Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules

Skincare has got to be one of the most important things to make time for in your daily routine, regardless of age, lifestyle or inclination. Although I'm far from perfect, and occasionally suffer from the odd slip-up - usually after one or two glasses of wine - I make it a priority to remove my makeup before bed and to ensure that I give my skin a good old cleanse, tone and moisturise. In fact, if you've been reading for a while, then you'll know that I'm quite the skincare connoisseur, and am always trying out the latest lotions, potions and treatments to see whether they have something special to offer. Of course, some make it into my regular routine, while others are cast aside a few weeks in. So, on the rare occasion that I do discover a real gem, the first thing I want to do is to share it with you.

Most recently, my secret weapon of choice has been the Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules*, which were selected as QVC Beauty's pick of the month for January. I'm actually really upset that I didn't get to share these with you before the month was up, but a number of factors came into play to make it impossible. That said, you can still get your hands on these little capsules of goodness at QVC Beauty, and for the month of February, a brand new hero product has been nominated. This time around, it's the Philip Kingsley Neroli & Geranium Elasticizer, and it's available at a heavily discounted price if you buy directly through their site. It's a fantastic opportunity to invest in those pricier beauty products and make a really good saving, with a different product taking centre stage every month throughout the year.

So, onto the Skin Bliss Capsules themselves.

The  Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules are designed to aid the detoxification of the skin, containing moringa oil to balance and protect it from the stresses and strains of everyday life. Packed with anti-oxidants, the nourishing ingredients endeavour to physically diminish the visible signs of ageing, targetting everything from wrinkles and fine lines to dull and lacklustre skin.

The treatment aims to create an effective base for the nutrients from your moisturisers to be absorbed, ridding the skin of any remaining impurities before your creams are applied. As if that wasn't enough, these small yet mighty little capsules use signature aromas to provide a sensory experience - in fact, they even claim to increase the production of the 'bliss' hormones, endorphins. Need any more convincing?

The pink capsules are designed to be used in the morning, and are formulated with a rose absolute to provide skin with maximum renewing and revitalising energy throughout the day

For night time, the green capsules are packed with relaxing lavender oil to help renew cell equilibrium and increase cell repair throughout the night.

Both have the added benefits of being able to target blemishes and breakouts while soothing and hydrating the skin, ridding you of dry,dull skin to make way for radiance and youthfulness.

To use, the capsules are easily twisted open, and after a few moments warming the oil between your palms, it is ready to go. Whether morning or evening, it's advisable to apply after cleansing and toning, massaging into the skin with the fingertips until fully absorbed.

So, with all of the benefits I've outlined in mind, it's clear that these small yet mighty capsules have got a lot to live up to, but in reality, do they really cut the mustard?

For me, they absolutely do. I've been looking really quite run down recently, and although I haven't been using the capsules every day, the difference in my skin since on the days that I do is noticeable - I've had more than one person comment on how clear it has been looking. Granted, my skin is pretty normal to start with, but to me it feels a great deal smoother, softer and plumper. It drinks in the oils upon application, and generally looks a whole lot healthier afterwards. It doesn't end there, either, as applying the evening capsules before bed and taking the time to massage them into the face has become my favourite nightly ritual. The soothing lavender oils are perfect for inducing the bed-time wind-down, and I adore waking up to brighter, radiant skin in the morning.

As for the anti-ageing benefits, it's really too early to comment, but I will be continuing to use the Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules, this time on a daily basis,and will most definitely be updating you on my progress. If you know me, you'll know that I'm paranoid about ageing prematurely, so I certainly don't need telling twice to stick to the straight and narrow and give these the best possible chance of turning back the clock!

Do you shop at QVC Beauty? What are your favourite products from Elemis?

xx

Review: Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask

I'm a big fan of skin-resurfacing products, and since my first experience I've made sure to have a selection of them in my skincare repertoire at all times. Nothing keeps things feeling smooth or looking radiant quite like an AHA mask or exfoliating toner, and suffice to say I really would be lost without them.

At £48, the Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask is hardly what I would call cheap, but with promises of smoother skin that's more even in tone, diminished fine lines and blemishes and reduced shine, I was willing to take a chance on it. Luckily for me though, I did manage to get it half price in a sale, which is always a huge help when trying out a pricey product for the first time. Once I know that I love something, and that it works well for me, I'm not so reluctant to part with my pennies, but until then......

I'm still not quite at the age where anti-ageing is my main concern, but I do believe that prevention is better than cure. As we age, cellular renewal gradually declines. The result? Dull and lifeless skin that's in dire need of an extra helping hand. The Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask combines patented tri-enzyme technology with Amazonian acerola cherry, white truffle Poria Cocos, great burdock, erysimum and amino acids to give skin a boost and encourage the regeneration and retexturising process. This also seems promising for anyone with oily or blemish-prone skin, as with its ability to balance sebum levels without compromising the skin's pH it can leave skin comfortable without stripping it completely of the natural oils it needs.

I began by applying the mask to cleansed skin on a weekly basis, leaving it for eight to ten minutes before removing with a warm, damp muslin cloth. As the name would suggest, it's a gel-like consistency with a pleasant fruity scent. What's really unusual about this mask is that upon application, you'll experience a powerful tingling sensation. It doesn't burn or feel uncomfortable, so it's quite tolerable - if anything, it feels quite cooling, almost menthol. I would, however, advise you to proceed with caution if your skin is really sensitive, as I can imagine this might not be the most sensible choice. I have tried out many an AHA-containing product over the past year or so, and of all of them this one certainly feels like the strongest. Saying that, it definitely didn't irritate or burn my skin in any way.

The verdict? Actually, I'm sorry to say that I was somewhat underwhelmed. My skin didn't feel nearly as smooth or soft after use as I have experienced with, say, the Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask or the Elemental Herbology Facial Glow Radiance Peel (review next week). I'm sure I remember reading somewhere that this mask does have something of a cumulative effect, in that the longer you have been using it on a weekly basis, the greater the difference you will notice, but for me I'm still waiting. My skin does feel comfortable and refreshed in the immediate aftermath, but the next day things are pretty much back to normal.

I have really enjoyed using some other products by Elemis, but sadly this particular one wasn't for me. Perhaps it would serve somebody with older skin a little bit better, but I'm glad I didn't pay the full price for it.

Have you tried any resurfacing treatments? 

What are your favourite Elemis skincare products?

xx

Ren Keep Young and Beautiful SH2C Serum

As you have probably realised by now, I do love a skincare brand that uses lots of natural goodies in its ingredients, and avoids nasties such as parabens, sulfates and mineral oil (amongst other things). In fact, I have already bigged Ren up a fair bit on here in the past, being quite the fan of their delightful face masks (the infamous Glycolactic Radiance Peel being my favourite - not alone there). So, it'll come as no surprise to you at all that when I found myself in need of a new serum, Ren was my first port of call.

Yes, I know I'm only in my twenties, but having developed some rather alarming creases and crinkles below my eyes, it seemed only right that I start proviing my skin with the defence it needs against the dreaded ageing process. So, with this in mind, I chose the Keep Young and Beautiful SH2C Serum to come and join my skincare collection. After all, prevention is better than cure, as they say (but I was kind of hoping for both...)

According to Ren, the SH2C Serum is an advanced bio-active serum, formulated to keep skin looking smoother, firmer, younger and more radiant', and promises to reduce and prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leave skin looking plump, firm and lifted, correct skin tone and give a healthy, glowing radiance and - the big one - keep you looking younger for longer.

Bio-extracts include hexapeptides from yeast, to stimulate skin renewal, native peptides to smooth expression lines, glycosaminoglycans to provide lasting hydration and hyaluronic acid to increase moisture levels and plump the skin. Joining them is sirtuin, which increases the longevity of skin cells and promotes natural repair, and vitamin C to correct skin tone and brighten the complexion.

I was pretty impressed by these claims, especially as I've had such success with Ren products in the past. A serum which provides radiance as well as having anti-ageing properties is just fine by me. However, at £46 for just 30ml, this product had a lot to live up to.

On first impressions, the serum seemed to have the vague scent of tea, and it's thin and milky in consistency, spreading easily over the face and sinking in completely within a few seconds. My skin feels immediately plumper and firmer, and it's even gentle enough to use under my eyes, which is a huge bonus for me.

However, after the first couple of uses, I noticed the smell beginning to change somewhat, and noticed that it was leaving a rather unpleasant, fishy scent on my hands (niiiiiice!). The product itself doesn't smell like this, but I have begun to notice a rather soy sauce-like aroma upon application on a regular basis now, which frankly is a bit off-putting. The tea fragrance is still there too though, and it seems to veer between the two, which is all very odd.

I can't say I've noticed any smoothing of the lines under my eyes, but perhaps a month isn't long enough to see those kinds of results. I can say that the serum has definitely left my skin feeling plumped and  lifted after use, though I do feel that it could be more moisturising. Of course, I follow this with day and night creams, but I don't feel that the moisture stays locked in in the same way that it did with my previous serum. It has given my skin a nice glow, as Ren products tend to, but I can't really speak for the long-term effects and whether it really is keeping new wrinkles at bay! Only time will tell.

Would I repurchase?

Probably not. I've tried better serums, and for the price I'd expect a little bit more in terms of moisture and a nice scent. There  are lots more serums out there I'd like to try, and this one hasn't done enough to persuade me to stick with it. I hope I won't regret this in years to come!

Have you tried any of the Ren serums? If so, I'd love to know your thoughts.

xx