe in giving credit and recognizing this feat when someone gets it right. MuLondon doesn't just get it right, they bang it out of the park and present a product that not only outperforms moisturizers that cost 4x as much and promise a heck of a lot more than this lovely concoction even touches on.

Before I introduce you to what is probably the best moisturizer I have ever used I think its important to introduce the company and the man behind this seemingly unassuming brand that is bound to become a household name among natural beauty connoisseurs very soon.
MuLondon is an award-winning UK based cosmetics brand, specializing in natural, organic and almost entirely hand-made skincare products. In fact the founder of MuLondon, Boris, is their head hand-whipper! That fact alone makes their products sound wholesome and freshly inspiring!
The brand credentials and philosophy is completely committed to the natural, organic (where possible), pure and vegan lifestyles, guaranteeing absolutely no artificiality and complete transparency when it comes to ingredients and resulting product formulations. Basically there are absolutely no qualms and reservations with anything they make!

The Organic White Chocolate Truffle Moisturizer was my first MuLondon product and as you can see I am a huge fan already.

Official Description;
Delicious, decadent Organic White Chocolate Truffle face moisturiser. Indulge your skin and your senses in this luxury spread for your face and your body.
Contains organic Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil and rich, yummy & fragrant extracts of Cocoa and pure Bourbon Vanilla - to spoil, pamper and excite.
Added certified organic Rosemary Antioxidant helps replenish and revive the skin.

Ingredients;

Vitellaria Paradoxa (Shea Butter)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Butter)*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil)*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary Extract)*, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla Extract)*, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Extract)

The first thing that blew me away with this face cream is the scent itself - this is decadent, luscious, rich and absolutely true to its description real white chocolate. There is no artificiality or cloying interference whatsoever, which means that while the fragrance is definitively sweet it doesn't have the overly sugar undertone usually associated with gourmand-like products. I loved it so much that if they ever decided to bottle this as an EDP I would be first in line to purchase the jumbo size. You can't go wrong with real bourbon vanilla! 

Since this is a rich, concentrated moisturizer with the emollient trifecta - Shea Butter, Cocoa and Jojoba Oil, the texture is quite thick and needs to be used sparingly to achieve the proper moisture balance. The fact that its hand-whipped allows the thickness to melt and glide easily on the skin surface, making it ideal for a very spa-like facial massage experience. The combination of scent and this creaminess elevates the simple act of moisturizing by engaging all of your senses at once and making your entire skincare routine feel just a little more special than usual. 

The key ingredients, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and Coconut Butter, make this cream ideal for anyone with sensitive, reactive, and dry skin, because all of those target and alleviate the symptoms of the irritated epidermal layers. Anyone suffering from eczema, psoriasis and similar skin conditions would definitively benefit from this, meaning that if all you have to deal with is dry patches then this amazing moisturizer will work like a charm. You really can't argue with results! 

I have used the MuLondon Organic White Chocolate Truffle Moisturizer almost exclusively for the past few months and it has become one of my all-time favorite skincare products to date. Everything Boris and his team promise, this cream absolutely delivers and has surpassed every single expectation I have when it comes to facial moisturizers. 

In a world where big beauty companies make outrageous claims with equally outrageous "unclean" ingredients it is so refreshing to come across something like this that simply delivers and doesn't require a Masters in Organic Chemistry to decipher. 

The fact that the MuLondon products are also very affordable only further drives my point that they are awesome. 

My new favorite moisturizer is available in 30 ml for $15.00 and 60 ml for $25.00 here, proving that natural skincare doesn't have to cost an obscene amount in order to be amazing. 

I am almost out and this is going to be a definite repurchase :)

Have you tried the MuLondon products? What is your favorite natural brand? 

I hope this was helpful!

XOXO

ANJA

Review - Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Acne Prone Exfoliator

The Kate Somerville brand gained popularity among the Los Angeles rich & famous crowd almost since its conception over 18 years ago. It is said that most of the perfect, glowing complexions of celebrities and socialites alike can be traced to Kate and her main L.A. Skin Clinic. Indeed her clientele is quite impressive and includes names like: Sandra Oh, Paris Hilton, Debra Messing and Jessica Alba (just to name a few!)

What makes Kate Somerville stand out in the beauty industry is the fact that it really is a "true" skincare brand meaning that it is committed to creating science-backed formulations, using proven skin-loving ingredients and preforming very rigorous and extensive independent research testing before releasing a product to the general masses. They specialize in skincare only and they stick to that commitment through and through. 

All of their products are based on paramedical esthetics, skin wellness and the brands unique Skin Health Pyramid philosophy. On top of that it can be said that the brands Skin Clinics gave rise to the "medi-spa" industry where patients can expect a lot more than a traditional spa experience, enjoying pampering and skin healing all at once.

With both medicine, science and years of experience backing her up, Kate follows a simple strategy - Renew Skin, Restore Health, and Deliver Results, through which she promises healthy skin to everyone. 

Over the last few years I have turned to the Kate Somerville line-up to enhance my regular skincare routine, especially when \I was dealing with breakouts and heavy-duty pore congestion. The one product that really stood out and impressed me with its efficiency, fast results and scientific inovation is the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Acne Prone Exfoliator ($78.00 for 2 oz). 

Official Description;

A blemish treatment that exfoliates, detoxifies, and clarifies without irritation.
Kate's unique blend of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant ingredients work overtime to reduce the appearance of existing blemishes and prevent new pimples from forming. Formulated with salicylic acid and active tea tree oil, this product gently exfoliates and promotes cell turnover without over drying or causing irritation.

Ingredients;

Water, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Distarch Phosphate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Triethanolamine, 4-Terpineol, Jojoba Esters, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Polyacrylamide, Montmorillonite, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Phytic Acid, Copaifera Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin, Carapa Guianensis (Andiroba) Seed Oil, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Pulp Oil, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Genipa Americana Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Protease, Glycine, Alcohol, Dehydroxyantham Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol.

In addition to having the usual acne-fighter, Salicylic Acid (0.5%), the ExfoliKate formula includes other "unconventional" ingredients that are not normally associated with products meant to eradicate blemishes and blackheads. Green French Clay and Amazonian Tree Extracts restores hydration levels in already irritated skin while the inclusion of Fruit Enzymes and Jojoba Beads will help rejuvenate the way skin actually looks.

When I purchased this I had been suffering with a sudden, deep and painful cystic breakouts on my chin and jaw line and having tried a huge number of acne-fighters with no results I was hoping that such a big-ticket item such as this will give me at least some relief. The instructions were quite simple - apply a thin layer on targeted area using circular motions, leave on for one minute and then simply rinse-pat dry. I had heard that this was suppose to be a heavy duty exfoliator so I was very surprised by its gentle grainy, almost creamy texture that melted and cooled on the skin surface. There was absolutely no discomfort, no painful stinging, irritation or redness and yet my skin felt amazingly soft, smooth and simply comforted. It is very rare for me to see instantaneous results when it comes to skincare but the ExfoliKate had me convinced from the get go. After just two uses my breakouts were significantly diminished and well on their way to being completely healed. 

The price tag of the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Acne Prone Exfoliator ($78.00 for 2 oz) is bound to make anyone any one of us hesitant however I have learned that when it comes to good skincare that delivers, a little bit of a splurge is often more than warranted. Its better to pay more for a product that works and is good for your skin then to continue buying the "cheaper" dupes, always chasing the next-new thing that will possibly work better than the $10 tube you got last month. It adds up and I bet if you look in your bathroom cabinet you will see what I am talking about. I am not saying that good skin treatments have to be expensive like this but I am saying that they have to work. 

Based on that I would definitively recommend the ExfoliKate  to anyone who has tried it all with no significant improvement or any results to speak of. The price is high but the tube will last a long time (3-4 months) if used sparingly and you can stretch out the longevity even further if you choose to use it as a targeted, spot treatment. 

Good skincare is definitively worth it for me and Kate Somerville obviously knows her stuff.

After all, we only get one face to take care of :-)

You can purchase the ExfoliKate and other Kate Somerville products directly from their own website, our trusty Sephora and even Amazon!

I hope that was helpful - Thank you for reading!

XOXO

ANJA

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In With the New - Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II

My first reaction to the news that Estee Lauder was phasing out the original Advanced Night Repair formula and replacing it with a new "improved" version Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, was that of sheer annoyance and maybe a tiny bit of panic. As a regular (devoted) user of the original, the thought of a great product changing was unsettling to say the least, mostly because there have been so many "reformulated" versions of my staples over the years whose efficiency was completely lost when the "new & improved" formulations came out. Why mess with a good thing?  

You can understand why the word "backups" started to fill my mind! 

Luckily before I had the chance to clean out my local Estee Lauder counter I received a mini bottle of the new Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II and cautiously but optimistically started testing it out. 

Its been a little over three weeks that I've had the new formula and I am ready to report back to all my fellow skincare fanatics :-) 

Official Description;
A high-performance antiaging serum to fight all key signs of visible aging.
Wake up to beautiful skin, every day. Address all key signs of visible aging with exclusive ChronoluxCB™ Technology for more comprehensive and precise nighttime repair. It promotes a natural nighttime purification process, vital to younger-looking skin. Proven effective for all skin types and tones, lines and wrinkles appear significantly reduced, and skin is smoother, hydrated, radiant, and healthy-looking. 

The research and testing was done for all demographics, covered all skin types and all ethnicities. The published results really do seem impressive:

- 75% of women felt their skin looked more youthful in just 4 weeks
- 83% of women felt their skin looked healthier, fresher, and more rested in just 4 weeks
- 82% of women felt their skin was immediately hydrated

The very helpful Estee Lauder associate that I spoke to said that the new Advanced Night Repair formula was supposedly based around two major discoveries - "Purification and Lack of Sleep Accelerates the Look of Ageing".

Purification or Catabolysis is a process that peaks during the night through which your skin cells get rid of cellular debris and optimize natural skin renewal. This process slows down with lack of sleep and the natural aging process but the patented ChronoluxCB in the Advanced Night Repair formula is said to optimize the process and additionally support the epidermal layer. 

What that really means is that if you are not sleeping Estee Lauder promises to make you look like you are!

The new formula also claims to neutralize free-radical before skin damage occurs as well as continue to reduce the look of past imperfections. 

Young skin is to stay looking younger for longer!

The feel and texture of the new Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II is slightly lighter than the original, which translates into easier absorption and less "tackiness" to deal with. I also find that the addition of Hyaluronic Acid has given the new version intense hydrating abilities, which is something the older ANR did not have. 

In conclusion I am forced to eat my words and admit that my fears were definitively unfounded. Obviously the Estee Lauder team knows what they are doing and this sequel is dare I say better than my beloved original...

For more information and to purchase just visit the Estee Lauder website, our trusty Sephora, Amazon and your local department store counter.

I hope this was helpful

Have you tried the new Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II? Do you use the original?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)

Review - Malin + Goetz Detox Mask

Despite the fact that the Malin+Goetz brand was launched in 2004 their products as well as their stores have a very old-fashioned, old-worldly apothecary look, drawing in customers with innovative skincare formulas and ideas that subsequently have us coming back for more. Their main concern and direction deals with taking care of sensitive skin types but also with creating formulas that protect all of their customer skins from the harsh environmental and pollution factors in New York City and beyond.
The old-fashioned product approach is complimented with today's busy lifestyles so their formulations are usually multi-tasking, quick and effective in order to satisfy their customer needs.

Malin+Goetz is a relatively new brand for me but their detox mask has got to be one of the most unique and interesting products I've ever had the pleasure to work with. It doesn't matter how many times I use it, its performance is always fascinating to me and I get almost giddy as I watch it do its thing in the mirror. If you ever used it then you must know exactly what I mean! Its very easy to see why this is a repeat winner of the Allure Beauty Awards in the Deep Cleansing Mask category.

If you've read my blog posts before then you know how much I appreciate a multitasking product and the Malin+Goetz Detox Face Mask is one of the best I have ever come across.
Its recommended for use as a face mask, deep cleanser, hydration treatment and even shaving cream. Prepare to have your mind blown!

Official Description;

An easy 5-minute foaming gel mask: Innovative, oxygenating cleansing agents replace harsh detergents and drying clays to deep-pore-cleanse, lifting dirt, oil and make-up away from the skin without irritation, while creating a physical barrier to seal hydration. Complex amino acids and natural almond extract gently and effectively purify, clarify, balance and soothe. Stable Vitamin C, antioxidants Vitamin E and Soy Protein help firm and address concerns for aging while instantly brightening complexion. Natural fragrance and color. C, antioxidants Vitamin E and Soy Protein help firm and address concerns for aging while instantly brightening complexion. Natural fragrance and color.

Key Ingredients;

Squalene, glycerin, and sodium pca moisturize and hydrate; 

Soy protein and panthenol firm; 

Green tea extract and vitamin e work as antioxidants; vitamin c smoothes lines.

The Malin+Goetz Detox Face Mask is a high performance, high quality and highly effective formulation that is just so much fun to use that there are weeks I find myself slathering this on almost every second day. Its a foaming gel-type mask that in matter of minutes transforms into a tingling, delicate bubble veil that fizzes away all the dirt, grime and even makeup from your deepest pores. 

What is unique about this product is its customize-able  nature which allows you to adjust its usage based on your particular skin type. Oily skin can use a thin layer of this mask on a daily basis for deep cleansing and oil control while those "blessed" with dryer skin are recommended to apply a thicker layer to act as a night-time hydrating cleanser. Both skin types, even members of the Sensitive Skin Care Club, can use this a couple of times a week as both a deep cleansing and hydrating mask treatment. 

Once on the skin the gel begins to "fizzle" and "pop" creating this tingling-tickling sensation that remind me of alka-seltzer tablets being dropped into a glass of water. I am a big of fan of this particular phenomenon and no matter how bad my day was this little gem just makes me giggle like a little girl. I have never had a mask make me so happy before so for that reason alone the Malin+Goetz Detox Face Mask will always be repurchased. 

When the "fizzing" subsides, which usually takes about 5-10 minutes, the foam can be washed or wiped with a warm washcloth, leaving the skin feeling clean, soft, supple and radiant. The results really are instantaneous and I am all about instant gratification so this is a win-win for me.

I have been very impressed with the Malin+Goetz Detox Face Mask and would recommend it to anyone. If nothing else it will at least put a smile on your face. 

The Detox Face Mask ($40 for 4 oz) and other Malin+Goetz products can be purchased directly from their website. 

I hope this was helpful :-)

Have you tried the Malin+Goetz Detox Face Mask? What is your favorite face mask?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

Review - REN Purity Cleansing Balm

I know my blog is starting to resemble a REN advertising campaign but rest assured I am in no way connected to the company, all my products were purchased independently, I am not getting paid for reviews nor do they know I am doing this. I doubt they even know of my blog existence.

Nevertheless I am a huge REN fan, so much so that if I was allowed only one brand in my skincare routine for the rest of my life I know I would choose REN and be very happy with my decision.
Everything about their clean skincare approach appeals to me and every single product I have tried from their lineup has been a favorite at some point during my beauty journey.
You can't argue with performance gold stars and REN has definitively earn quite a stash of them.

The REN Purity Cleansing Balm was one of the first cleansing balms I tried and subsequently overcame my fears of  "balmy oil" induced breakouts. The rest, as they say, is history!

Description; 

This rose-infused blam sweeps away impurities, including waterproof mascara and the toughest of complexion products. It leaves skin cleansed, purified, calm, and glowing. It also conditions the lashes and brows. 

Ingredients;

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Cetearyl Ethyhexanoate, Glyceryl Cocoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Tribehenin, Glyceryl Behenate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Oil, Viola Odorata Extract, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Oil, Lecithin, Benzyl Alcohol, Oryzanol, Tocopherol, Citronellol, Geraniol, Eugenol, Linalool.

The REN Purity Cleansing Balm was formulated for all skin types and used as a makeup remover or gentle primary cleanser to remove pollution and accumulated dead skin cells. The muslin cloth included is entirely optional as the balm can be used either way but keep in mind that if you use it you are essentially preforming a gentle exfoliation of the skin surface so if you are a member of Sensitive Skin Care Club I would refrain from using other exfoliant solutions on that particular day.

The texture of the Cleansing Balm resembles that of traditional soft shortening but once warmed up in your hands it melts quickly in a silky oil-like solution, which is therefore easily distributed and massaged in to the face. The scent has a strong rose undertone but the fragrance is so balanced,  rejuvenating and luxurious, that it manages to elevate your beauty routine that much more.

The directions indicate to scoop a small amount into the palm of your hand and rub until the balm transforms into a silky oil, which then indicates when to begin the facial massage. I try to do this for at least a few minutes before gradually adding water to the skin surface and thereby emulsifying it into a rich milk tonic that is then either rinsed or polished off with the muslin cloth or a generic warm facecloth. The skin is left soft, smooth, calm, radiant and plumped up right away, with no dryness in sight. Clean and non-stripped of the skins natural oils your complexion responds with a healthy glow and immediate brightening effect. My skin simply feels better after each use and my skincare ritual is definitively enhanced to a bit more of a glamorous level.

Its a little slice of the REN Spa experience and its happening in your very own bathroom.

The REN Purity Cleansing Balm comes in both a traditional tube ($38 for 3.3 fl.oz.) and a tub ($58 for 5.1 fl.oz.) form in case you have a performance. I know a lot of bloggers and other individuals complain and are put-off by jar packaging due to contamination risk which is a legitimate concern but I don't make it an problem since your hands are suppose to be clean when you are about to put something on your face anyways. As an extra precaution I have a tube of hand sanitizer right next to the balm jar so I can use it after the hand wash to lower my contamination chances even more.

The price may seem a little steep for a cleanser however keep in mind that balms last a lot longer than the traditional foaming washes so in the end you break even and get a product that is not only a superstar but its also good for the skin in the long term. REN's Clean Skincare Commitment is something you can always count on and its definitively an incentive for good-for-you skincare splurge.

For more information about the REN Purity Cleansing Balm, their other products and retail information check out their website and as always REN products can be found at our trusty Sephora.


I hope this was helpful!

Have you tried the REN Purity Cleansing Balm? What is your take on cleansing balms - any favorites?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)

Review - Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner

I love my Biologique Recherche p50 treatment!
It has been a life-changing product for me and I would gladly invest in cases at a time. However with the new European formula change and limited supplies, the original P50 formula is getting harder and harder to find.

I fully appreciate everyone's effort to remove nasty chemicals from beauty products and everything else for that matter but my skin needs a little bit of the "baddies" to be kept in check. I simply haven't been able to find a formulation that works as good as the Biologique Recherche but since I've been conflicted about the whole thing I decided to start pursuing other options in the limited world of exfoliating toners.

As per usual I took Caroline Hiron's (online skincare genius!) advice and invested in one of her other top choices. The Clarins exfoliating toner caught my eye so that was one of my first test products.

I decided on Clarins first because I have always felt that their skincare choices seem to stand out from the rest of the beauty giants (Estée Lauder) in terms of price, functionality and innovation. I had liked some of their skincare products before and I have always felt comfortable browsing their counter choices so it really was an organic first choice. 

Thereby I introduce you to the seriously underrated Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner.

Description;
The Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner is a lotion formulated with fruit acids to sweep away dulling dead skin cells and the day's grime and pollution.
It smooths and softens skin to leave it looking and feeling clean, bright and beautiful.
Apply once or twice a week to a clean face with a cotton pad, avoiding the delicate eye contour. Wait for a minute before continuing your usual skin routine to maximise effectiveness.

This particular exfoliating toner brightens and refines your skin through the means of natural chemical exfoliation; using a combination of tamarind fruit acids and white nettle extract.

The Tamarind fruit acid helps to unclog congested skin, eliminates any settled impurities and dead skin cells and activates natural cell renewal. On the other hand the White nettle extract firms the complexion, tightens your pores and prepares your skin for additional topical treatments.

For those of you concerned with alcohol content I should point out that in this particular formulation, the addition of glycerin counteracts the drying factor successfully so any effects of said alcohol is negligible or even non-existent. 

The concentration of chemical exfoliants in this is a lot lower than that in the P50 or the Pixi Glow Tonic so this is a great choice for Sensitive Skin Club Members and in my experience suitable for daily use. 

However as always I recommend an old- fashion patch test prior to use any products that contain "active" ingredients such as this one.

I have used the Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner ( $34.00) for almost a month at this point and I have to say I am very impressed. The results of course are nowhere near as dramatic as that of the P50 but its serving its exfoliating purpose in the gentlest way possible. 

It leaves my skin smooth, soft, supple and radiant upon each use and while I can't say it will totally replace the Biologique Recherche completely, it's definitively got what it takes for the maintenance phase in between the sad skin days. 

You can purchase and get more info on Clarins skincare directly on their website, Sephora or any designated counters in your area.

Have you tried the Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner? Do you have a favorite toner? 

Thank you for stopping by :-)

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

Review - Omorovicza Rejuvenating Night Cream

Omorovicza happens to be my all-time favourite brand and despite their high prices I would always recommend them to everyone because I really believe in their ingredients and formulations. 

My favourite thing about Omorovicza is that they really are a "true" skincare company. What I mean by that is that their primary focus is quality skincare and their range shows that they don't have any "filler" products. Everything they release is extensively tested and refined with a true purpose and proven results.

Omorovicza does luxury right and not just with ingredients - everything smells and feels  luxurious and even the packaging spells class. Each order comes with its own magnetized reusable box and I am the kind of girl that appreciates things like that. 

Omorovicza Rejuvenating Night Cream is the epitome of pampering and results all in one. There is something so comforting about smoothing this on and the lovely fresh scent and silky feel make you feel like you are using something truly special. And you really are!

Description;

This buttery night cream nourishes and strengthens the skin during sleep. Silky and aromatic, it feels soothing and comforting upon application; Vitamin A helps boost cell renewal leaving skin fresh and rejuvenated.

Benefits;

• Plump and firm to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with hazelnut peptide.
• Boost the production of collagen with carrot oil, rich in pro-vitamin A.
• Restore suppleness and soothe the skin while providing anti-oxidant defence against free radicalswith plum almond oil.
• Deliver long-lasting hydration and suppleness with apple pectin.
• Leave skin firmer, more supple and younger-lookingas Hydro Mineral Transference™ delivers minerals deep into the skin.

Ingredients;

Hungarian Thermal Water, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Cetearyl Olivate, Stearyl Heptanoate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Hazelnut Protein, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Phenoxyethanol, Mannitol, Sodium Lactate, Malpighia Punicifolia (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance, Chlorella Vulgaris/ Lupinus Albus Protein Ferment, Yeast Extract, Linalool, Geraniol, Potassium Sorbate, Beta-Carotene, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Ascorbyl Palmitate.

The Rejuvenating Night Cream looks and feels rich, nourishing and luxurious. Everything from the texture, the colour, the luxe jar and the little spatula will make you excited about using it. The creaminess of the formula implies the holistic benefits of the nourishing oils used in the rejuvenating formula so your skin really feels renewed, refreshed and rejuvenated. 

A quick glance at the ingredient list shows that the fabled Hungarian thermal water combined with Shea butter, Coconut oil, beeswax, Apricot oil, Almond oil, Carrot oil etc. is responsible for such a rich cream. 

What I find fascinating is that they have managed to combine all of these oils into a cream that  feels both rich and nourishing without a hint of greasiness. The consistency is a light cream so it's not as dense as some other cloying greasy night treatments but delivers moisture, nourishment, rejuvenation and benefits that others only promise to give. 

I didn't use night cream for a long time because of this issue. I don't like greasy creams that sit on top of my skin all night long, leaving an oily residue on my pillows and a shiny face in my mirror. Through Omorovicza I have given night creams another chance and discovered that I don't have to settle for dense, oily creams to treat my skin in the evenings. It's as close as I have ever come to a skincare epiphany! 

The price tag ($230) might be hard to swallow but I invite you to think of it as an investment. You only have one face so protecting and taking care of it now will be something you will appreciate for years to come and besides one jar of this lovely cream will last a long time. 

Did I mention it makes you feel like a million dollars? It really does! 

Omorovicza products can be found at Sephora and purchased directly on their website!

Make sure you check out their loyalty Pengo Points program here!

Have you tried Omorovicza yet?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

Review - Caudalie Vinsource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum

It took a very long time for me to understand the distinction between dry and dehydrated skin and how different those two terms can really be. Just because you have oily skin doesnt mean you can't be dehydrated  , in fact surprisingly its those skin types that can suffer the most. Go figure! 

My skin has multiple personalities, it is combination dry one day and combination oily the next, which means i need to be pretty creative to keep everything looking and feeling semi-normal.
One of the things my skin likes to do every once in a while is get dehydrated and irritated regardless of what moisturizer I try to use. I have a lot of skin creams in my arsenal with lots of great hydrating ingredients but during these "special" instances everything I put on just seems to sit on the surface without really doing anything at all.
Dehydration requires weapons of mass destruction. Caudalie SOS Thirst Quenching Serum is one of the best I have found to date.

What it is:
An oil-free serum that captures and continually diffuses water deep within the skin to restore its moisture balance and leave skin feeling soft and supple. 

What it is formulated to do:
Organic grape water is the key ingredient for reactivating the skin's hydration mechanisms and replenishing its water reserves, while polyphenol antioxidents provide protection against UV rays and free radicals. Gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin, this serum is an ideal base for moisturizer, allowing for deeper penetration that will leave skin refreshed, hydrated, and comfortably soft. 

Key Ingredients;

Grape Water - moisturizes and soothes

Hyaluronic Acid

Antioxidant Grape Seed Polyphenols

Ingredients;

Water, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Water*, Glycerin*, Butylene Glycol*, Ethylhexyl Palmitate*, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Dimethicone, Palmitoyl Grape Seed Extract*, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum (Fragrance), Squalane*, Potassium Sorbate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice*, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitan Oleate*, Sodium Carboxymethyl Betaglucan, Citric Acid, Sorbitan Laurate*, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Phytate*, Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate, Myristyl Malate Phosphonic Acid. *Origine végétale - plant origin.

Caudalie is a true French beauty brand that really takes skincare seriously. The story goes that in 1995 Mathilde Thomas and Dr.Vercauteren discovered that polyphenols in left over grape seeds hold amazing anti-oxidant properties and just like that the miracle of Vinotherapie was born. The essence of the Caudalie products rests on Vinotherapie which is mix of natural spring water, polyphenols and vine extracts. The significance of "clean" ingredients is fullfilled by the fact that Caudalie does not use parabens, phthalates, phenoxythanol, sodium lauryl sulphate, colorants, mineral oils or animal derived ingredients.

These guys don't mess around with ingredients and everything they make is practical and delivers exactly what it says it will. Almost everything I have tried from Caudalie has been amazing and has been repurchased. The SOS Thirst Quenching Serum is no exception.
The sole purpose the Caudalie SOS Serum is ultimate hydration by keeping water in the skin, propelling it to the deeper epidermal layers and ultimately restoring the natural moisture balance of facial skin. The texture of the serum is light and runny but delivers quite the hydration punch without being greasy or heavy. It takes only seconds to absorb and leaves the skin comfortable and smooth. This is no-frills skincare at its best
The hydration power of this Caudalie SOS serum relieves my dehydrated skin and brings it back to its usual bouncy self in only a few short days. The fact that its so light only proves that treatment serums don't have to be complicated and greasy to properly moisturize and re-balance skin.

My conclusion is definitively positive and this is a serum that I would recommend to everyone and all skin types. If you are dehydrated give Caudalie a try, it really does work like a charm - your skin will thank me!

You can purchase the Caudalie SOS Thirst Quenching Serum and other Caudalie products directly on their website or at Sephora as usual.

I hope this review is helpful to you guys!

Have you tried the Caudalie SOS Serum? Whats your secret weapon for dehydrated skin?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

Skin Care Jack Pot - The Biologique Recherche - Lotion P50

Updated Review

How can something so foul be so freaking good? I am not kidding about the "foul" - this stuff smells like something died, then was splashed with gasoline, burned and finally liquefied just in time to be bottled and passed on the eager consumers lining up at a uber fancy French pharmacy counter...YUCK!!!

I remember when i got my first bottle, I was so surprised by the stench that i was convinced that i must have gotten a bad batch or something! I was quickly assured that the smell was normal and that the performance and results will make the "questionable"  scent worthwhile! I was skeptical to say the least and almost afraid to put it on my face, fearing some kind of horrible acid burn.

This is the official description of the P50 Lotions;

The P50, P50V and P50W balancing exfoliators are the unique fruit of 30 years of reflection and experience. P50 balancing exfoliators speed up the epidermis' natural exfoliating process and the reconstruction of the epidermal shield. The fortified epidermis can then fulfill its protective functions completely, enhancing skin's self-regeneration potential. Lotion P50, our most famous and coveted product, is the keystone to Biologique Recherche skin care treatment. All Biologique Recherche skin care treatments, whether administered at home or in a beauty institute, start with the P50 ritual"". It is applied in the morning and in the evening. It gently exfoliates the skin, regulates excessive sebum secretion, moisturizes and helps maintain the epidermis' acid pH. It prevents and treats in-growing hairs, and is therefore ideal for pre and post shaving skin care."

Key Active Ingredients;
Usnic acid, lactic acid, witch hazel, myrrh extract, onion extract and sage extract.  

The description initially confused me and the scientist in me tried to understand how the ingredient combination was functioning. The scent had obviously disturbed me and I wanted to at least convince myself that it wasn't causing some irreparable damage to the epidermis. I had good intentions, I was trying to at least be a little careful & informed. Lets just say that once I saw the results for the very first time in my skin care career I didnt care what was going on - the results were more than impressive so at that point I decided not to question a good thing and ruin everything by "facts" and conflicting research studies about this or that. This bottle was here to stay no matter what! It's the one thing in my bathroom that never gets shared! Ever!

Since this is stuff can be hard to find and the price isn't exactly cheap i don't use a cotton pad to apply it - instead i pour a few drops in the palm of my hand and just gently pat it on my face, concentrating on areas I feel need the most attention. Surprisingly the burning/tingling sensation is not that as strong as I expected but the skin does go a little numb for the first few minutes (scary!).
The solution doesn't get absorbed completely on the skin surface, which concerned me at first because I despise any kind of residue on my face but this felt very different and didn't give me an urge to go wash my face again just to be sure. My face felt plumped up, slightly tacky to the touch and strangely hydrated. I want to stress that this "residue" its nothing like a film or greasy layer usually left behind by certain products, which causes everything to "pill" later on. The best way i can describe it is that it causes a sensation indicating that  moisture is "trapped" under the surface, hence the skin plumping benefits. Your complexion simply feels smooth as silk, allowing everything else you put on top to just glide on. To some of you this might be reminiscent of how silicone products feel on the skin.  The offending fragrance really doesn't last too long - its completely undetectable after a few minutes and i am happy to say that I am not just used to it, in fact at this point I find the fragrance almost comforting. I know - I am a weirdo!

This toning exfoliator has definitively transformed my skin more than anything else i have ever used before. For me introducing this to my skincare regiment was "game-changing" and I credit Biologique Recherche for the dramatic improvement of the look, texture, feel and health of my skin. My face is glowy, plumped, clear and calm - breakouts are almost non-existent and i always notice a difference if i stop using it. If I don't use it for a few days, its definitely noticeable not just to me but also to those that are forced to look at my face all day long. The only issue I have with this is the availability factor! Its hard to locate and order, but Canada isn't the only country that has issues with this - it seems to be a worldwide phenomenon! In the last year or so more retailers have popped up so I am hoping that means things will only get better. Regardless of the outcome I already know that I have and always will be willing to pay whatever ridiculous shipping charge they ask for. This is completely worth it to me!

                 
Biologique Recherché p50 ($89.00 for 8.5oz) and other products from the brand can be purchased here

***There is some controversy regarding the phenol in the original formula p50 and it appears that the company released a phenol-free version however its still not clear whether they are retiring the original product itself. Sigh...off to buy a case just in case you know...it disappears completely!




Have you tried p50? Is phenol something you would be concerned about?

I hope this review was helpful!

XOXO

Anja

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)

Biologique Recherché Creme Verte Espoir - Soothing Face Cream

Biologique Recherche is a perfect example of brand where the superb performance of one product leads to a trial (obsession?) of others.

The famous p50 (review here!) is hands down my favorite skin care product and one of the few that made a huge difference in my skin tone. Who am I kidding? It pretty much transformed my skin and is the one product I would comfortably pay double for. 

It was in one if my Biologique Recherché that I received a generous sample of Creme Verte Espoir - soothing face cream, and simply fell in love with its smelly goodness :-)

Biologique Recherche own product description : 

This soothing and balancing cream contains high concentrations of repairing botanical extracts which revitalize the epidermis. It is recommended for reactive skin.

Ingredients:

Yeast extract, tepescohuite extracts, aloe vera, red vine extract, coffee extract, centella asiatica and vitamin C.

Now I will admit that I don't use this everyday but that's not to say that there is something wrong with the product or that I don't love it. It's actually the opposite! 

The cream itself is a little pricy and kind of hard to get a hold of so the skin care connoisseur in me saves this little gem for special occasions or mini skin emergencies. 

As a beauty blogger I have a tendency to experiment with all kinds of products, which is great BUT sometimes that can seriously backfire. Before i know it, my skin overreacts and I am stuck with irritation, redness and pesky rash all over. It is during those days that I really appreciate both the Biologique Recherché p50 and Creme Verte Espoir. The soothing cream really lives up to its name at that point. My skin relaxes, cools and calms, almost overnight. 

The scent is definitively not pleasant although its not as potent as the lovely fragrance that comes from my beloved p50 bottle. Luckily for me and those in my vicinity the lingering is quite minimal and after a few minutes its completely gone. For me that's a small price to pay for the benefits that come along with it!

The texture is quite creamy and easy to work with although the light brown color can be quite off putting if you are not expecting it. But now you know since I warned you :-)

As you can already tell I am quite smitten with yet another Biologique Recherche product. If you have reactive, sensitive skin or you just do something incredibly stupid with an unsuitable product then the Creme Verte Espoir is a great choice.

You can find this and other Biologique Recherche at Rescue Spa here or check out their direct website

Have you tried Biologique Recherche? 

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

Boscia - Black Luminizing Mask

Another mask post! 

In my defense though this mask is very unique when it comes to formulation, look, feel, purpose and performance. Its probably the most fun skin care product i have in my collection and i absolutely LOVE using it. 

So my fellow beauty aficionados, without further ado I present you with the amazing, ultra-cool, award winning Black Luminizing Mask by Boscia. 

What is it?

A groundbreaking, mineral-rich mask that peels off to deliver powerful detoxifying, purifying, and brightening effects.
What it is formulated to do:
This jet-black, mineral-rich mask creates a unique peel-off effect that delivers powerful detoxifying, purifying, and brightening results. Made with a premier-quality clay, its deep-cleansing properties draw out dirt and oil. Other natural ingredients go to work exfoliating skin and refining pores. Powerful antioxidants shrink pores, firm skin, and reduce inflammation. Once dried, the mask strips away dead skin, impurities and excess oil to reveal immediate and visible results.

Ingredients;

Water, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Glycereth-26, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Montmorillonite, Acrylates Copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Acrylates/Palmeth-25 Acrylate Copolymer, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Leaf Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Pinus Pinaster Bark/Bud Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Citriodora Oil, Xanthan Gum, Iron Oxides (C.I. 77499).

The actual luminizing and exfoliating properties of this black Boscia mask are supported by a great combination of clinically proven ingredients that work together to deliver visible instant results. 

The vitamin C brightens and reduces hyper pigmentation as usual, which means that the skin will appear brighter. 

The addition of Calcium Montmorillonite Clay, which is said to contain no less than 67 minerals, acts as a purifier by deeply cleansing your pores and conditioning the complexion with no irritation. Finally the which hazel serves as an anti-inflammatory and a natural antiseptic, which is something acne-prone and congested skin really needs. By killing acne causing bacteria it promises to prevent and treat both pesky whiteheads and blackheads alike. 

Benefits aside, the main attraction of this mask is obviously the "peel factor" and the awesome black colour that is sure to frighten anyone in your household. The fun factor is definitively an incentive for me to treat my complexion to this quite regularly. 

The most important feature however is the fact that the results are instantaneous and visible even after just one use. There is nothing better than instant gratification when it comes to beauty products and the Boscia Black Luminizing Mask certainly delivers. The results of course are temporary and the glow will fade away after a few days but that still means that your "special occasions" can definitively benefit from the radiance this provides. If you need your skin to look its best the next day then I would definitively recommend using this the night before (after a patch test!) 

The only negative I need to mention is the fact that it is pretty potent and fragrant so those with sensitive skin should use this with caution. The fragrance is known to make my eyes water if I get the mask too close to the eye area but really that's my own fault :-) 

In conclusion my verdict is obviously positive! Boscia delivers everything it promises and does it in the funnest way possible.

You can get more information and purchase all Boscia products from their website or check out their line up at Sephora.

I hope you enjoyed my review!

What is your favorite mask?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)