Remescar Silicone Scar Stick Review

Remescar Silicone Scar Stick* is a very quick and easy to use treatment to reduce the visibility of scars, both old and new which I have been testing out recently. I must start by saying that I have minimal scarring, severe or otherwise and I wasn't always diligent in my application but I was still able to form some thoughts on those I did have and offer up my thoughts today.

The two scars I used in my testing period are on my arms, one near my wrist from a curling tong incident (haven't we all been there) and another rather strange triangular shaped one on my upper arm where I foolishly lifted a roasting chicken and poured hot fat down my arm - through a sweatshirt I might add.

At the time these burns initially occurred I used The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Gel to tackle them so they had healed nicely and left only slight scars behind.

Very nondescript packaging houses your stick of silicone which does remind my of a certain glue stick! You simply twist up the stick and apply to the effected area which should be closed, clean and dry. It is a little tough, certainly not a cream product but it does apply smoothly with minimal resistance and what the eye doesn't see so to speaks is a thin layer of silicone-based film which provides a 'suitable healing micro-environmental' for your scar. Some people have complained that this can be a little drying but I haven't found that the case and it was almost unnoticeable that I had applied.

You continue to apply the stick treatment twice a day for 2 to 3 months, which is admittedly where I would fall a little short. In fact I actually thought I should bring it into work and have on my desk so I would apply of a morning and before heading home. That aside I did use a least once a day and as mentioned my scarring was minimal and I certainly saw it fading and now, it's only with a little tanning in place are they more significant. There is certainly no redness left to speak of.

The Remescar Silicone Stick is quick and easy to use and if you have scars, burn marks, stretch marks or the like that you're looking at treating this could well be worth something to try. At £19.99 with its required application period it could prove pricey and I would be interested to see how long the stick lasts but I think the price would be worth it should it work for you and/or you have particular marks that are cause for concern. Of course the size and the aforementioned issues might make it prohibitive if you have a larger area to tackle.

What do you use to tackle any scarring?

*This post contains press samples

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Review

Dark spots can occur at any time of for a number of reason, sun exposure, ageing or even from pregnancy and Caudalie have discovered that after loss of body tone and facial sagging, dark spots are the third cause for concern for women. Even more interesting is that many women do not even what has caused them.

Over ten years ago now Caudalie launched the Vinoperfect Complexion Correcting Radiance Serum* to provide a solution to these dark spots. Containing Viniferine, a pure product of the grapevine, this natural active ingredient is designed to bring our your skins radiance and correct dark spots and the Vinoperfect serum is a number one best seller.

So how does your serum work? First Viniferine enables the production of tyrosinase, that will regulate your melanin production. Next you're given a boost of radiance and clarity by promotion of microcirculation. Melanin synthesis is limited by anti-inflammatory activity and finally antioxidant activity protects your skin from UV radiation.

All this from one light and milky serum. It is a none greasy formula although during the Summer months I did find it a little too heavy for day wear and a little more radiant than I bargained for which is a shame as the zesty lemon scent was the perfect wake up.

I only have one small dark spot which I was able to observe as I used this serum and it certainly was diminished as I would use. In fact now it's barely visible. For me this isn't a product that falls into the 'need' category and it proves a little pricey for a luminous appearance, especially as I found it too heavy by day but if my dark spot situation were to worsen it's definitely a serum I'd reach for.

Do you suffer from dark spots?

*This post contains press samples

Winter Hand Care

Since having my acrylics removed many moons again now I tend to my hands needs at home. In fact I look after them far better than I ever did, allowing myself time for manicures and my cuticles have never looked so tamed. As we enter the colder weather one of the first places I start to feel it is my hands. The gloves will be out very soon I'm sure.

In preparation I've added a couple of extras to my manicure routine to make things a even more luxurious. The first is Lush Salted Coconut Hand Scrub which let's get it out of the way now, smells amazing. I could literally sit with a pot of this under my nose 24/7.

As I type this post I'm trying to think back to whether I've ever used, or had used a hand scrub in any hand treatments and don't think I have. Of course body scrubs are a regular in my routine these days and it seems quite logical that you apply the same care to your hands.

How you use this product is down to you and your hands, you can dive straight in to dry hands for a more abrasive scrub or add some warm water to make things a little softer. Either way the combination of sea salt and coconut oil will leave your hands soft and supple. It's also great to have this on hand for any self tanning errors.

Next in my Winter line up is Trind Softening Hand Mask*. Trind is a German nailcare brand that has just recently launched into Marks and Spencer Beauty Halls. With ingredients such as macadamia nut oil this hand mask is created to restore skin, remove impurities and offer a solution to chapped and dry hands.

It was quite a bizarre experience applying a mask to the hands. Firstly of course you're unable to do anything and unlike waiting for nails to dry in this instance you cannot touch anything as things will get messy and application can be as you're battling the applying on each hand without wiping it off. You'll get the hang of it though and after five minutes you simply rinse your hands.

This two products certainly add some additional luxury to my manicures at home and my hands have never looked better.

Would you ever try a hand mask?

*This post contains press samples 

Book Review | Simply Glamorous

Gary Cockerill may be known by many as friend and make up artist to Katie Price but with the release of his new book Simply Glamourous he certainly proves his make up skills go way beyond reality tv.

Simply put this is your typical how to but for me this is written in a style that wants you the reader to try the looks at home whether the most natural to the more decadent 'Showgirl' and Gary makes it look easy. Or at least like you could try.

In a time where YouTube tutorials are king it may seem strange to release the more traditional format and maybe it's my age but I've followed those tutorials and between trying to apply gel liner and press pause, constant rewinding when things go a little too fast it can become frustrating. With this book you can follow at your own pace. Tips and instructions are given in easy to read and understand format and in most instances what you need is right in front of you without even needing to turn the page.

There are sections in the book for your face, eyes, lips, easy to digest tips complimenting your how to's, information on skin types and finding our whether you are warm or cool toned. I particularly liked this, I've done the 'what colour are your veins' etc but often end up more confused than when I started whereas here you have, laid out before you actual colours identifying as well as the likes of eye shapes and so on. Visually this is cleaner and easy to digest for me.

From barely there make up to one face four ways and finding the perfect nude or red lip everything is covered. There is most definitely something for everyone and isn't just a book for extravagant make up wearers or pure newbies to the arena. I'd be surprised if there was anyone that wouldn't learn at least something new from this book. Even mascara wand types have their own page.

As a blogger, YouTube viewer and general make up lover I have in the past brought every item featured in a tutorial, panicking when some weren't available and whether that would ruin a look. With Simply Glamourous and the tutorials available here you are unaware of the products used. Gary tells you it's a 'black mascara' or a 'rose pink blush' but other than that it leaves you some experimentation and confidence to use maybe what you already have rather than thinking you can't possibly create said look without 'that' specific product. If you turn to the back of the book Gary does list the products he has used and they are largely high end with a little Sleek thrown in for good measure but again visually you're allowed to interpret and use what is available to you.

I've yet to dive into the book and start putting the tutorials into practice on myself instead enjoying reading and absorbing all the information but I feel inspired and often the very opposite is what can happen with these types of books. Even as I type this review and flick back through the book I'm excited and feel like I can achieve some of these looks and that's all Gary wants, make up to be realised as accessible to all.

Young or old will enjoy this book, scared of contouring that's covered, think you're too old for a glamourous evening look well just turn to the page showing Gary's mum, you'll be blown away.
If you love make up or know someone that does this might very well be the best thing you could buy them for Christmas.

Simply Glamourous by Gary Cockerill is published by Jacqui Small and available from Amazon here. Does this sound like a present you'd like to receive?

*This product contains press samples

Book Review | Simply Glamorous

Gary Cockerill may be known by many as friend and make up artist to Katie Price but with the release of his new book Simply Glamourous he certainly proves his make up skills go way beyond reality tv.

Simply put this is your typical how to but for me this is written in a style that wants you the reader to try the looks at home whether the most natural to the more decadent 'Showgirl' and Gary makes it look easy. Or at least like you could try.

In a time where YouTube tutorials are king it may seem strange to release the more traditional format and maybe it's my age but I've followed those tutorials and between trying to apply gel liner and press pause, constant rewinding when things go a little too fast it can become frustrating. With this book you can follow at your own pace. Tips and instructions are given in easy to read and understand format and in most instances what you need is right in front of you without even needing to turn the page.

There are sections in the book for your face, eyes, lips, easy to digest tips complimenting your how to's, information on skin types and finding our whether you are warm or cool toned. I particularly liked this, I've done the 'what colour are your veins' etc but often end up more confused than when I started whereas here you have, laid out before you actual colours identifying as well as the likes of eye shapes and so on. Visually this is cleaner and easy to digest for me.

From barely there make up to one face four ways and finding the perfect nude or red lip everything is covered. There is most definitely something for everyone and isn't just a book for extravagant make up wearers or pure newbies to the arena. I'd be surprised if there was anyone that wouldn't learn at least something new from this book. Even mascara wand types have their own page.

As a blogger, YouTube viewer and general make up lover I have in the past brought every item featured in a tutorial, panicking when some weren't available and whether that would ruin a look. With Simply Glamourous and the tutorials available here you are unaware of the products used. Gary tells you it's a 'black mascara' or a 'rose pink blush' but other than that it leaves you some experimentation and confidence to use maybe what you already have rather than thinking you can't possibly create said look without 'that' specific product. If you turn to the back of the book Gary does list the products he has used and they are largely high end with a little Sleek thrown in for good measure but again visually you're allowed to interpret and use what is available to you.

I've yet to dive into the book and start putting the tutorials into practice on myself instead enjoying reading and absorbing all the information but I feel inspired and often the very opposite is what can happen with these types of books. Even as I type this review and flick back through the book I'm excited and feel like I can achieve some of these looks and that's all Gary wants, make up to be realised as accessible to all.

Young or old will enjoy this book, scared of contouring that's covered, think you're too old for a glamourous evening look well just turn to the page showing Gary's mum, you'll be blown away.
If you love make up or know someone that does this might very well be the best thing you could buy them for Christmas.

Simply Glamourous by Gary Cockerill is published by Jacqui Small and available from Amazon here. Does this sound like a present you'd like to receive?

*This product contains press samples