Say Bonjour to Embryolisse and Why Beauty Editors Swear By It

The French are well known for their fine produce whether it's your Coco Chanel No.5, classic french cuisine, or their prestigious vineyards, the French are at the top of the league. With nearly all aspects of the fashion and beauty world in the palm of their hand I was not surprised that's Embryolisse was as stated by British Vogue beauty- editor Lauren Murdoch-Smithy "a beauty editors secret".

Embryolisse specialises in dermo-cosmetics, created in 1950 by a dermatologist who specialised in skin pathologies. With that in mind say bonjour to Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre, a moisturiser, make-up primer, and moisturising mask (which also doubles up as a cleansing mask). With its noticeable packaging, this brand is hard to miss. It has been noted that during Paris Fashion week Embryolisse could be seen in all the makeup artist kits due to its lightweight texture.

So what makes it so different from other moisturizing brands? Packed with fatty acids and vitamins Embryolisse is formulated for all skin types. Especially those who suffer from sensitive or irritated skin. For those with oily/combination skin, I would advise you use a pea-sized amount when applying as a base to ensure all the product has been absorbed.

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre ingredients consist of shea butter, beeswax, aloe vera, and soy protein, all designed for ultra- hydration and cell restoration.

Shea Butter- is renowned for its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties, with a low melting point this butter is perfect for dehydrated skin. Rich in fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E, and F it can improve collagen production, skin elasticity, and tone skin imperfections.

Aloe Vera- has a water content of 99.5% it ultra-hydrating properties can help soothe the skin and treat skin issues such as psoriasis and acne. Its high absorption rate makes its ideal for oily skin and seals in moisture creating a perfect natural barrier.

Beeswax - has amazing anti-bacterial properties, that can help fight skin infections and chapped skin during the colder months. It acts as a natural barrier from pollutants without blocking your pores.

Soy protein - is a natural supplement considered to an antioxidant, that helps reduce premature aging caused by free radicals. Its high protein content can also bring back a youthful glow to your skin.

These main active ingredients give Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre a silky consistency which is notable in Embryolisse multi-function nourishing moisturiser  Lait-Creme Fluid which can also be used a primer or facial makeup remover.  Its velvety smooth texture leaves my skin glowing. I tend to use it after my at-home IPL sessions its exceptionally good soothing properties quickly stops signs of irritation and leave my legs feeling soft and moisturised.

Embryolisse "all skin type friendly"paraben-free formula has been created to preserve biological balances and encourage collagen and hyaluronic production by fighting free radicals for a more youthful appearance, whilst encouraging plumper, firmer skin. So.... if you're looking for a product to help create the perfect canvas, make Embryolisse your first stop.

Embryolisse is stocked online (and in-store) at Boots, Cult Beauty, Feeluique, and beauty bay

How Sleeping Beauty got her glow back

Welcome to Scientia, pronounced See-en-cha (Latin for knowledge, science, and skill). So what's all the fuss about? You ask. Well, beauty junkies, the glow product for skincare has arrived and after months of testing it now time to let the secret out.

Developed by Tiffany Salmon a well-traveled, self-confessed "Beauty junkie. Product innovation expert. Mother. Design lover. Secret seeker" I was intrigued at how an oil-based product would work well with my oily skin.

So after a recent facial and skin analysis, I was told my oily skin was due to my skin being dehydrated. This causes my cells to produce excess sebum to hydrate my dehydrated skin, which leads to a natural side effect of oily skin. As you can imagine the search was now on for a product that could not only hydrate my skin but also balance my natural sebum production without blocking my pores. Guys let me tell you it was not easy! I turned to serum-based products namely from The Ordinary, but I could only find rosehip oil which doesn't always agree with the exfoliant liquids I use. Then by magic I was sent I lovely package containing Scientia Dawn and Dusk Elixirs and they seemed to fit exactly what I was looking for.

With a blend of 23 oils,  and smells that are reminiscent of Clarins massage oil collection ( a family favorite). Scientia Dawn elixir has been formulated to help hydrate and balance your skin naturals oils as well as bringing a "daily dose of glow". Its blend of 23 oils is packed with skin-nourishing vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids. The combination of these three helps your skin cells rejuvenate producing more natural acid such as hyaluronic acid and create a protective barrier to stop free radicals and UV rays from aging your skin.

With this in mind, I decided to test how the Dawn elixir would work as a primer. Would my make-up stay? Would my excess sebum make an appearance?  How would my skin react to all the oils? Let's say I was very, very skeptical. Using a well-known tonic mist and hyaluronic acid I applied my dawn elixir pressing it into my skin, I also used an SPF 50 and then proceeded with my foundation, concealer, and powder. I immediately noticed a light glow straight after application without the use of my setting spray. Throughout the day the highest points of my face gave off a natural glow and my skin looked dewy and healthy. Although after 10 hours of wear my face did become a little oily in my t-zone. I was pleasantly surprised that this hadn't occurred earlier in the day especially as it was Easter weekend and London had clear skies and above 20-degree weather. I was very impressed, to say the least, and actually could not wait to take off my make up and test Scientia Dusk Elixir.

After my usual double cleanse routine, liquid exfoliant, and toner I was ready to test my Dusk elixir. After a quick review of the ingredients, I noticed it contained Rosehip oil and Bakuchiol- a natural derivative of retinol. As I used a mild exfoliant, I went ahead and popped the 23 oil night blend on to my face. Just like its sister Dawn I was hit a fragrant warming smell of fennel, Lavender, Frankincense, and clove oil. I immediately thought how perfect this would be if it could be formulated into a sleep mist. You'd be hitting that REM sleep in no time! But back to skincare, I was super excited to try this as I love Bakuchiol, and clove oil is an amazing healer. One dose of this blend can help with hydration, and re-energise your skin cells to help with cell turnover as you sleep. As you already know, I have preached this numerous times, the majority of skin rejuvenation occurs during your sleep! (now you all know where sleeping beauty got her name from). Bursting with oils to assist with collagen production and external aggressors such as your phone light (blue light) can add to premature aging and encourage hyperpigmentation. Something I myself was unaware of...... so thanks Tiff! the next day I awoke with plump, dewy skin, which was not what I was expecting.

I made the decision to include it in my weekly routine. I tend to use both elixirs 4 times a week especially on Sundays, my Netflix and Chill days. My daughter uses the dawn elixir whenever she can get her hands on it and it has done wonders for her skin. She tends to use the elixir mainly on her nose and the highest points of her face. However, she is banned from the Dusk elixir has she doesn't need Bakuchiol at the ripe old age of 13.




Now Tiffany has not hidden the fact that she LOVES her oils and as a fellow aromatherapy nerd (I spent many a weekend and summer holidays being dragged around Baldwins in Walworth road and the Body shop aromatherapy section creating scents for my dear mother's body oils). Inhaling the different scents of Scientia elixir was like jumping into a time machine to my childhood. It brought memories I had clearly stored in my unconscious and lovely memories of my mother and me planting lavender in the back garden and snuggling up to her on the couch without a care in the world. The stimulation of these scents is said to also help with stress and hormone balance. As a PTSD sufferer, I can say this did bring back beautiful memories of my mother, and really did positively affect my mood and brought a tear of happiness. So Thank you Scientia.

I have listed a full list of the oils found in both elixirs.


Dawn Elixir
Sunflower Oil / Avocado Oil / Baobab Seed Oil / Sweet Basil Oil / Fennel Oil / Cumin Seed Oil / Patchouli Oil / Moringa Seed Oil / Sesame Seed Oil / Pomegranate Seed Oil / Macadamia Nut Oil / Passionfruit Seed Oil / Rosehip Seed Oil / Sweet Almond Oil / Argan Oil / Chia Seed Oil / Cardomom Oil /  Pink Pepper Seed Oil / Pumpkin Seed Oil / Ho Wood Oil / Geranium Oil / Ginger Oil /  Hemp Oil

Dusk Elixir
Sunflower Oil / Avocado Oil / Baobab Seed Oil / Sweet Basil Oil / Fennel Oil / Cumin Seed Oil / Patchouli Oil / Moringa Seed Oil / Sesame Seed Oil / Pomegranate Seed Oil / Macadamia Nut Oil / Passionfruit Seed Oil / Rosehip Seed Oil / Sweet Almond Oil / Argan Oil / Chia Seed Oil / Frankincense Oil /  Lavender Oil / Ylang- Ylang Flower  Oil / Rosemary Leaf Oil / Wild Carrot Oil / Clove Bud Oil / Bakuchiol


If you're feeling social and would like to join the glow family get connected by searching #secretseekers or why not follow @Scientiabeauty

Up Circle Beauty! What's all the fuss about?

Traditionally the pit of an Olive would be discarded as waste and never thought of again. However, Up Circle a brand dedicated to the use of natural, vegan and 100% recyclable products and FSM London and Ethical green business of the year motto is to; "elevate leftover natural ingredients". Refining and re-introducing into this highly nutritious product into the world of skincare.

Up Circle kindly sent me their face mask and face moisturiser, created using sustainable and organic ingredients. Their face mask is made from 99%  natural ingredients an infusion or powdered olive stone, white kaolin, coconut powder, and baobab oil. Each ingredient has been carefully selected to help detoxify your skin from free radicals, make-up use and minimise pores.

It has been noted olive stones contain a 100 more polyphonds and antioxidants than olive oil and are high in linoleic acid a fatty omega which science has deemed to have effective anti-aging properties. It helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and helps prevent UV skin damage. It has also been proven to help ease the effects of eczema and psoriasis.

As most of my readers know my skin type is oily. Prone to excess sebum production causing blocked pores leading to regular breakouts and blackheads. To ensure my skin is thoroughly cleansed of daily pollutants and makeup, I double cleanse, exfoliate (3-4 times a week) and tone to ensure any oxidation in the skin that may have occurred cannot develop into a blackhead and my pores are deep cleaned to prevent depressions in the skin.

Upcircles natural, organic and vegan-based ingredients left me in awe. Its fragrant smell releases a calming energy, whilst the tingling sensation of activated Olive stones and Kaolin clay - a gentle exfoliant that helps cleanse and remove dead skin cells from the surface. Leaving the skin with a smoother texture and soft to the touch,  moisturised and radiant from the natural butters of Shea and Cocoa.  Up Circles face moisturiser has a reminiscence of Clarins essential oils which always takes me back my mums' bedroom as an infant  dosing myself in her "miracle oil" hoping it would give me magical powers like Roah dahl's Matilda.

Up Circles, moisturising day cream is packed full of skin-nourishing and hydrating properties due to its high quantity of powdered argan shell, cocoa butter, aloe vera and an infusion of blood orange- a natural antioxidant rich in anthocyanins that help heal and fight free radicals. The components of argan shells contain carotenoids, fatty acids, and tocopherios that have brightening properties that can help with hyperpigmentation and even out your skin tone. A welcoming product for my blemish-prone skin.

Now Up Circles isn't all about the skin they're also aware of the environment and the impact it has on the world on a macro scale. Their exclusion of palm oil and ingredient sustainability highlights the integrity of this company. It has been well documented that the production of palm oil has lead to an increase in deforestation from Southern America to the rainforests of Southern Asia. The introduction of the palm oil tree disrupts the eco-systems as they provide no nutrients to its living inhabitant name the Orugatun who have suffered great losses due to the increase of this much-used oil. Up Circle have made huge steps in clean beauty to develop skin products that are not just good for all skin types but good for the environment too!

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AHA AND BHA ACIDS IN SKINCARE

 *THIS IS A IN-DEPTH READ, FOR THOSE WHO REQUIRE JUST A SHORT SUMMERY PLEASE SCROLL DOWN

My first memory of staring at my skin was in primary school. I loved my plump cheeks and silky soft skin, with not a pimple insight. Then puberty hit and the change was literally overnight. My mum refused to buy the generic skin clearing products of my era such as Clearasil and Neutrogena so I would raid her Avon cupboard for skin treats.

During my years at secondary I went through the worst of my skin problems. I developed hyper-pigmentation, depressions the lot. Aged 14 I came up with the miraculous idea of smothering my face with Sudo-Cream and calmly walking to school looking like a complete clown!.

So here we are 15 years later and I am still dealing with my skin issues but with more knowledge which I thought it would only be right to share with my followers and readers. My first introduction to acids came after watching a YouTube Video and purchasing; The Ordinary Latic Acid and Niacinamide Serum. I read the small print and thought this sounded great for me! But I had no idea about AHA's and BHA's.

AHA stands for Alpha Hydroxy Acid and BHA-Beta Hydroxy Acid. AHA's are water soluble acids made from sugary fruits. They promote skin rejuvenation, even skin tone and gently exfoliate the skin for improved skin texture. They peel away the surface of your skin to reveal more evenly pigmented skin cells. AHA's also generate new skin cells during the exfoliation process improving the skins elasticity and collagen production. BHA's on the other hand are oil soluble acids their unique properties make them excellent acids for oily, acne prone skin types. They exfoliate deeper into the pore to remove dead skin cells and help balance the skins PH by removing excess sebum and tighten pores. As BHA's can go deep into the hair follicle to dry out excess sebum this allows the acid to unclog pores and help ease the removal of blackheads (during extractions) and breakouts.

HOW TO USE AHA'S & BHA's 

The effects of AHA's can vary. Different types of AHA's acids will yield different levels of exfoliation. Any selected AHA should have a maximum concentration between 10% and 15 %. No matter the acid you choose, as they all have exfoliant effects, your skins sensitivity will increase. It is essential you wear sunscreen daily to prevent superficial burns, decrease the risk of skin cancer and reduce the development of age spots.

BHA's on the other hand are more proactive for Acne, oily or combination skin. This acid only needs to be applied a few times a week until your skin becomes used to the acid.  Like AHA's, BHA's can cause skin sensitivity. For maximum protection sunscreen is advised for all skin types.

THE COMBINATION OF AHA's OF BHA's

The combination of the two can produce a much plumper skin and smoother texture. This is down to the increase of collagen production. However, although the benefits of combining the two acids can lead to "glass skin effect". Overlaying can cause dryness and irritation as both formulas are exfoliants. The ideal way to combine both acids would be to apply AHA'S - to dry areas or areas that often need hydration and BHA's - to oily areas such your T-zone.

Ok! Now we know the low down how do we select what's beneficial for your skin type? Well it depends on our skins needs. So what's your skincare goals? For those looking for acids on the anti-aging spectrum and require the remove of anti-pollutants, plumper skin and cell reproduction. AHA's should be key serums in you skincare routine. Full of peptides and enzymes to help with the increase of collagen production, you'll be sure to see a difference.

In need of a more intense treatment for acne or combination skin? Then BHA's should be your staple. Low doses will help calm inflammed skin. Whilst acids such as Salicylic acid can also exfoliate deep into the pore, controlling your sebum production levels and restoring your skins PH to a nuetral balance.

  *AHA treatments are best used on those suffering from;

• Mild hyper-pigmentation (age spots),
• Melasma and acne scarring
• Enlarged Pores
• Fine lines and surface wrinkles
• Even out skin tone 
• Smooth out depression and large pores

  *BHA treatments are best used on those suffering from;

•  Acne and sun damage
• Oily and combination skin 
• Sensitive skin
• Low concentrated BHA's can reduce rosacea, inflammed and sensitive