Wednesday, January 1, 2014

REVIEW: INSTANT WHITENING LOTION SKINPEELSHOP.COM

REVIEW: INSTANT WHITENING LOTION SKINPEELSHOP.COM

I want to make a quick review about the lotion that I am addicted right now. Honestly, there is no big advertisement about this product unlike the other beauty products in the market today. But through my whitening addiction I saw this online. 

Many questions and feedback regarding this product are circulating right now online. Everyone wants to know about this, wants to try this, and have tried this. 


Let's start with the description of this product. Accdg. to the website: 



"As the name says, It whitens your skin in your first application! it is also formulated with SPF 60 protection to prevent sun damage. As you continuously use it, The effect will be permanent. Unlike most cheap instant whitening lotion, our product does not whiten skin using visual illusion and light reflection, our product whitens the skin in the cellular level by inhibiting melanocyte formation. This is the real instant whitening."



BENEFITS:

Instantly whitens skin
Permanent whitening with continuous use
Prevents dryness
Prevents Acne
Improves skin tone and texture
SPF 60 for maximum protection against sun damage
Can be used as sunblock


PACKAGING:

Instant Whitening Lotion comes in 120 ml flip-top bottle. 


PRICE:
$26.75 USD


RECOMMENDATION:
We recommend using the product every morning or when sun protection is needed. You can also use the product whenever instant whitening is needed but we recommend using it everyday to see permanent changes.

INSTRUCTIONS:
Use just like any ordinary lotion every morning or when instant whitening is needed.


INGREDIENTS:

Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2/Melanostatin, Vitamin D, Ergocalciferol, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, L-Glutathione, Lycopene, Squalene, Papaya Extract, Arbutin, Bearberry Extract, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, BengKuang Powder, Kojic Powder, Niacinamide, Arbutin, Tea Tree Oil.


OVERALL EXPERIENCE:
I'm so happy with this lotion. I love using this every morning and before I sleep in the evening. This soap made my skin very smooth and soft. Plus this made my skin whiter. It doesn't have any bad smell. It doesn't stick even though I am sweating. And you can feel the difference even after first use. 


WILL USE AGAIN:
Definitely Yes!


WHERE TO BUY:
The only seller of this product is their own website www.skinpeelshop.com.



Monday, October 21, 2013

Brand Focus #1: Melvita

Brand Focus #1: Melvita

I'm going to be starting a new series on LBQ, where I delve into the depths to focus on a brand that may be relatively unknown, a hidden treasure or has a great range of untapped basics. There are so many fabulous brands and products available through boutiques and apothecaries, but unless you have the time to test everything on the shelf you may never get to discover some of the best things out there. I'm starting the series with a brand I've been using for the last couple of years, but because the products are fuss-free, simple and effective, they blend into my routine and inevitably get forgotten about from a blog perspective. Melvita has been around since 1983, so is this year celebrating their 30th anniversary of providing pioneering organic beauty products. The founder, Bernard Chevilliat, was originally a beekeeper and biologist fascinated by the relationship between bees, flowers, honey and beauty: "I wanted to place 'nature at heart' in all that we do: in our approach to beauty and skincare and of our ecological and humanistic concerns." It's grown to become one of France’s leading brands of natural and organic cosmetics, moving to the UK subtly and now being available in their very own shop in London's Covent Garden. Although the packaging may be relatively uninspiring, the beauty of these products is how easy they are to use and how they effortlessly slip into your routine. The scents are extremely subtle, the formulas predominantly white or clear, the texture inoffensive and the effect on the skin pleasurable. Some of my favourite products are the Orange Blossom Extraordinary Water, (a delightfully light gel that helps hydrate skin and leave it prepped for moisturiser, as well as helping to remove traces of cleanser) the Ultra-Nourishing Cream (a delicately scented moisturiser that's light enough to wear under makeup, absorbs quickly and doesn't leave any residue) and the Body Scrub (which exfoliates effectively with a high proportion of ground kernels, while helping to leave skin soft and supple.) There are so many hidden gems within the range; so much so that I couldn't recommend enough popping along to their boutique in London if you're ever in the neighbourhood. In an industry so focused on newness, flashy claims and flashier bottles, Melvita provides a refreshing outlook and products that simply do what they say on the pack. It's well deserving of the first position within LBQ's brand focus.
Find out more about the brand and range via their website: uk.melvita.com

Monday, August 19, 2013

Topshop Peel-Off Nail Varnish

Topshop Peel-Off Nail Varnish

Everything 90s seems to be making a comeback in 2013. We've got 'Fresh Prince of Bel Air' fashion, reunions featuring our favourite boybands, re-releases of Ministry of Sound's classic tunes and an appreciation for everything fluro. One of the trends that filled my childhood was peel-off nail varnish; most of the time though I don't think that was the design objective, just a sign of cheap polish brought from the chemist for a quid. Topshop are bringing it back with a modern twist this Spring with the launch of this grey-lilac shade of peelable goodness. I love the shade as it's a slightly new take on nude - not strong enough to be classifed as a proper 'colour', but not the traditional beige or brown we're so used to seeing. I'm not sure how they make the formula 'peelable,' but the polish is definitely a lot thinner than any other I've used - you need a good three or four coats of this to overcome the transparency and really build up enough for the result of other polishes. The consistency is almost gel-like, forming a rubbery-layer on nails that stays put without peeling off naturally; my main concern with this was that it was going to peel off without me actively trying to do so, but it really stays without chipping. The benefit of the gel formula means the polish doesn't chip like traditional polishes, because it dries in one layer with the aim of it all coming off in one strip. When you do want to peel it off it's easy to do by catching a corner and pulling it across the nail; it takes base coat with it though, leaving nails completely clean without the need for polish remover. Suprisingly it doesn't appear to damage the nail in any way either, although I probably wouldn't recommend using this every day and peeling it off every night! This is a perfect solution if you're going away or to a festival this Summer - you can peel off grubby nails and re-apply without the need for nail varnish remover. Fun, fabulous and very practical too.




Peel-off nail varnish available in four colours in Topshop stores and online.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Benefit Stay Flawless: 15 hour primer

Benefit Stay Flawless: 15 hour primer

Keeping your makeup on all day long can sometimes be a challenge. It's not only the heat that can cause makeup to run, but the natural process of our skin's renewal can leave us looking and feeling rather shiny. Using a primer can help create a barrier between the skin and makeup, helping to prevent it from budging or absorbing your skin's natural sebum - it's a must in the warmer months, but also for days when you need your makeup to last you from morning until night. I'm a great fan of Hello Flawless, the original foundation that creates a dewy and natural glow, so this accompanying primer's launch was music to my ears. Packaged in a stick format, Stay Flawlessprovides an unusual application method; primers usually come in little tubes or pump bottles, but this allows you to simply draw across your face exactly where you need it and blend in with fingers.


Claiming to 'act like a magnet' and keep foundation in place for up to 15 hours, it provides a super light finish which is easily absorbed into the skin. It leaves a slightly clammy feeling on the surface, aiding the 'magnetic' action and allowing foundation to really stick in place - I felt the foundation I've been using for many months applied more flawlessly and provided an even finish with little blending. If primers are a new area to you, or you don't want anything too heavy, then Stay Flawless is a great introduction to the concept from Benefit; it's easy to use, is invisible on the skin and is pretty much impossible to apply too much. Although this did aid application and act as a 'magnet' to my base, it didn't prevent the shiny look from creeping up on me throughout the day: in the afternoons I'm still needing to touch up my makeup and apply a dusting of powder to remove the excess oil.

In my opinion, this isn't a primer in the traditional sense. It doesn't create a barrier between makeup and skin, but just aids application and enables your base to sit in the way intended. Although it's a great introduction to those not so familiar with how to use primers (and a great accompanying product to one of my favourite foundations ever,) for me it's not quite strong enough. I like to be able to leave the house confident that 12 hours later my makeup will still be looking great - with this, I know I'm going to need to touch up before hitting the cocktail bar. Although that's not a huge issue, it would stop me using this on days when compromise just isn't enough. What do you think of Benefit's latest launch?




Stay Flawless is available from Benefit counters nationwide, as well as online, for £24.50  

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Palmer's Cocoa Butter: hand creams

Palmer's Cocoa Butter: hand creams

Cocoa butter has been used for decades in home remedies and beauty solutions, so it's no surprise that brands are also using it in lotions for its moisturising properties. Not only does cocoa butter penetrate down into the second layer of the skin, unlike many hydrating creams, but it also contains a high level of Vitamin E that's well known for its ability to renew and repair. Cocoa butter is also an antioxidant (meaning it helps protect the skin from toxins and free radicals,) giving it properties that many other natural ingredients can't compete with. Palmer's Cocoa Butter lotions have developed an almost cult status, being a favourite amongst pregnant women and those suffering with extremely dry skin; so when I found out they were launching their very own range of hand creams my reaction was 'why on earth has it taken so long?' They already have some fabulous skincare, so these little additions complete the range and enable you to have soft and supple skin all over. The new Palmer's hand cream range has been designed to help achieve silky smooth and younger looking hands by using the highest quality cocoa butter. (We all know the hands are the first thing to give away our age when we start getting on a bit!) There are three hand creams to choose from:


1. Eventone Age Spot Hand Cream, which targets age spots and discolouration. Palmer’s exclusive Tone Enhancing Complex is packed with a powerful combination of key ingredients that are proven to fight the signs of ageing, by both inhibiting melanin production and lightenening pigmentation. It also includes Vitamin C, to brighten skin tone, and SPF to protect against further sun damage.The formula is really light and has a delicate fragrance, giving a super smooth result in seconds. You don't have to have the hands of Maggie Smith to enjoy this either - I'd totally say this was the pick of the bunch for me.

2.  Intensive Relief Hand Cream, for extra intensive moisturisation. This fast working hand
cream which is perfect for those whose dry, sensitive hands need intensive care. Urea helps to retain moisture, while soy and oat help to relieve itchy or irritated skin. The formula has been dermatologically tested, as well as being fragrance and paraben free, so it's perfect for super sensitive or extra dry hands. This is a slightly thicker formula that absorbs into the skin within around a minute, leaving really hydrated and soft hands - this is one for placing next to the washing up bowl to ensure your digits remain beautiful.

3. Fast Absorbing Hand Cream, 
the ultimate quick fix for keeping hands in tip top condition. The blend of pure cocoa butter helps to soothe dry skin whilst urea and glycerin help to retain moisture. They say this will leave hands feeling soft, smooth and moisturised for up to 24 hours, which I can't say it does - although I don't know any hand cream to be able to deliver on that claim! This ironically takes the longest to absorb out of all of them, leaving a slightly sticky feeling for a few minutes while the formula gets to work. However, it does have that delicious cocoa scent synonimous with Palmer's, so I can see this become a cult product in its own right.




These are great little hand creams and will definitely be in my bag on a daily basis from hereon in, but the great news is that I also have a set of these to give away to one lucky person. If you want to have hands in tip top condition like me, all you have to do is be a follower of LBQ and let me know in the comments box what your biggest hand concern is - it could be dryness, irritation, breaking nails or even wrinkles. Leave me a comment and your email/Twitter handle and I'll pick a winner at random. Good luck!

Eventone Age Spot Hand Cream RRP £3.98, Intensive Relief Hand Cream RRP £2.99, Fast Absorbing Hand Cream £2.49

Monday, May 20, 2013

Nail Rock: Rockits Nail Art Kits

Nail Rock: Rockits Nail Art Kits

The trend for nail art is going nowhere. Everywhere you look there's a new finish, a new adornment and a new trend to get your head around. Although I've never been sold on feathered nails, caviar nails or anything in-between, I can totally get on board with sticking bits and bobs on your nails like it's 1993. Nail Rock may be more known for their nail transfers and creative stick-on designs, but with these cute little kits they're channeling their inner Ciate and bringing something new to their very fussy and creative table. Available in four different colour ways, each including unique adornments, these cute kits bring everything together that you may need to create your own bespoke nail art. Each pack includes a nail varnish, a matching furry coating, plus three different types of nail adornments which make the different looks and possible creations infinite.


 With their first dip into the nail varnish market (they've only ever produced nail accessories before,) they've made a pretty decent polish that applies easily and leaves a strong coat of colour. Although I personally hate the fluffy coatings that seem to be so popular, their version is perfectly wearable. What I do love though are the cute little adornments that you can stick on to your wet nail to create a rocking look; you can even mix and match the colours, effects and accessories from different kits to increase the possibilities and combinations even further. Although the smaller adornments stick easily onto the nail, the giant pearl bow was a big struggle for me - no matter what I did it just kept pinging off. The only addition I would make to each kit would be a little tube of nail glue to ensure everything stays in place as long as you want it to. Regardless, at £10 each these really are quite a bargain; I haven't seen a kit contain so many pieces for such a little amount (Ciate usually charge more than double for half the contents.) If you're a nail art fan you really can't go wrong - you'll have totally rocking nails quicker than you can say "blingtastic."






The kits are available exclusively in Topshop stores and via their website, in four combinations (greenbluepurple and red) for £10.00 each.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Resurrect Your Style

Resurrect Your Style

As you all know, I had my hair chopped off a few weeks ago by the lovely people at Toni & Guy. I love my new style but it very much depends on having a large amount of volume so I can channel sex kitten rather than little boy. (Ok, it’s not that short, but it don’t look good!) It’s all well and good when I style my hair in the morning, but by lunchtime it’s lost most of its volume and zhuzh (technical term) my hair every five minutes. By the end of the day it’s lost the will to live completely and needs a hellovalorra hairspray to get it back on track. When I was getting my barnet sorted the lovely T&G ladies told me about a few of their products and this one caught my attention – Resurrection Style Dust. It literally expands in the little pot when you shake it which had me hooked.


The dust comes in a little pot with a ‘salt shaker’ top so you get a little out at a time. The texture of the dust is surprisingly tacky (I presumed it would be like dry shampoo) but I guess this is what helps it to stick around – excuse the choice of words! All you have to do is apply it to the root areas of your crown and anywhere else you want a bit of volume and zhuzh to your hearts content. It literally expands before your eyes, creating a really volumised look in seconds. Like I said, the formula is tacky so you need to wash your hands and be careful when you touch your hair so this may not be for everyone, but I love it. The best thing though is that to resurrect your style you simple zhuzh your hair again and it expands... simples. This lasts all day and only needs a little bit more to get you through all night too. It’s perfect for going from office to bar or for taking out on the town to sort your hair out at 3am (or 9am depending what you’ve been up to!)