Review - Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate

Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate... where have you been all my life!
 I started using Liz Earle's Superskin Concentrate in November 2013, and I really do think very highly of it.

Front of Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate

Back of Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate

The Superskin Concentrate is a night time nourisher for your skin, and with some of the ingredients being rose hip oil, avocado oil and argan oil from Morocco, if you apply this before you get into bed, you will wake up looking fresh faced and plumped to perfection! 


The intense, aromatic blend of 100% pure plant oils in this restoring night-time oil is suitable for all skin types, including oily skin, which although sounds mad applying oil to more oil it actually improves the oil balance of your skin. Superskin Concetrate also helps to soften dry and mature skin, so is suitable for all ages. This product is also said to help clear toxins, reduce puffiness, boost circulation, encourage cell renewal and aid lympathic drainage around your eyes.

Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate roller-ball bottle and packaging

I love to use this product straight after using Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish which helps to lift away any dead skin and makeup using a muslin cloth. Then I go onto using Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic which revitalises, soothes and tones your skin and then sometimes I will apply Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser which smoothes and protects your skin leaving a lovely, healthy glow. I shall be writing a blog post on all of these products above if you want to know more about what they do and why I find them really beneficial to use.


 To use this oil I love to dispense a small amount onto my hands, and then gently massage the oil onto your skin with upward and outward movements using firm pressure. The oil being a light and thin consistency dissolves into your skin more or less instantly. I prefer to use this product just before bed so that it can soak into my face whilst I sleep. I was told by the lady behind the Liz Earle counter to use the Superskin Concentrate every night as part of my beauty routine in order to re-balance my oily t-zone and now I do not suffer from this problem anymore.

Instructions on how to apply the oil which come within the box

Superskin Concentrate leaves my skin radiant and glowing, and although sometimes having an oily t-zone, this oil really does reduce this which is perfect. 

The other ingredients are Corylus avellana (hazelnut) oil, Rosa rubiginosa (rosehip) seed oil, Argania spinosa (argan) kernel oil, Persea gratissima (avocado) oil, Citrus aurantium amara (neroli) flower oil, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil, Anthemis nobilis (chamomile) flower oil, Citral, Geraniol, Citronellol, Farnesol, Limonene, Linalool... and now for a little simplifying of some of these ingredients!

- Corylus avellana (hazelnut oil) is used in aromatherapy massage and is said to be easily absorbed by the skin leaving it soft and smooth.

- Lavandula angustifolia (lavender oil) is helped to induce a restful night's sleep.

- Neroli Essential Oil (citrus uranium v.amara) is also known as bitter orange oil and comes from orange blossoms. This oil has uplifting and restorative properties and can be used to treat anxiety and depression, so perfect to use as part of your daily routine, but also as part of your pamper night.

- Persea gratissima (avocado oil) leaves the skin smooth and soft, being a high source of vitamin E, magnesium and linoleum acid (an essential fatty acid).

- Tocopherol (vitamin E) is an antioxidant which helps to protect skin against radical damage caused by pollution and the sun's radiation.

- Rosa rubiginosa (rose hip oil) is a good source of essential fatty acids which helps to lock moisture onto your skin, and is considered a luxurious oil.

I purchased this 10ml rollerball from John Lewis for £20.00 (link below), which although is quite pricey it lasts a really long time and does help your skin a lot. You can also purchase 28ml bottle for £40.42 (link below), but I went for the 10ml bottle because the oil is so much easier to apply to your face with the aid of the rollerball and not the pump bottle.

Have you ever tried Liz Earle's Superskin Concentrate and if so what do you think of it? Do you use any other night time nourishing oils on your skin?

Speak soon,

L x

LINKS

Liz Earle - http://uk.lizearle.com/superskin/superskin-concentrate.html

John Lewis - http://www.johnlewis.com/liz-earle-superskin-concentrate-10ml/p231417767
John Lewis - http://www.johnlewis.com/liz-earle-superskin-concentrate-28ml/p231417768?navAction=jump

Review - Philosophy Pure Grace Shampoo, Bath & Shower Gel

I have been using products by Philosophy for about two years now and love the brand so much - one of my favourites being Philosophy Pure Grace shampoo, bath & shower gel.

This is perfect for a multi-tasker such as myself as it is a 3-in-1 product. This shower gel is perfect for taking to the gym for showering after your workout, as you can wash your hair and body using the lotion and it also moisturises, leaving your skin instantly hydrated and feeling luxuriously soft. Not only does the product do wonders on your skin it also works great as a shampoo, leaving your hair feeling so soft and shiny without even using a conditioner. 

Front of the bottle of Pure Grace

Back of the bottle of Pure Grace

The scent of this product smells like soap and water, being so subtle yet really gorgeous, with a hint of water lily for freshness and modern, simple tones of leafy greens and frosted musk brings a refreshing finish. Pure Grace smells so clean and fresh and can definitely be used by both females and males.

Philosophy describes Pure Grace on the bottle as: "pure grace is the clean smell of soap and water; the memory of fresh air woven into a set of crisp, white cotton sheets; a cold deep breath on a snowy winter night; the best summer morning you have ever known; the simple, pure pleasures of life; the refreshed feeling as you step from the shower, renewed to life; the one white t-shirt that feels better than all the rest".

On the back of the bottle it states not to use the bath & shower gel too much as "excessive use or prolonged exposure may cause irritation to skin and urinary tract", so I tend to use this in my bath once a week, however I have never had any problems with this product.

Pure Grace on my skin

You can see above how Pure Grace comes out on my hand - pearlescent, white cream like product, which is quite thick and so moisturising. 

I bought Pure Grace by Philosophy from their website (link below), but is also available at big department stores like John Lewis (link below). Pure Grace was £19.00 for the 480ml/16 fl/oz bottle. 

This is my favourite lotion product of all time and everyone always compliments me on the scent as it seems to last which is amazing from a bath & shower gel. I really do recommend Pure Grace, but also to try some of Philosophy's other products as they all smell so gorgeous, for example Philosophy's Shortbread Cookie shampoo, bath & shower gel, which smells as good as it sounds!

Have you ever tried Pure Grace and if so what do you think of it? Do you use any other Philosophy products and if so which ones are you favourites?

Speak soon,

L x

LINKS

Philosophy - www.philosophyskincare.co.uk/foaming-bath-and-shower-cream/pure-grace-shower-cream,default,pd.html

John Lewis - http://www.johnlewis.com/philosophy-pure-grace-shower-cream-480ml/p147370

Review - Jessica Phenomen Oil

The one thing I think has really made a difference to the growth and strength of my nails is Jessica Phenomen Oil which I absolutely swear by, having an acrylic nail addiction!

Front of Jessica Phenomen Oil (sorry about
 the box... think it has got a little
knocked around in my handbag)

Back of Jessica Phenomen Oil

I remember my Mum using the phenomen oil on her cuticles and I always use to love the smell as it smells absolutely gorgeous because almond oil makes up its ingredients. I loved the product so much that I went out and bought myself a bottle and have used the oil religiously on my cuticles and also dry skin since. As soon as you apply the oil you can see the difference which it has made which is amazing.

Jessica Cosmetics is considered a world leading brand and their products help to achieve and maintain naturally beautiful nails. Jessica Nails started in the 1970s, starting off as nail salons in America where celebrities used to go, and now is a worldwide nailcare brand. The Jessica Phenomen Oil was voted 'Best Nail Saviour' in 2013, and Jessica has since then won numerous awards (link below).

Jessica Phenomen Oil bottle, with packaging and instructions/about

On the back of the box which the product comes in it says: "Rehydrate skin around nails, even elbows, feet, knees - wherever dryness demands a refreshing drink of moisture. Formulated with jojoba, almond and rice oils to revitalise and maintain ideal moisture balance. Apply evenings for deep overnight penetration. Phenomenal".

Some of the benefits of this product are that the natural jojoba heals dry, split, cracked nails, and the almond and rice nail conditions the nails. Massaging the oil into your cuticles helps to increase circulation and promote nail growth and it really does work!

Jessica Phenomen Oil

To use the oil on your cuticles: simply use the pipette (image below) which is located on the top of the bottle, and drop the oil onto your cuticles, massaging from right to left in a rotating motion.

To use the oil on dry skin: simply either drop the oil using the pipette onto your dry skin and massage or add 10-12 drops into the bathtub for extra softening, which I love as the aromas of the oil leave your skin smelling so lovely.

Picture of the pipette which you use to easily apply the oil

I absolutely adore this oil as it is so versatile and is perfect for keeping it in my handbag and topping up whenever I need to, being perfect for cuticles, any dry areas of the body such as elbows, knees etc, and also you can use the oil on your hair.

This Jessica Phenomen Oil is available for purchase at literally any good department store or beauty shop - I bought mine from John Lewis for £14.10, for a 14.8ml bottle, but you can also buy a 7.4ml bottle for £9.25 (link below).

I have repurchased this product over and over again and will continue to so this is why I thought that it deserved its very own post on my blog - if you have not tried this oil already then I urge you to!



Do you use oil on your nails? Have you ever tried Jessica Phenomen Oil and if so what do you think of it?

Speak soon,

L x

LINKS

Jessica - www.jessica-nails.co.uk

John Lewis - www.johnlewis.com/jessica-phenomen-oil-intensive-moisturiser/p491377

Review - Moroccanoil Treatment

I have been using Moroccanoil Treatment for as long as I can remember and have never ever looked back since or looked for alternatives as I really do think that this oil is a miracle worker for your hair... especially if you have had your hair dyed to the extent which I have!

I started using Morcoccanoil Treatment when my hairdresser recommended it to me when I was blonde, and I had so much peroxide on my hair making it really dry. My hairdresser put a small amount of the oil through my hair and instantly I could see and feel the difference!

The front of the packaging of Moroccanoil Treatment

On the back of the box which the oil comes in it reads: "A unique formula rich in antioxidant argan oil that instantly absorbs into hair to immediately enhance manageability, shine and deliver long term conditioning without leaving residue" which is the exact truth as it gives your hair a gorgeous shine and really has changed my hair and its elasticity and therefore condition. The oil can be used on all types of hair so you have no excuse not to try it out :)

The oil is ultra-light and you can even get a Light Moroccanoil Treatment which is an even lighter product for finer hair. Moroccanoil Treatment has the ability to restore over-processed hair damaged by environmental factors and chemical procedures, so is really good for dyed hair, like mine, but also if you use heating styling tools quite a lot like straighteners.

Bottle of 125ml Moroccanoil Treatment with the pump and box

To apply the oil you simply pump the bottle (if you have a pump bottle) twice and if you do not have a pump bottle then pour a small amount into your hands and rub your hands together so that the product is even distributed. Then run your hands through your hair when it is damp or dry and style as usual. I tend to use the oil on damp hair after I have just washed it and I do not put the products on my roots. After applying the oil you will instantly see the difference that it makes!

A review from InStyle magazine said: "We don't know how we survived before Moroccanoil" and Jamie Stevens, a famous hairstylist said "It's been a massive hit. One in three of my clients now walk away with a bottle. It's super-nourishing and works wonders to control frizz and leave hair soft and shiny" (link below).

125ml Moroccanoil Treatment

One think which may hold you back from buying Moroccanoil Treatment is the price as yes it is pretty steep being £32.59 on Amazon (link below) and £35.00 from my hairdresser's for a 125ml pump bottle, but believe me it is well worth the money and lasts ages. You can also get a smaller bottle of Moroccanoil Treatment for £15.00 for a 25ml pour bottle, which is harder to use than the pump, but perfect for trying the product before splashing the cash! 

I promise you that once you have tried the product you will never ever look back so grab yourself a bottle and get ready to hear the compliments flying in about how great your hair looks... frizz-free, shiny and in much better condition!

Do you use hair oil? Have you ever tried Moroccanoil Treatment and what do you think of it?

Speak soon,

L x

LINKS

Feel Unique Review - www.feelunique.com/p/Moroccanoil-Oil-Treatment-for-All-Hair-Types-100ml

Amazon - http://www.amazon.co.uk/MoroccanOil-Treatment-Hair-Types-100ml/dp/B001AO0WCG
Moroccanoil - http://www.moroccanoil.com/united-kingdom/countryselector

Review - Zico: Mango and Zico: Original

Having heard so many great reviews about ZICO Pure Cocount Water I thought that I had to give it a go, seeing social media go crazy for it!

 I popped into my local Waitrose and bought a bottle of the ZICO: Mango and the ZICO: Original. (Really sorry but I drank the ZICO: Original on the way back home in the car as I was so excited to try it, so sadly I did not manage to take a photo of it).

ZICO Mango
(front of bottle)

ZICO Mango
(back of bottle)

From my first sip of ZICO: Mango I absolutely loved the drink and the way that is tasted so fresh and natural... literally like cracking a coconut open and sticking a straw into it!  I definitely prefer the Mango  as opposed to the Original ZICO as I love mango, and I did find the ZICO: Original to be a little bland.

I researched 'ZICO' online on their website (link below) and saw that the coconut water is made from fresh Indonesian coconuts, which are hand harvested. Coconut water is proven to be amazing for sports recovery also! The bottle (14fl oz) contains 60 calories! 

The ingredients for the ZICO Coconut Water Mango is as follows:-

100% Natural coconut water from concentrate

Natural flavours & citric acid

Zico: Mango in a glass

There are also five more ZICO flavours which I really want to try which include:-

Pineapple, Chocolate, Pomegranate, Passion Fruit, and Lemon & Lime.

Jäger modelling Zico: Mango!

I also found that if you make fresh juices and smoothies like myself, then adding ZICO to them makes them extra tasty, but also really does quench your thirst so definitely give this a go.

I loved ZICO coconut water so much that I ordered a crate of 12 from Amazon (link below)  for £26.28, making it £2.19 a bottle. I would say, however, before you order 12 to try one before as coconut water does have quite an acquired taste and luckily for me I have got that! 

Do you like coconut water? What is your favourite brand? Have you ever tried ZICO and what do you think of it?

Speak soon,

L x

LINKS

Waitrose - http://www.waitrose.com/shop/ProductView-10317-10001-239621#.Uz3oD16prwI

Amazon - www.amazon.co.uk/Zico-Coconut-Water-Mango-Pack/dp/B00BCEP2WO

ZICO UK - www.uk.zico.com

Introduction to 'Lush and Lavish'

Hello there,

So... after a long time of debating whether or not I should start a blog, I came to the decision that I had nothing to lose if I did...so here we go! 

My name is Lydia and I am nineteen years old (twenty in May). I was born in London however am 1/2 Norwegian through my father's side which I absolutely love! I am currently living in London and trying to figure out what I want to do with my life... yes I am still undecided!

Lydia (me)

I recently worked as an Interior Designer, which I have always wanted to do since I was young. I really loved the job and will most likely go back into Interior Design, however I felt that I could offer so much more which is why I decided to try and pursue something else.

Having so much free time on my hands, I thought to myself "Why not start a blog?" after wanting to for a long, long time. I came up with the name 'Lush and Lavish', simply because I like everything lush and lavish (who doesn't?!!). I aim to include in my blog reviews about products, but also beauty and clothing hauls which I find myself doing a lot, especially now that I am out of work, but also lifestyle posts about what I get up to. You may also find that you see a lot of my pomeranian, Jagerbomb (picture below), as he is literally the best thing on this planet so please bear with me :D

Jagerbomb

I really hope that you enjoy reading my blog and hopefully it will help you to decide whether to buy a few of the products which I review. I am not quite sure yet how to properly write a blog as I have never had one so please let me know what you think whether it is positive or negative feedback as "all feedback is good feedback!".

Anyway enough of my ranting and on with your reading.

Speak soon,

L x