Elemis Pro-Collagen Body Serum
Promising an "intensive lift", this silver pump container looks suitably 21st-century and is very easy to use. The white serum contains a delightfully promising list of ingredients: peptides, paracress and padina pavonica. Padina what? A Mediterranean fan-shaped algae, of course -- keep up at the back! What's more, this algae is "proven to help strengthen the protective layer of the epidermis".
The instructions announce that you should massage this gel on "areas of concern" morning and evening. What if your entire body is an area of concern, like mine? Bring it on! There is a noticeable tightening effect on the skin, and the gel is very easily absorbed. I also liked the scent: didn't feel too medicinal or too floral. This meant I could apply at will.
I loved the moisturising effect, so did apply at will.
Aesop Resurrection hand balm
I was introduced to this Australian product with its "hydrating botanicals" on a recent trip to Japan, where it is very popular. The Aesop cream is delicious all round, from its mandarin-rind scent to its richly moisturising effect on the skin. It promises to "transform even the most abused and life-weary hands" and I can believe it does. The cream felt very rich but not greasy at all, and my skin absorbed it instantly. I loved the scent, the effects and the metal-tube packaging.
"The world's greatest hand cream" it says on the tube. Who am I to disagree?
I also like it on my feet :)
Lavera tinted moisturising cream
Happiness in a silver tube. What's not to love about a product that, when you put it on, people spontaneously tell you how great you look?
Lavera products are formulated for age-groups, so this product was tailored expressly for my skin's needs. Gotta love that! It's a "moisturiser with colour", so ensures that when you put colour on your skin, it doesn't end up blotchy, just soft and smooth and even. It looks and feels very natural -- as in, people tell you how great you look; they don't ask you which new foundation you're using -- and gives a subtle glow to make you look and feel radiant. It's light on my skin, too.
The cream contains essential oils and, like all the Lavera products, is made with natural and organic and not (as they say) "nasty" ingredients such as petrochemicals or phthalates. It's a little pricy, but I'm worth it.
Sassy Spy
3rd March 2014
Spy Likes:
Luxurious scented candles; hot massage oil; being warm; unusual treatments; fluffy towels; natural light; firm pressure.
Spy Dislikes:
Mould; slamming doors; being walked in on while treatment in progress; therapists with cigarette-laced breath.
