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Fashion Voyeur

People will stare, make it worth their while.

Categories: Beauty, Uncategorized

Bio-Essence 24 k Bio-Gold Night Cleanser & Miracle Finisher

If like me, you have sensitive skin, then wearing makeup and removing it after can be something you dread.  Admittedly most of my days are spent makeup free but I always indulge in a little face paint if I have an event, show or night out in my schedule.  I’m particular about makeup, I tend to steer clear of highstreet makeup ranges and use something more high end, for no reason other than past experience tells me they treat my skin better.  If I get it wrong I can end up looking like I’ve been burned by the time it comes to removing it and it can often spur on a breakout in the days following.

My makeup regime is pretty simple: I use YSL Primer, it’s the best thing I’ve found and gives a flawless finish.  I follow this with a blend of two or three foundations depending on my colouring at the time, but my faithful products to make my custom shade are by Tom Ford, Chanel and Creme de la Mer.  Total that up and that’s one seriously expensive foundation, cue cringe face emoji.  I’m hoping my trip to the Fenty Beauty Influencer event during London Fashion Week will solve this once and for all and give me one awesome foundation that will give me that RiRi glow.

I use a Tom Ford bronzing stick to give a light contour, and a Rihanna x MAC Diamond highlighter directly above it, which I top off with a Topshop metallic blush and I’m good to go.  I never wear mascara but I do give my lashes a good heavy coating of Nouveau’s Lash Conditioner which gives the appearance of added length without weight.  I have pretty long lashes already so LVL Lash treatments stand me in good stead.  I use Tom Ford eye palettes for a pop of colour and a slick of DHC liquid liner for a feline flick, but generally I’m pretty low maintenance.  I always use Tom Ford and Nanshy brushes to apply my makeup, there’s no competition.  I’ve had cheaper brushes and more expensive brushes but these give the best combination for the style of makeup that I wear and I always have a selection of each brand in my arsenal.

The problem I have is when it comes to removing makeup.  I’ve used No.7 cleanser which left my face tingling and my lips swollen, as well as a million other high street cleansers which leave my face feeling tight and dry.  It’s really difficult to find something that will do the job as well as it needs to be done.  Enter Bio-Essence 24k Gold.  I was asked to review this budget to mid priced range which is available in Superdrug and I read up on it in advance so I knew what I was in for.  At first glance it looks lovely, the packaging plays on the 24k gold theme and is holographic so instantly it looks a lot more expensive than it is.  It’s definitely one to be displayed proudly on the bathroom shelf.

Now just as a point of note, I get asked to review a LOT of products, some of which don’t make the grade.  I don’t like to give a scathing review of something just for the sake of it, so you’ll tend to find that the things I publish are positive reviews about products that i’ve really enjoyed using and had some great results from.  The Bio Essence 24k range is one of those ranges.  I used the 24k Bio Gold Skin radiance Night Cleanser and Miracle Finisher literally until the tubes were empty and then was gutted once they’d been used.

Bio-Essence 24k Bio Gold Skin Radiance Night Cleanser £12.99

This cleanser comes with a pump dispenser, it’s creamy in consistency and has a metallic gold finish.  It’s been designed to avoid stripping moisture from the skin and adding radiance which works whilst you sleep.  You’ll know from experience that finding the right cleanser for your skin type can be tricky as they can often leave skin dry and tight, this one doesn’t.  You don’t get that instant pull after using it that makes you want to reach for your moisturiser in seconds.  It’s tough – it removes all traces of makeup, but it’s kind to skin leaving it feeling clean and soft.  I’ve been following this up with Murad‘s Moisturising Toner which comes as a handy spray, then using my Peach Fox Marine Collagen Eye Gel and a new facial oil from Lumity Life.

Superdrug is your best friend for this product as it’s often on offer, click here to shop it.

Bio-Essence 24k Bio Gold Miracle Finisher £19.99

CULT PRODUCT ALERT.  This is a divine product.  It’s difficult to describe exactly what this product is, but Ill try anyway.  It’s the very last step of your skincare regime, so no matter what your routine is on a morning, you apply this at the very end.  It’s super lightweight in texture, almost like a serum, but it’s thicker and feels like velvet on your skin.  I guess it’s like a second primer, it finishes the skin in preparation for makeup, or you might choose to wear it on its own if you’re hitting the gym.  It’s literally flawless.  it closes pores, mattifies, smoothes out imperfections, blurs lines and gives you a glow that wasn’t there before.

That’s just the aesthetic benefits, this product works to form an invisible barrier over the skin to protect it from pollution and other nasties that might be in makeup.  It prevents pores from clogging, blackheads from forming and ultimately reduces irritation from any outside element.

My makeup sat better, stayed longer and had a better finish with Miracle Finisher underneath.  For only £20 as opposed to a high end primer which costs an average of £42 in the UK, I’d say this product is well worth a punt no matter what your skin type.  My advice would be to save this one for day use only, sure it makes you look amazing but it’s a waste of awesomeness if you’re just going to sleep on it.  You can shop this product here.

Yes, it’s just skincare but if you’re reading this then it’s probably a topic you’re interested in.  For something that is essentially a highstreet beauty product, this is a good, solid, does what it says on the tin range, with a little bit of flair and a whole lot of style.  Buy it, try it and glisten like the star that you are, because everything is better in gold.

Pixie xo

Categories: Beauty, Fashion, Uncategorized

Retinol – What is it & Why Should You Be Using it?

If there’s one ingredient that can pimp up your skincare routine and tackle all those niggling little issues you have, it’s retinol.  Praised for it’s ability to combat the signs of ageing and stimulate cell turnover, retinol is one of those ingredients that people either rave about, or are terrified of.  Well I’m here to tell you that retinol is nothing to be scared of, in fact quite the contrary, embrace it, use it, love it and reap the benefits!  Sure, there are some guidelines to follow, but as long as you’re using it correctly there’s no reason why retinol can’t be incorporated into your routine effectively.  I LOVE retinol, like most Dermatologists I’m of the opinion that retinol should be a regular part of our regime and after having tried a gazillion retinol products from ‘budget’ to ‘blow the budget’, I’m going to share my favourites with you, and a little more on how and why you should be using them.

Firstly, what is retinol?

Basically, it’s Vitamin A and it’s super effective and scientifically proven to improve the appearance of your skin.  Retinol is a weaker and more readily available version of a prescription only product called Tretinoin.  Tretinoin is strong, hence only being available via prescription.  It can’t be tolerated by everyone because it can be drying and can cause irritation.  Retinol is much weaker, it works in a similar way to Tretinoin but it’s more tolerable.

From dullness to firmness and everything in between, this super ingredient really packs a punch; but it’s best known as an anti-ageing product.  Walk into any branch of Boots and you’ll find the shelves brimming with anti-ageing products, in an off the shelf product, retinol is the only ingredient worth looking for when it comes to turning back the clock. There’s no magic wand, we’re not talking ‘Death Becomes Her’ here but Retinol stimulates cell turnover and collagen production and results can be seen in as little as 4 weeks with the right product.

Who can use retinol?

It’s not suitable for everyone and it won’t agree with everyone’s skin.  The difficult thing with retinol is finding a product with the exact measure that your skin can tolerate and with so many products available, there will be one out there for you.  Advice from the US states that whilst there is no evidence to suggest that retinol is harmful, products containing retinol and retinoids should not be used when pregnant or breastfeeding and this relates to the amount of vitamin A in your system at any one time.  Also, if you’re going on vacation to somewhere sunny, I’d recommend you stop using any retinol product 7 days before you leave to ensure you’re not more susceptible to sunburn.

What are the benefits to using retinol?

Where do I start?  Retinol boosts skin’s natural collagen production, it stimulates cell turnover which evens out discolouration and it works a treat on blocked pores and acne or breakout prone skin.  It’s hailed by many Dermatologists as a wonder ingredient in skincare and more and more retinol products are hitting the shelves every month; it’s a super effective and scientifically proven skincare ingredient – when used correctly.

When should I use retinol?

Retinol is perfect for a night time skincare routine.  If you already use a specific night cream before bed, then consider replacing this with a retinol based cream or serum 2 – 3 times per week or as a sleeping masque once a week.  There are some products that state that they can be used during the day but you need to check the dose, retinol encourages cell turnover and this delicate new skin needs to be protected when exposed to sunlight.  Most retinol products are intended for night time use however there are a few creeping through for day time use too, personally, I only use it at night.

How do I use retinol?

There are LOADS of retinol products readily available.  You can pick up a retinol product on the high street from as little as £10 and prices can go right up to £250 for something from an aesthetic specific company.  It’s a very personal choice, one not so much determined by your budget and more what your skin can tolerate.  I’ve tried lots and lots of different retinol products and narrowed it down to my favourites, the ones I use over and over and can see visible results with, without irritation.

Once you’ve selected your product, start using it once a week on a night on clean skin.  I wash my face with a simple Clinique soap, tone with Murad‘s spray bottle toner, I use Peachy Fox Marine Collagen Eye Gel (literally the best eye gel ever, read my review here) and then use my retinol product right before I go to bed.  Once you’ve gotten used to your product you can think about increasing the frequency to maybe 2-3 times per week, depending on its potency.  contrary to what you might think, retinol is particularly effective around the eyes.

One thing to remember when using any retinol based product is to wear sunscreen during the day.  I use a specific facial SPF40 product from Elizabeth Arden’s 8 Hour Cream range but any city block with SPF 30+ will do the job.  You’ve spent time and money investing in your skin, now look after it!

How do I select a retinol product?

Again, it’s a choice you’ll make based very much on your particular skin needs and it may take a few tries to find your personal blend but there are a few things you should be looking for when you’re scanning the shelves.  Retinol and other vitamin A derivatives break down rapidly when exposed to the elements.  Skincare products containing retinol should be in an opaque or completely covered tube or tub and should always come with a pump dispenser, they typically have a shelf life of 6 months or less before they lose their efficacy.

Ready to give it a try?  Here are a few of my favourite retinol products, some of them I’ve only just discovered and some of them I’ve been using for a long time.  None of these are top budget products although I have used more expensive retinol products from Exuviance and Skinceuticals which really didn’t work for my skin, they left it feeling irritated and red despite the £200+ price tag.  Most importantly though, nobody has paid me for this review or to choose their product over another, this is an unbiased and personal review based on my own skin, some of the products in there were gifted to me in the first instance and some were purchased.

1. Peachy Fox Aloe Retinol Serum £12.97 Amazon

This is a lovely product to use, it has a lovely fresh and natural ginger scent and you only need one pump for your face.  I concentrate on using it around my eyes and then distribute what’s left around my face.  As with any retinol product, it can break up if you rub it too harshly so pat it gently until it’s soaked in.  In Spring and Summer I use this three times per week although the directions state that it’s suitable for daily use given it’s concentration.  This organic skincare brand is becoming a firm favourite amongst Bloggers and Influencers.

2. Retinol Youth Renewal Serum £65 Murad UK

This serum packs a punch and it comes in two different sizes so this one is great for travelling.  Use it once a week and use it sparingly as a little goes a long way (overloading on  retinol products can cause redness), this has a lovely smoothing consistency and skin looks fresher and visibly renewed the next morning.  It’s light enough that you can use your usual night cream on top once it’s soaked in.

3. The Ordinary Retinol Emulsion £6 Beauty Bay

I’d finished and thrown away the tube by the time I came to writing this post so don’t have a picture but the packaging is clean and simple and so is the product.  At 1% it’s a decent amount of retinol and the tube lasts for ages, this is a great budget buy that packs the same punch as some of its more expensive rivals.  It’s a lovely smooth product and you can see a visible difference after around 8 weeks of use.

4. Image Skincare Ageless Total Overnight Retinol Masque £80 imageskincare.com

This is a must have when it comes to retinol – it’s one of my favourites for a reason!  It comes with a “press & pump” dispenser so there’s no mess and no fuss, one pump does your whole face and it’s thicker in consistency than the other products as it’s intended as a moisturising masque.  Skin feels more plump and renewed and you can feel the difference when you wash your face the next morning.  This one is safe to use three nights per week but I’d recommend you start with one night per week if you’ve never used retinol before.  You don’t need a night cream on top of this one, you get the anti-ageing properties and a hit of hydration in one awesome product. (read about the Image Skincare O2 Lift Facial here).

5. Peachy Fox Collagen Retinol Moisturiser £12.98 Amazon

Another one from all natural and organic, cult skincare brand Peachy Fox, this moisturiser is deemed suitable for daily use and also for use morning and night due to the more tolerable retinol strength, however my personal preference is to stick to night time use (I know other Influencers who use this product during the day and have never had any irritation or issue).  This one is tricky to get to grips with when you first use it but persevere.  It has a different consistency than most skincare products but once you figure it out it really is a lovely product.  You tap this one all over your face and then very lightly pat it into skin, it needs to be fully dry and absorbed before you put anything else on your face otherwise it can pill and ball, if it does – you haven’t used it properly.  This one delivers an immediate glow after use, you’ll notice a difference in your skin from the first time you use it.

So now you know all about this must have skincare ingredient, go, armed with this knowledge and treat yourself to something that will compliment your existing skin regime and when the compliments start rolling in, pass it on and share the joy!

Pixie xo

Pixie Tenenbaum 2024

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People will stare, make it worth their while

Pixie Tenenbaum

FASHION VOYEUR

Freelance Fashion and Beauty Writer
Currently taking review slots
Hire Me: pixie.tenenbaum@gmail.com

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RION Magazine Fashion Editor

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Nah bro

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Angelina Kendall closing the Jean Paul Gaultier couture ss25 show...the bride 👰‍♀

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To anybody doubting Glenn Martens’ abilities now that he is set to lead a big Couture house, Exhibit A:

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