Murad

Dr Howard Murad talks (about cells and things, not bright white light)

Murad wisdom


Yummy cakes!





The new Hybrids

The bloggers listen

I first discovered Murad products in Urban Retreat when I worked at Harrods (they are still stocked there). Most of my wages were spent in the pursuit of perfect skin! I got on really well with Murad’s Acne and Spots Solutions range. Since then, I’m ashamed to say I have deviated, trying out all sorts of different skincare brands and products (although it sort of goes with the territory, I suppose!).

When I heard Dr Howard Murad and his son, Jeff, had flown over from LA, I went along to the bloggers party at the Mayfair Hotel to find out about the latest Murad developments.

After watching an interesting video about the development of Murad and the effects our stressful, sedentary lifestyle can have on our skin, Dr Murad and Jeff shared some insights into their latest products. I have been using their newest moisturizer, Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture. It’s rich and smoothing, absorbing really quickly into the skin. The new ‘Hybrids’, skin primers and under-eye products, are great too. The lightly pigmented primers are a brilliant alternative to my usual tinted moisturizer and they glide on beautifully. I love the Eye-Lift Perfector, it minimizes the appearance of dark circles and improves skin firmness by 50% in fifteen minutes. Definitely something I need these days.

Sorry for leaving you Murad, I’m a fan once more.

You can buy Murad products here:

http://www.murad.co.uk/

TRESemme Split Remedy

I’ve been using the new TRESemme Split Remedy range.

My mother’s words echo in my mind: “the only cure for split ends is to chop them off.”

In my heart, I still believe this to be true (I’m not convinced hair can be repaired completely through ionic bonding) but the positive effects of this range should definitely not be overlooked. After using the range (shampoo, conditioner, intensive treatment and serum) for nearly two weeks, my hair is glossy, shiny and easier to manage. The big three requirements, you might say, are met. Both ‘professional and affordable’, I’d definitely buy these products again but will also be sticking to my regular trims. Mum would kill me if I didn’t!

www.tresemme.com

Ps. I nicked the photo from www.orfalseglitter.com thanks Saz! x

Wash-off Cleansers, Tried and Tested

Ren Clearcalm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser £18.00 for 150ml

http://www.renskincare.com/p/3325/ClearCalm+3+Clarifying+Clay+Cleanser+

They say: ‘A purifying, antibacterial cleanser formulated to combat and help prevent breakouts and blemishes.’

I say: 'This smells good (quite minty) and feels really creamy and moisturising which is quite unusual for a cleanser designed for problem skin. It doesn’t really foam very much but there’s something quite relaxing about taking the time to massage it in. After rinsing, my face felt really moisturised but I almost felt like I needed to use a toner afterwards to refresh my skin. It’s really good at getting rid of mascara though so I’d recommend it for that. Love the packaging, the pump dispenses just the right amount of product - it looks really cool and futuristic.'

Super by Dr Nicolas Perricone Sweet Clean $30.00 for 118ml
http://www.getsuper.com/product/super+skincare/cleanser/sweet+clean.do?search=basic&keyword=sweet+clean&sortby=newArrivals&page=1

They say: ‘A gentle cleanser that wipes out dirt and makeup. Packed with Acai, an exotic antioxidant from the Amazon.’

I say: ‘Super by Nicholas Perricone is a really cool new skincare range, stocked in Boots. It’s like the friendly, less-scientifically-intimidating younger sister of the original NV Perricone range designed for older skin. I like this cleanser; it smells amazing (it contains Acai, every product in the Super range is based around a superfood) but doesn’t foam quite as well as I expected it to. It leaves my skin feeling clean and moisturised. Super.'

Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser £23 for 100ml
http://www.aesop.com/shopuk/product.php?xProd=198

They say: ‘A stimulating gel cleanser for glowing skin.’

I say: 'This is my favourite of the three. It smells absolutely gorgeous, lathers beautifully, leaves my skin feeling clean and fresh and looks good on my bathroom shelf to boot. I have but one criticism: it could do with a pump dispenser because it’s quite hard to control the amount of product you pour out. I’m trying to be sparing because I want to make this last for ages. It really is that good. I will definitely buy this again.'