Beauty Review: Nivea Visage q10 Plus Light Day Cream
July 11, 2008
Beauty Review: Nivea Visage q10 Plus Light Day Cream
I have been a loyal follower of Oil of Olay for many years. In fact, it the very first moisturizer that I ever used, all the way back when I was slip of a girl! But lately, I have been wanting to graduate to moisturizers new; especially since I had read that Oil of Olay tests their products on animals. Whether this is true or not, I know I would have a clearer conscience if I used a beauty product that was kinder to our furry friends.
As fate would have it, I was kindly offered a sample of Nivea Visage anti wrinkle q10 plus to try out and review. Since it’s been listed as cruelty free on many animal welfare sites, I jumped at the chance to try it out.
I was also rather curious to know what exactly q10 was. Recently I have been hearing this word being bandied about by various beauty experts, not to mention my own mother. Yet I still had no idea what it was!
Well today I can tell you what it is. Prepare yourself because here comes the science part. Ahem, Q10 is a co-enzyme, a natural active ingredient that we have in the skin. As we get older, our own levels of q10 decrease. Therefore the theory is that the use of a q10 product will reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
So I have now been using NIVEA VISAGE Anti-Wrinkle Q10 Plus Light Day Cream for about a week now. I can’t really comment on the reduction of wrinkles and fine lines yet since it states on the packaging that it will take four weeks to really see the difference. (Plus I don’t think I have to worry about wrinkles just yet. I am either in denial or just being positive, please let me be!).
What I really like is the neat ceramic pot it comes in. If you squint your eyes, it is reminiscent of the luxurious crème de la mer. Now for the product itself, I like how light it is and how quickly it absorbs into my combination skin. I think it is really is a case of a little goes a long way. Just a few dabs will do to feel moisturised enough.
Another bonus is that it is light enough to use under the eyes! I have to say that is one area that I always neglect. It has been said by many a beauty expert, that you need to use a different moisturizer for the eye area because it is so delicate. Hence the need for eye creams.
One more good thing to note is that this Nivea product contains sp 15! So you don’t have to worry too much about getting burnt if you are out and about (although I do recommend applying sunscreen if you intend on sunbathing).
If there is a downside, then I will say the smell. I personally don’t like to use fragranced products on my skin. I can’t quite pin point what kind of smell it is… watermelon? I’m not sure. There is a definite hint of something. However the fragrance is not entirely unpleasant or strong enough to bother me so I will continue to use this since I like the lightness of the lotion.
I was also sent NIVEA VISAGE Anti-Wrinkle Q10 Plus Sunkissed Skin.. It offers the same benefits as the day dream but this one will give you a glow. I thought it was going to be a tinted moisturizer but in actual fact it is a gradual tanner. Since I’m quite tanned already, I will be handing this over to one of my fairer friends to test out. I will report back with the results later!
Ditch and Make Up
May 27, 2008
So much for a bank holiday! I had been envisioning a day where I could while away a couple of hours outside on a lovely sunny afternoon. But no, the heavens opened and dictated that I stay indoors and spring clean my room from top to toe.
I didn’t get too far. I realised that just organising my dressing table drawers was going to be a mammoth task. For I possess far too many potions and lotions, far too much for a girl to handle.
I’m quite certain I don’t need them and yet I cannot seem to throw anything away; particularly when it comes to make up.
But like food, all make up products have their own expiry dates. And so I’ve done a little investigation as to when it is the best time to ditch the make up. Hopefully this might encourage me to part with at least some of my beauty belongings.
When to throw out your make up
Upon opening a liquid foundations and powders, they will last for one year and no more.
Cream eye shadows can last between six to twelve months, whilst powdered eye shadows have a longer shelf life of one year plus. The same rule applies to blushes.
Mascara has the shortest lifespan of all, lasting only three months at a time. This is due to the pumping action of the mascara wand. The extra supply of air causes the mascara to dry out (and flake). It also leaves it susceptible to growth of bacteria. So it’s always best to discard your mascara products on a regular basis to avoid getting eye infections.
If you sharpen your eyeliners regularly then it can last for three years (just as long as you haven’t come to the end of the pencil). Keeping your eyeliners sharp will ensure bacteria cannot grow on the tip of the pencil.
And as for lipsticks, there are some discrepancies as to when to throw it away. Some experts say that lipsticks can last one year but others say four years. So while they fight it out, we should go by the sniffing rule. Yes, smelling is a very good way of testing your most of your products! If they don’t smell very good, then you know it’s time to bid that lippie adieu.
There you go. I don’t know if that’s going to help me with my makeup hoarding problem but it’s a start in the right direction. So here’s to a tidier dressing table!
On the Lash: Majolica Majorca Mascaras
April 25, 2008
I’d be hard pressed if I was forced choose between my favourite beauty products. One moment it’s blush, the next it’s lip gloss. I can however reveal that today my beauty must-have of the moment is - the mascara. Yes, with a simple wave of that magic (mascara) wand, we too can have glorious fluttery lashes to frame our peepers.
Let’s swot up on a little makeup history.
Should you take a wander down the historical timeline of make-up; you will find that the very first mascara was created all the way back in the 19th Century by a man named Eugene Rimmel! (Yes THAT Rimmel!) Such is the popularity of the mascara that in some corners of the globe, the word ‘rimmel’ means ‘mascara’. These languages include Portuguese, Romanian and Dutch (rimel).
A couple of years later, the year 1913 to be precise, a chemist named T.L Williams formulated a more modern type of mascara for his sister, Mabel (what a nice brother)
This formula, consisting of coal dust and Vaseline, proved to be huge hit with his sister. And so Williams decided to create a mail order company so that he could sell this wonder mascara to the masses. And thus his company, Maybelline, was born.
Back in those days, the mascara was applied by wetting a brush and rubbing it into a cake. How cumbersome! It wasn’t until 1957 that Helena Rubinstein introduced the tube and wand applicators that we know and love today
Mascara Galore
Believe me when I say I’ve tried a lot of mascaras: Shu Uemura, Bourjois, Maybelline, Anna Sui, Dior; from high end to high street. Talk about going on the lash!
But I think my wandering days are over. I’ve finally found my ultimate mascara. It’s by Majolica Majorca, a high street Japanese make up line by Shiseido
Initially I was actually searching for the famed Fiberwig mascara; but a good friend told me to try this brand out whilst I was in Japan. So whilst browsing one of the drug stores down Harajuku, I finally found a Majolica Majorca stand. I must say I wasn’t expecting much since it was a high street brand, but colour me astonished, I’m really impressed with the quality of the products. Not to the mention the extremely pretty swirly packaging which will appeal the girly girl in you.
Unfortunately I cannot read Japanese so I had to guess what some of the products were. I first picked up a mascara-like looking tube that was topped off with a white cap. It had Curl, curl, curl towards the sky written on the front of it. I remember thinking to myself, ‘Surely that’s not the title of the product? It’s far too long.’
Common sense told me that this was probably a lash primer so I bought that, followed by a tube capped in black. This one was had Hope My Lashes Are Full and Smooth printed on the front. I hoped so too and hurried home.
I did a quick search on Google and found out that the two items I had picked up were indeed called Hope My Lashes Are Full and Smooth and Curl, curl, curl towards to the sky.
The Review
I first unscrewed ‘Curl, Curl, curl toward the sky’ and found myself looking at, not a brush, but a comb. I’m not used to applying mascara this way so I really botched up my first application. I’m sure with a bit more practise I would be able to apply it smoothly but on first try it was very clumpy. Then I applied ‘Hope My Lashes Are Full and Smooth’ over it. Again, I would have preferred the ease of a brush to apply this.
I also found that with the combination of both the mascara and primer, it was extremely long wearing. This is positive and a negative. I’ve always been a victim of the panda eyes effect after a late night out, so at least I knew the make up was not going to go anywhere on a night out.
However it was very difficult to remove with just my cleanser. I found myself taking a lash or two out when rubbing vigorously to remove it.
Unfortunately wasn’t too impressed with how I looked in the end. The lashes looked far too fake and spidery. Though perhaps with a bit more practise, I can make it work, she says so optimistically.
Having said all that I DO recommend wearing ‘Hope My Lashes Are Full and Smooth’ on its own without the primer because boy! I really love how smoothly it goes on without any clumping. I have the tiniest eyelashes ever but with this mascara on, they really do look so much fuller and yet so natural looking. Another major plus point is that it is so much easier to remove without wearing the primer.
It really does what it says on the tin and it has now replaced Anna Sui as my no.1 favourite mascara.
On reflection, I think having the Majolica Majorca primer and mascara combination was far too potent for me to handle. Though I won’t be binning the primer; I think it works well as a general primer for less effective mascaras.
Unfortunately Majolica Majorca is exclusive to Japan. So if you want to get your mitts on these mascaras I would suggest having a hunt online. I managed to find it this website that sells this brand. If you know anymore, please let me know!
Sexy Holiday Hair - Your questions answered!
March 28, 2008
Sun, sea and sand, does wonders for boosting your mood, but it also does wonders at destroying your hair.
We’re all wising up to the fact that we need to slap on high factor sun cream to protect our skin, but how many of us remember to look after our locks?
You may love the suns power to lighten your hair, but those UV rays actually break down protein in your hair leaving it looking dry and frizzy.
Even that much needed dip in the pool causes damage due to all that chlorine that discolours and weakens your hair. Resulting in it looking lank and feeling like straw. 
So how come all the A-lister’s manage to stay red carpet gorgeous when relaxing by the sea?
I’m here to offer you a helping hand by answering your most frequently asked questions about holiday hair. Read more
True Romantics Think Pink
March 28, 2008
As the days get longer and the evenings get brighter - I too reflect that change; by swapping my wintry warm orange toned blusher (it’s a lot less frightening than it sounds) for the softer, sweeter shade of pink. As I try to resist the urge of breaking out into Aerosmith’s Pink, let me tell you that pink, it’s not even a question! Especially since the Spring/Summer Ready-to-Wear collections are awash with romantic ruffles, frivolous frills and flower details. It’s only right that our faces should reflect this decidedly feminine twist.
The Beauty Booty Bag
February 8, 2008
There’s a hint of spring in the winter air - the blossoms are blossoming, the sun is shining and there’s a surge of fabulous new beauty products to boot!
Shine on me – Hair that Blings!
January 25, 2008
It’s true, the only books I’ll even consider splurging on are ones that will look good on my shelf. There I said it, I’m an incredibly shallow creature, but then again aren’t we all? And is it really such a crime to want to look your best?
Surely it’s far better to want to look like the shiniest version of you, rather than wallow in a heap of self pity, elasticated waists and neglect?
So with that, I’ve decided I’m on a mission to give myself a little beauty TLC every week (you saw what happened when I forgot to care about my lips!) My first aim is to achieve the most shiny, silky locks ever seen this side of the United Kingdom!
Going the Cruise way…not so easy after all
January 16, 2008
I am one of those susceptible individuals who get easily impressed by shiny tabloid pics. Every morning, while conducting my morning business in the loo, I survey the morning paper for glossy photographs with the same enthusiasm as a 2 year old scanning the kitchen for a cookie jar. It takes labour and serious pursuit, each page has hidden treasures that must be sought long and hard enough to be acquired. No corner can be left unviewed, for who knows maybe in one of them lay hidden that single secret image of that special under clad woman which would change my life forever. It was during one such tabloid scanning session that I accidentally discovered Miss Katie Holmes/Cruise’ new, delectable haircut. What gorgeousity it is! I would go and get the cut done as soon as I was over with the bathroom nitty-gritty’s, I promised myself secretly.
Now, to be achingly precise, I am not what one would comfortably call a Beauty Salon person. I do not enjoy strange women tugging at my face and hair or tickling the soles of my feet and then charging me a small fortune for the same atrocities. One hair season melts into another as I niftily shrug off the monthly trims with one clever, constructed excuse after the other.
When I do decide to get myself to a parlour however I prepare myself for it. The military scrutinies I usually face at these establishments have finally put me fiercely on guard. Tired of the head to feet study I usually face at these places (and the giggling and nose crinkling which follows soon after) I have learnt to trim and paint my nails, shave my arms and legs and give my feet a serious scrub before deeming myself fit for a salon. Given that this initial tug-of-war leaves literally little scope for improvement I usually get no more than a eyebrow pluck at the aforementioned establishment. This time though I skip the details and rush off in a hurry. Gorgeousity must not be kept waiting. The rather clean woman at the front desk hears my query with a trained and to my understanding a rather painful smile. Through that smile (which no doubt her learned superiors had specifically asked her not to falter) she mumbles that indeed the Holmes/Cruise haircut is a splendid act of hairstyling, if I spoke to the head hairdresser then I could also, perhaps, enjoy it on my own head instead of enviously staring at it on someone else’s. I concur.
The head hairdresser, the central star around whom the solar system of the salon revolves with great precision did not take a liking to me, I could tell. She brushes off my request with a flick off her perky little fingernails. “You?” she asks with a scorn which turns me red till my hair roots. “You?” she repeats again, as if the first time wasn’t enough and like she expects me to at least come up with a retort. “Yes” I reply meekly. “No no no no” she says, waving her hands frantically “all wrong”. Hmmmm…. I slowly begin shifting my feet. “Your wave pattern is all ….all haywire”. Whatever that means. I nod obediently and try to appear apologetic. “Now a bob, it needs a straight fall…..while you…you are” here she creases her nose in a most ungainly manner “well…”.
I knew what she meant, which is why I felt a bit guilty. I was not one of those hundred brush strokes a night girl and my hair, being usually uncombed, had a radical streak. It flew and curled and tangled and matted all at its own will. If only I had been Katie Holmes and had drop-dead gorgeous hair…if only i had listened to my mother and had the multivitamins regularly……
I was shaken out of my thoughts by the hairdresser. She, I realized, had not taken a break from her discourse despite my inattention. “…and the form….now Miss Holmes is the old school… petite, svelte…while you” here she pauses again, eyes running up and down the length of my well endowed thighs. “But of course styling is all about transforming the ugly duckling” pause “into the swan…the inanimate into the animate…the lifeless into the lively. So a good serum lotion…of course from our own company…a little straightening every morning….(if you don’t have a straightener you can purchase one from our very own store)… a good conditioner…leave in conditioner….wide-toothed comb…fifteen minute flat ironing…salon visit thrice a month…volumizer ……hair gloss for that chic shine….diffuser…great shampoo”. I couldn’t catch a lot of what she said, the shock of the sudden cascade of instructions overwhelmed me. The shock must have been apparent on my face for she turned on that front-desk smile and said helpfully “of course if you can’t manage all of that…and a lot of people can’t…we can provide you a devoted hairstylist, of course she will be using all our hair products…I can quickly type out how much it will all cost you….”. My head was still buzzing. Through the haze i saw her waving an incredible, unimaginable six figure number before my eyes. My heart skipped a beat.
During the course of her lecture I had tried in vain to interrupt and break into a counter sermon preaching the loop holes of body politics, but instead I opened and shut my mouth like a rather foolish fish stuck in an aquarium. Undoubtedly this woman was well-equipped against her critics.I didn’t get the haircut after all. Fortunately the head hairdresser didn’t take the rejection as a personal insult and thus spared me any further humiliation.Next morning as I sat humming on the pot, again scanning for pretty chick pics my heart went out to the clean, combed, shiny divas. Evidently being a brightly varnished, not-one-hair-out-of-place, smiley goddess was real hard work. Not to mention a lot of hair products.
