Philips VisaPure Review

I was kindly given by Philips their New VisaPure electric cleansing brush to test and review for them.

As you know I have already reviewed the Clarisonic, so I am going to write this review as if I haven't, for 2 reasons.
 1, I was supposed to have got this before receiving the Clarisonic and so my review would have been just on the VisaPure.
2. I feel the VisaPure review should just reflect my opinion on this brush.

I will however, for those who wish to know any differences on the two brushes do a separate post on the comparisons.

The VisaPure Experience

Philips knows that cleansing is the most important part of every women's skincare routine. With the VisaPure, women can now take their cleansing routine to the next level,  providing a gentle, easy-to-use electronic skin cleansing device that massages the skin to remove make-up, dirt and impurities, which is 10 x more effective than manual cleansing.

VisaPure is fully waterproof enabling it to be used in the shower. It features a unique "Dual Motion " technology ( vibration and rotating ) creating a comfortable massaging effect to stimulate micro-circulation beneath the skin's surface, renewing skin to bring out its natural radiance.

Revitalising the face and decolletage just takes 1min each, easily fitting into the every woman's daily routine alongside their existing products. The added benefit of using the device is that it optimise the skin preparation to absorb other products ( i.e Serums and Creams ) much more effectively, reinforcing their beneficial effects and helping the skin to look healthier and more radiant.

My VisaPure Experience

The VisaPure has definitely been designed with women in mind. My first impressions of the brush was that it looks very feminine stylish and almost sexual, in the sense it remains of something you would have in your sex drawer. However, I do love the design and it looks fab on the dressing table or in the bathroom.
It is also very light weight and could easily been taken with your on travels ( I will certainly be packing this in my hospital bag for when I go in to have my baby ).

The brush comes with two brushes to start you off, a normal brush head and a sensitive brush head. You can also buy an exfoliating brush head separately. The price of the brush heads are really competitive from just £7.99! As like a most electric devices with brush heads ( i.e toothbrush and other electric skin cleansers ) brushes should be changed every 3-4 months.

I've been using the normal brush head on this device and it is very soft ( think of a how a baby brush feels like ). I have used this now for 2 weeks and the brush feels amazing on the skin.  On my opinion alittle on the small side but than it fits with size and style of the device. I also found the device a little awkward to hold at first but after a few days of using it, I got the feel of the device. I have used both settings - the everyday "Gentle Cleansing" and the 1-2 times a week " Deep Cleansing " ( which you could use the exfoliating brush head for too ).  Both feel great and leave your skin amazing soft, smooth and radiant.
There is also a Skin Zone Timer on the brush which indicates when it is time to move on to the next area, which ensure the face and decolletage are cleansed thoroughly and evenly.

What I was surprised about, was it only took 6 hours to charge up, meaning  I could use this the next morning of receiving it. The stand is the charger, but you can unplug the cord so that the stand can sit in the bathroom when the device is fully charged. The device when charge has 30mins of use, which gives you a whole months use before charging up again, which in turn again is fab if your wanting to take this on holiday.

You also don't need as much cleanser as you would have used manually. A small blob just in the middle seems to be enough to cleanse the whole face.  Since using an electric skin cleansing device, I have noticed my skin is less prone to blemish or breakouts, my T-Zone is less oily and the skin is amazing smooth, radiant and even skin toned. You will also notice your serums, oils and creams go in much easier and their results are more effective too.

The price is very competitive too at £150  and available though Boots.com or instore. I would definitely recommend using an electric skin cleansing device to anyone who wants to supercharge their cleansing routine and skincare routine.

For more information on Philips VisaPure you can visit their Facebook page, or www.philips.co.uk

Brevity Beauty - A quick yet effective cleansing system.

So who are Brevity Beauty?  It was only a couple of weeks ago I had heard of them, and via twitter!
They had contacted regards to trying out their 3 step cleansing system, and as I love trying new products especially beauty products, you can imagine I jumped at the chance in doing so.

I am not sure when the company was founded by Sue Jones but the background into the products and name of the company is a wonderful story - with Japanese connections and Shakespare ( Brevity Beauty - History and Philosophy
The Shakespare part is the the word Brevity, derived from Polonius’ speech in Hamlet where he stated “Brevity is the soul of wit” . Brevity Beauty's ethos is “Brevity is the soul of beauty”. Brevity means brief, quick and certianly their regime is breif and quick. Which for some of us with busy lifestyles will love without having to compromise on quality and effective skincare regime.

Ok, so what is in the products that makes it so effective yet quick? - Marine Collagen! combined with licorice, geranium and Hyaluronic acid which are all renowned for helping reduce fine lines and wrinkles, diminishing pigmentation spots and firming the skin.

The 3 Step System:
1) The Cleansing Lotion
2) The Conditioning Bar and Lather Net ( unique and fun to use )
3)The All in One Moisturising Gel

When I received this, I was wondering what the net was for, and it this that makes their 3 step rather unique and fun to use. However, I will explain usage in a second.
The Brevity 3 Step uses a double cleansing system and a combined toner/moisturiser. The cleansing lotion removes any makeup  efficiently and effectively. Apply this to your hands and massage into the skin, than cleanse away with water. You than place the cleansing bar into the net, wet with some warm water and rub the net between your palms to create a foam. Take the bar out, and squeeze the net with one hand from top to bottom to remove the foam onto your hands and massage foam onto face ( do not use the net on the face ). Then just rinse with water and pat dry.  I found my skin beautifully squeaky clean - but not drying like soaps can be. It felt gentle but definitely effective.
Once you pat dry, apply the moisturising gel all over face and neck. The texture of the gel was lovely and my face felt moisturised afterwards.
I have placed the video of how to use the products, as it is best seen!

I have used it for 4 days now, and I haven't any problems with it. My skin has felt really clean, soft and moisturised after using the products. I also liked the fact it was quick, all 3 steps took less than 5 Min's to do, and as mother, and I work full time too, a regime like this is great.
As someone who works in the beauty industry, I know you really need a good 4 weeks to see real improvements on your skin, although some results like I have mentioned are seen instantly, for results on wrinkles, lines, tone of skin etc you would need at least 4 weeks. I would recommend using the products, as they have felt really comfortable on my skin and would continue to use to see the longer term results.
Price wise, I feel they are very reasonable, falling in the same category to other premium brands that offer similar products in terms of marine, or anti ageing.

I believe as I write this, Brevity Beauty are still offering samples out to try their skincare - if you follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

Thermae Spa - Hot Stone Massage Review

As part of my health and beauty blog, I want to include some reviews on treatments, Old and New, and so I start my first review from  a friend, Claire in Wiltshire who had a wonderful first experience of a massage treatment - Hot Stone at the Thermae Spa in Bath.

I went to Thermae Spa in Bath ..... this was my first time at a spa and my first ever time having a massage type treatment, I was unsure what to expect. I chose the hot stone treatment because i often use heat to relieve pain myself in the form of a hot water bottle or wheat bag, generally for shoulder neck or back pain but also toothache.

  The staff at the centre were lovely.... the treatment lasts about 45 minutes and starts with you laying on warm stones carefully placed to line up with your spine. Then stones are placed at other points on your chest and neck hands and toes. The treatment starts with a facial which I hadn't expected but also uses stones to massage around the temples. A shoulder, neck, chest, hand and foot massage are also included and by the time it got to the end, I was more relaxed than i ever had been. It's a very calming experience although the style of it doesn't do much for the lower back which is a shame.

After the treatment i then spent the rest of the afternoon shared between the roof top pool as it was a very cold day but also sunny so it was lovely to relax in the warm spa water, and there other facilities a jacuzzi and steam rooms.

In all a lovely day and I would definitely go back and would probably spend a whole day there and sample more of their treatments.

  Thermae Spa is situated in the heart of bath, combining old and new with the Natural Thermal Waters, Cross Bath and the New Royal Bath for a special spa experience.

They offer over 50 spa, health and beauty treatments, including specially designed packages.
Please note that treatments have to be booked in advance and can only be booked along spa sessions.

For more info or to book visit 

Be a GLOW GETTER with Eyeko Cheeky Colour Duo Blush Compact!

WOW! I just love this product!
To those who know me well, I am not one to wear blusher. The thought of having it on my face made me feel like I would either look like a cheap tart that applied too much, or not correctly or that I was badly sunburned.

For years I would was just wearing foundation and powder on my face, eyeshadow and mascara ( yes lipstick is another one I can't face! ). And it is not because I dont' know how to apply it, it is just simply an image that comes into my head - a fear that I just looked wrong and too over made up.

Since having my first child nearly 3 years ago and swopping the 9 till 5 office job for a 24/7 stay at home mum, I very rarely had time, or even thought about putting make up on - except the mascara which I just can't live without!

Than about 2 months ago I came across a make up company called Eyeko. They had an offer on their suprise good bag, so as a make up lover I ordered it to find amongst the items the Glow Getter Blusher. As a non blusher fan - I actually like the look of the soft pink/shimmer colours. As I was ill over the christmas period and looking a little pale in the face, I thought I'd give it a go for the New Year party I was going to. I was very pleasently surprised how it sat on my cheeks, giving a lovely soft/shimmery pink glow, and high lighting them.

Product Details
 Baked pressed powders highly pigmented with finely milled pearlescent shimmer for a long-lasting flush of colour.  Each double-sided compact features duo colour blush on one side and mirror and mini-blush brush on the other, perfect for touch ups on the go.

Glow Getter

Pale iridescent pink, perfect for a pinch of colour for pale skinned beauties or as flattering highlighter for dark skinned honeys.

The Cheeky Colour Duo range also comes in 2 other colours;

Make Out Blush
Make your cheeks pop with 3D pink colour loaded with pearl to give a 2 in 1 colour and highlight effect.

My Coral Crush
Peachy keen!  Get your glow on with shimmery coral colour for a flattering blush look.

A fantastic buy at just £8

 Use the below code for a free gift when you spend £15 at www.eyeko.com

Blogs more efficient than magazines to drive beauty purchases

With new beauty products, treatments and trends being launched all the time, anyone who wishes to keep up to date with these needs the resources to do so. Whether it is though magazines, exhibitions, TV, retailers and other types of media like social networking and the Internet.

It therefore didn't surprise me that when doing some research myself on the Internet that I found an article stating that most women are turning to blogs, whether it is a beauty blog or other type of blog featuring beauty news, product launches and test and reviews.

This is the sole reason why I decided to start a blog myself. Being an independent beauty consultant, selling products though party plan and via my websites, I too felt that blogging about my business's and other products I use, test and review well not only help my business but give my customers/followers helpful tips and hints, industry news, products buys and launches.

It also didn't surprise me that research results also found that most women once they seen a good review on a product, still go and buy it from the shops. As much as I am consistently online networking and researching, I still like to go out down to the shops and purchase physically at times for many reasons like prices are cheaper, better deals, no delivery or just physically going out and enjoying some customer service and fresh air.
The research was done in the US, and so would like to know what  the UK shopping trends are like.

Do research online but still prefer to buy from a shop instead of online?
Leave your opinions and comments below :-)

Premium Beauty News - Blogs more efficient than magazines to drive beauty purchases