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

MY BEST KEPT SECRET...........THE NYK1 REMOVE ONE OFF EXFOLIATING FACE MASK

A couple of days ago NYK1 sent me their Remove One Peel Off Exfoliating Face Mask. Awarded 2018 Natural Health International Beauty Award. This revolutionary face mask technology is a intense pore exfoliation treatment and clearly states "it will remove one layer off your skin". With this in mind I was very excited for the outcome.  

NYK1 Secrets promises this face peel will, cleanse deep pores, eradicate fine lines, removes dead skin cells, rejuvenates and brightens, leaves skin feeling soft and plum and leaves skin soft.
So of course I was intrigued. Following NYK1 step by step directions. I double cleansed, (note: I have very oily skin, to ensure my face is clean, this is an action I do daily. If you suffer from normal  to very dry skin I would recommend you cleanse once, preferably with a non-foamy cleanser) then placed the face peel on my face using circular motions and waited twenty minutes 


Now did I mention this product was formulated using Black Bamboo Charcoal? Skincare junkies will already know charcoal is a amazing ingredient for clarifying and brightening. As a child my mum would tell me stories on how my family would use charcoal as a toothpaste substitute. She always claimed "It cleared better than the toothpaste nowadays". How times have changed.

It is environmentally friendly and has been used in cultures recorded as far back as 1486. Bamboo Charcoal is a purifying by-product and can purify water and eliminate organic impurities. It is one of the most effective natural ingredients for drawing out pollutants due to its ability to absorb high volumes of bacteria, toxins and micro particles..... Wow!!. Bamboo Charcoal seems to be the next best thing to emerge, it's definitely an underdog in this world of skincare. With all this information I was overwhelmed with excitement!!

So the peel off wasn't the worst I'd experienced, but boy it hurt!. Nothing not to be expected from a GOOD face peel. In order for dead skin cells to be lifted I knew this face peel would be intense. Five minutes later it was off and the results were shocking.

My superficial skin seemed rejuvenated and brighter. It felt plumper and insanely smooth. Although it did cause a little redness it was nothing too extreme....but best to be aware. After washing the remainder of the product off with my facial sponge from Primark, my skin looked illuminated and felt incredibly firm. I had a real good look at the used face peel and could see micro hairs and a few white heads from my chin, which I wasn't surprised as this mask is an exfoliant.  Andrea the founder of NYK1 Secrets explains "this products doesn't disturb, raffle, irritate or agitate acne or sebaceous skin" The product drives tight into the skin, gripping blockages and dead cells".

I can wholeheartedly say NYK1 Secrets will have a firm place in my weekly skincare routine! Living in a polluted city with oily skin is not a good combination and can lead to an increase in sebum, leading to white or black heads (if oxidation has occurred). Having access to a deep cleansing exfoliant is key to having a clearer skin.

NYK1 Remove One Off Exfoliating Face Mask can be purchased by clicking the LINK

And don't forget to share your thoughts below x.

PÜR BEAUTY "THE COMPLEXION AUTHORITY"

More than 50 Shades you say? Well enter the beauty industry's best known secret. With a shade range beyond 30 it snuggles into the inclusive market of beyond "Mocha or Nutmeg".

Say hello to PÜR breaking away from the once perceived beauty narrative and entering the blended world of variation with Love Your Selfie, this four- in- one longwear foundation and concealer comes in100 shades. The formula has a liquid type texture and with a flawless finish. It can be applied using your fingers or using the PÜR Dual-Action Complexion Applicator. The concealer can be used with a slight twist of the dispenser to reveal a doe- foot applicator (much like the Superdrug's makeup revolution concealer) and applied to the skin to mask skin imperfections.

PÜR really wanted to express their flare of individuality in this product and felt dedicated to help their consumers find their shade. There are five complexion categories each offering 20 different foundation shades- light, medium, tan, dark and deep -with undertones ranging from golden, pink and nuetral. If you need help selecting your shade. PÜR have created a dedicated Instagram account  @purshadefinder to assist with finding your shade using their shade finder tool which also features before and after pictures of consumers wearing Love Your Selfie foundation. If you're a makeup junkie and a foundation match novice then check out PÜR colour chart below and happy selecting!

Lynnette Cole global director of PÜR cosmetics stated  her first experience of shopping for foundation as a woman of colour during her early teens was a "daunting experience". That left her returning home with two foundations to create her exact blend. This lack of diversity and with no desire for a more inclusion within the beauty industry, encouraged her to create an ultimate product that could be used by all woman and men.    

Love Your Selfie isn't just about laying claim to over 100 shades, this foundation is also an active skin care protector. Formulated with SPF, Environmental Protection Shield- a protective film to shield you skin and Lingonberry Extracts ( a blue light protection) that offers protection form High Energy Visible Blue Lights emitted through phones and computer screens. PÜR has managed to combine staple skincare formula and foundation to ensure your skin is getting the best of both worlds.



And thats not it Love Your Selfie contains PÜR two proprietary complexes: Ceretin Complex to smooth and refine skin texture and reduce fine line and wrinkles and Energy complex with vitamin B, Green Tea and Ginseng to boost the skin and rejuvenate the skin appearance.

PÜR THE COMPLEXION AUTHORITY is vegan friendly and cruelty free. All PÜR products are also free from parabens, gluten, talc, petrolatum, mineral oil and SLS. All shades of PÜR Love Your Selfie Longwear Foundation and Concealer stockists can be found on www.purcosmetics.com, Marks and Spence's, Look Fantastic and Feel Unique RRP £32

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