Fabulous Glamour Magazine Freebie!

I don't often feel compelled to blog about magazine freebies. Probably because most of the time they are not worth blogging about. However, the freebie on this months Glamour Magazine is so good it is definitely worth a mention.



It is an Intensive Rose Otto Lip Salve by the brand Balance Me.

Balance Me have ''blended super hydrating 100% natural hyaluronic acid and highly emollient and protective pharma grade lanolin to plump and smooth; our trio of organic shea, mango and cocoa butters to soften and protect against the elements; vitamin and essential fatty acid-laden rosehip, jojoba and virgin coconut oils to soothe and hydrate with rose otto, rose geranium and palma rosa to calm and balance.'' source





Comes in a handy slanted applicator and is a lovely thick consistency which stays on the lips for quite some time. It's quite strongly scented with rose though which some may find overpowering, but I love it. It feels so hydrating, penetrates deep down....making my lips feel baby soft and smooth!

This is usually priced at £12.00 so is a real bargain with the Glamour Magazine only costing £2.00. Well worth picking up if you haven't already!

Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel

To celebrate the award-winning Papaya Enzyme Peel’s 10th Anniversary, Elemis is delighted to present a limited edition bottle designed by British artist Laura Oakes.


As part of the celebration, Elemis have teamed up with the exciting new charity SOCO™ to provide funding for over 50,000 vaccinations for children in Africa.


For every product sold they will provide a 5-in-1 Pentavalent vaccine to immunise a child in Africa against 5 leading diseases and hope to donate 50,000 vaccines through this




Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel (£28.60) is a rinse-off exfoliating cream, rich in fruit enzymes, that smooths, conditions and repairs.


Natural fruit enzymes of exfoliating papaya and calming pineapple smooth and clarify the complexion. It also contains nourishing milk protein, anti-oxidant rich vitamin E and marine algae to moisturise, repair and protect skin. Perfect for sensitive or mature complexions and suitable for all skin types.




It is thick and creamy in consistency and is lightly scented as you would expect... fresh and fruity. I apply this after cleansing and leave on for around 15 minutes before wiping off with a muslin cloth and lukewarm water. This product is fantastic for anyone with dry/sensitive skin, as it exfoliates, eating away all dead skin without ever being harsh. I find it non-irritating and after rinsing, my skin is left feeling soft and flake free. I find it is an amazing pick me up for tired/dull skin....think the morning after a night out. My skin literally glows after using this. I also find it doesn't dry my skin out as much as some exfoliators do... It's simply wonderful!

Manuka Doctor Rejuvenating Skin Mask & Repairing Skin Cream

Here are two products from Manuka Doctor's skincare range. Rejuvenating Face Mask and Skin Repairing Cream. Manuka Doctor has 4 separate ranges:  apiclear (balance for troubled skin); apinourish (protect and moisturise the skin); apirevive (restorative natural products);  apiwellness (wellbeing boost)

Both these products are from the apinourish range and contain Bee friendly harvested Bee Venom which has been dubbed as a holistic answer to botox by the press.

Purified Bee Venom is said to act as a skin renewal treatment that nurtures cell regeneration and assists with the renewal of damaged skin cells. Helping to prevent ageing by smoothing out wrinkles and stimulating collagen.


Purified Bee Venom has the following beneficial functions;

Anti-ageing
• Nurtures cell regeneration
• Activates renewal of damaged skin cells
• Scar reducing effect
• Helps with treatment & reduction of fine lines & wrinkles
• Helps collagen formation
• Reduces skin ageing including photo-ageing

Acne
• Supports the healing process (Not to be used on broken skin)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Helps with the elimination & prevention of acne


Should not be used by people allergic to bee stings. source




Manuka Doctor Bee Venom Rejuvenating Skin Mask, £49.99, 50ml

''This intensive moisturising mask contains over 10,000 bee stings per pot!  It's dual action may help reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, while the antioxidant qualities support anti-ageing by promoting cell regeneration. Ongoing weekly use may also may help reduce the appearance of scars.'' source



The Rejuvenating Skin Mask feels more like a very thick cream than a mask. Once a week after cleansing, I simply apply over my face & neck. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes and then rub off gently with upward movements, then lastly, wipe skin clean with damp cloth. It smells amazing and once on, leaves a tingling sensation on my skin which only lasts for a few seconds. After it subsides, I find it dries down and sets, giving my skin an instant tightness. I like to leave on for the full 30 minutes. I have also gone to bed with it on and slept with it overnight.


When removed I do find my skin is brighter and slightly tighter. It leaves my skin looking well nourished and well rested. It's too early to say whether or not it has an anti ageing effect on my skin, as I haven't been using it long enough, only time will tell with that. However, I do find it very moisturising on my dry skin and I feel thoroughly pampered after using it. I'm not going to deny it.....this stuff is very expensive, but if you can afford to buy a pot then go for it. I say it's well worth it.





Manuka Doctor Repairing Skin Cream, £24.99, 50ml 


''This light weight non-greasy cream delivers a perfect balance of intense hydration and purified nutrients that accelerate skin regeneration. In turn, repairing the skin's natural balance and assisting in the reduction of the appearance of fine lines and scarring''. source




I find that this moisturiser is the consistency of a thick gel, not a cream as the title suggests. It comes in a handy pump bottle. Only a very small amount is needed to cover the entire face and neck area (around 1/2 pump). It smells wonderful too and is instantly cooling and refreshing to my skin on application. It glides over my skin like silk, which feels so wonderfully soothing.


I've been using this for around 3 weeks now and I can see a definite difference in my skin's appearance. It has not only given my skin much needed moisture, but it has also helped to fade some scars that I'd had for a while caused by the dreaded hormonal zits I sometimes get on my chin. I'd been getting more than usual lately (probably due to stress, and feeling run down) and had some huge ones which left nasty dark marks behind. After using this cream they faded nicely and have now completely disappeared. My skin feels very smooth and soft. I am simply in love with this and will be purchasing a bottle immediately when it runs out.


Anyone else a fan of  Manuka Doctor products?

Montagne Jeunesse Skin Heroes Range

I have been sent the Montagne Jeunesse Skin Heroes Range to try.


''The Montagne Jeunesse Skin Heroes have landed and are ready to fight for your right to clear, healthy skin the natural way. Montagne Jeunesse face masques are your weekly essential for healthy, gorgeous skin. The new Skin Heroes range is packed with natural, beneficial ingredients to help solve & combat everyday concerns and work wonders for your complexion. Dream teams for your skin, these Skin Heroes are the ultimate superhero double acts, complete with a problem-solving masque plus a second stage moisturising treatment:''


All of  products Montagne Jeunesse produce are suitable for vegetarians and always look to use natural ingredients. The masks come with step 1 (mask) and step 2 (a moisturising cream).







Problem: greasy, shine-prone skin:  Skin Hero: Montange Jeunesse Shine Control


''This special mud masque has the power to deeply clean, protect, control shine and restore balance to the skin – infused with acai berries and argan oil to balance moisture and skin sebum. Follow with the sebum balancing moisturiser with light reflecting particles, rich in anti-oxidants and infused with crushed acai berries, argan oil and natural active KiOsmetine''


Now my skin is in no way oily or shiny but for the purposes of blogging I used one anyway to see how it would feel on the skin. It smells lovely and fresh and feels very soothing and comfortable on my face. Whether or not it actually works to reduce oil/shine I don't know. My skin is bone dry so probably not the best guinea pig here, but I do know that it felt cooling and refreshing, and I did not react to it at all. My skin felt super clean and soft after using it too.





Problem: Bothersome & Blemished T-Zone: Skin Hero: Montagne Jeuneusse T-Zone Peel Off

''This peel off masque has the strength to lift away dirt, clear impurities and target problem areas - infused with calming tea tree andsoothing Canadian willow herb. Follow with the calming moisturiser with tea tree and Canadian willow herb that helps to heal.''


This is my least favourite of the set to be honest. It was very gloopy and sticky and once applied, I felt it just felt like glue on my face.After around 2-3 minutes my skin started to burn so there must be something in this one which doesn't agree with me. A shame really but I could not ;leave on for long due to this and therefore had to remove it. Some of this ended up in my hair and I spent the best part or 15 minutes picking it out. Anyone who can tolerate this one.....I salute you!





Problem: Problem skin prone to eruptions: Skin Hero: Montagne Jeunesse Break Out Masque

''This mud masque infusion has the power to help flush out blocked pores as well as calm, heal and refresh the skin - infused with anti-bacterial tea tree, calming witch hazel, and soothing Canadian willow herb. Follow with the super moisturiser, with tea tree and Canadian willow herb to help continue to tackle those problem areas''


Oh I loved this one and it is definitely my favourite of the set. It's scented with the wonderful aroma of Tea Tree. It is thick and creamy in consistency and when on my skin feels so cooling and calming. I literally lay back with this one on and enjoyed the sensation it gave. It dries onto the skin after a while and tightens up. You can almost feel it working to de clog pores and help to dry out any problem areas. Afterwards my skin felt incredibly smooth and pampered.





Problem: blocked, clogged up pores on and around the nose: Skin Hero: Montagne Jeunesse De-Clog Pores


''These ultra-deep cleansing nose pore strips use their super strength to draw out deep-rooted impurities for cleaner, less visible pores – infused with orange flower water with antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties, witch hazel, and natural clay help to cleanse, absorb excess oil and open pores.''


I was a bit sceptical about these strips at first if I'm being honest but I must say they do actually work. You simply wet your nose, stick one on and leave for 10-15minutes. The nose strip dries onto the skin and then, when the time is up, peel off to reveal clearer skin. I was actually quite amazed at how many tiny blackheads the strip removed. It really does work!





Problem: dry, dehydrated skin: Skin Hero: Montagne Jeunesse Dry Skin Masque

''This creamy soufflé masque is rich in anti-oxidants and uses its super powers to protect and replenish dry skin - packed with raspberries, blueberries and red grapes. Follow with the serum to rehydrate the skin, infused with crushed blueberries, pulped raspberries and antioxidants including natural active KiOsmetine, clinically proven to smooth the skin.''

This is a really lovely hydrating face mask. The consistency is as you would expect, rich and creamy with a subtle fruity scent, which I'm not hugely fond but can live with it. I much prefer floral scent to fruit ones. However, the mask itself really did a nice job of moisturising my skin and made it feel silky smooth and soft afterwards. I'm not overly keen on the moisturisers that accompany the masks though. I feel they have a plasticky scent to them....goodness knows why? They generally seem cheap compared to the mask itself. So I just use my own moisturiser instead.


Skin Heroes are now available at ASDA and are a great budget face mask. Priced at £1.49 you can't really go wrong!