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Way back in 2014, when my blog was just a few months old, I was invited to my very first blogging event. Part of London fashion week, with complimentary manicures, superfood smoothies and canapés, the whole thing felt very exciting. I was lucky enough to meet a friendly group of fellow bloggers there too, which made the evening even more special, and I still look back on that event as one of the best I have been to since I started this whole online adventure of mine.
Why this little trip down memory lane, I hear you ask? Well, one of the organisers of that event was a brand called Ark Skincare. I can remember taking home a goodie bag with some of their products to try, and I can also remember how much I enjoyed those products. Beauty blogging being what it is, countless other brands have graced my bathroom cabinet since then, and I never did get around to trying anything else from Ark, even though I fully intended to at the time. So when they got in touch a few weeks ago to offer me new products to try, I didn't hesitate. I couldn't wait to see if I still liked the brand as much as I did the first time around.
Vegan friendly and cruelty free, one of the most interesting things about Ark Skincare is that they base their different ranges on age rather than skin type. Age Protect is designed for those in their teens and twenties, Age Defend for the thirties and forties and Age Defy for the over fifties. Each range offers cleansers and moisturisers with the optimum combination of vitamins, minerals, lipids and anti-oxidants for your age group, providing you with a solid base from which to build your skincare routine.
Once you have the core products most suited to your age, you can then add to them to create your own bespoke regime. Individual skin concerns, such as pigmentation and dull skin, blemishes and excess oil, sensitivity and redness, etc can be addressed by shopping Ark's Skin Perfecters range, while Skin Essentials like Pre-Cleanse and Makeup Remover, Reverse Gravity Eye Cream and Hydrating Beauty Mist provide all the finishing touches you could want.
Ark Skincare sent me the Pre-Cleanse and Makeup Remover from their Skin Essentials range, as well as the Conditioning Cleanser and Replenishing Moisturiser from their Age Defend line designed for my age group.
I've really been enjoying using this as a change from my usual micellar water, and have been finding it just as effective at removing makeup. Formulated from a multi-fruit lipid blend with Omegas 3, 6 and 9 and containing Grape Seed, Avocado and Kiwi Oil, the product nourishes while dissolving grime and feels like a very light oil on the skin. I've mentioned before that my skin doesn't always appreciate oil based cleansing on a long term basis, so I've not been using this every day of the week. As a result, my complexion is reaping the nourishing benefits of this gentle cleanser without my oily t-zone having the chance to become irritated. In addition to the main ingredients, Margosa Leaf Extract helps to curb the spread of bacteria while Zi Cao (an Ayurvedic herb) soothes sensitivity.
This is probably my favourite of the three products as it's such a pleasure to use. The gel-type consistency that my skin always seems to favour, it also has the loveliest light and natural fragrance to it. The ingredients include Moringa Oil, rich in Vitamins A and C, as well as Kiwi and Passionfruit Lipids which provide moisture boosting Omega 3 fatty acids. Powerful antioxidant Blue Lotus assists with skin firmness and elasticity, while the combination as a whole helps to calm redness and soothe sensitive skin. I've been using this morning and night for a while now, and it always leaves my skin feeling clean but not stripped, and beautifully balanced.
Have you tried Ark Skincare? What are your thoughts on skincare designed for specific age ranges?
Kate x
Once you have the core products most suited to your age, you can then add to them to create your own bespoke regime. Individual skin concerns, such as pigmentation and dull skin, blemishes and excess oil, sensitivity and redness, etc can be addressed by shopping Ark's Skin Perfecters range, while Skin Essentials like Pre-Cleanse and Makeup Remover, Reverse Gravity Eye Cream and Hydrating Beauty Mist provide all the finishing touches you could want.
Ark Skincare sent me the Pre-Cleanse and Makeup Remover from their Skin Essentials range, as well as the Conditioning Cleanser and Replenishing Moisturiser from their Age Defend line designed for my age group.
Pre-Cleanse And Makeup Remover (AD)
I've really been enjoying using this as a change from my usual micellar water, and have been finding it just as effective at removing makeup. Formulated from a multi-fruit lipid blend with Omegas 3, 6 and 9 and containing Grape Seed, Avocado and Kiwi Oil, the product nourishes while dissolving grime and feels like a very light oil on the skin. I've mentioned before that my skin doesn't always appreciate oil based cleansing on a long term basis, so I've not been using this every day of the week. As a result, my complexion is reaping the nourishing benefits of this gentle cleanser without my oily t-zone having the chance to become irritated. In addition to the main ingredients, Margosa Leaf Extract helps to curb the spread of bacteria while Zi Cao (an Ayurvedic herb) soothes sensitivity.
Conditioning Cleanser (AD)
This is probably my favourite of the three products as it's such a pleasure to use. The gel-type consistency that my skin always seems to favour, it also has the loveliest light and natural fragrance to it. The ingredients include Moringa Oil, rich in Vitamins A and C, as well as Kiwi and Passionfruit Lipids which provide moisture boosting Omega 3 fatty acids. Powerful antioxidant Blue Lotus assists with skin firmness and elasticity, while the combination as a whole helps to calm redness and soothe sensitive skin. I've been using this morning and night for a while now, and it always leaves my skin feeling clean but not stripped, and beautifully balanced.
Replenishing Moisturiser (AD)
Top marks to Ark for the use of the airless jar packaging! I always like it when brands use these for cream based products as it gives me more confidence that the product will remain fresh until I've finished using it. Just like the cleanser, I've been using the Replenishing Moisturiser twice a day and my skin has been loving it. It's creamy enough to make my complexion feel like it's getting the hydration it needs, yet light enough to absorb easily and let me press on with makeup application. It contains Co-enzyme Q10 as well as Shea Butter and Olive Oil to provide plenty of moisture, and wrinkle plumping peptides including Matrixyl to help soften the appearance of fine lines. It's a fantastic moisturiser for anyone in their thirties or forties to have in their collection as a daily staple. My skin feels soft and looks smooth, and I love that I can just reach for this on a regular basis and know that it's working for my skin without having to think too much about it.
So, five years and hundreds of brands later, do I still rate Ark Skincare as much as I did before? No... I rate it more! I love the concept of age-based skincare, especially as you can still address additional skincare issues within the scope of their product range. The products themselves have been working very well for me and just as before, I'm keen to try more. I just have to make sure I actually get around to it this time!
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Have you tried Ark Skincare? What are your thoughts on skincare designed for specific age ranges?
Kate x
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Ah, January... the month of gloom! Although, to be honest, I quite like it really. It's a time of beginnings, when the diary is fresh and clean and new year motivation is as yet untarnished. It can also be a month that's quite hard on my skin, however. I think most of us find that our complexions need a little more care in the cooler months, and by January, we're deep in the midst of them, with the end not yet in sight. Add to that the effects (and excesses) of Christmas and New Year and it's clear to see why January is the month when a lot of us up our skincare game! I am definitely trying to do just that at the moment, and luckily I was sent quite a bit of new skincare just before Christmas, which I've been loving experimenting with. Of course it would be rude to keep it all to myself, so I've put this post together to tell you all about the new essentials in my winter skincare routine.
Jane Scrivner Masquerade*
This is a light and easy to use mask which gives skin an instant radiance boost, even if you only have time to leave it on for a few minutes. Containing French Clay to cleanse and gently exfoliate and Witch Hazel to tone, it's also rich in skin repairing vitamins C, B, D and E and essential fatty acids, making it the perfect restorative treat after all the festive indulgences. If you like the clearing effect of clay masks but don't like the heavy way they sit on the skin or the dryness they can leave behind, this is definitely one for you. It's so gentle on the skin and so lightweight that you hardly know you have anything on at all, while the Aloe Vera it contains helps to leave behind a soothed, softened feel, so you can enjoy all the cleansing benefits without feeling as though your skin has been stripped.
Jane Scrivner Skin Elixir*
A moisturising facial oil suitable for daily use, the Jane Scrivner Skin Elixir is a beautiful combination of essential oils including Jojoba, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Lavender and Sweet Orange, especially chosen to replenish and restore the skin's natural barrier function. I love a good facial oil in the winter, especially one that's fragrant and feels nourishing on the skin. This one delivers on both those counts, yet still maintains a lightweight feel and sinks into the skin quickly after application. Used over time, this should help to slow the signs of ageing and improve elasticity, while it also balances sebum production, making it suitable for all skin types. I have a feeling this one might be sticking around in my routine for a long time to come.
Beatitude Revitalise Night Facial Oil*
Having been a fan of Beatitude bath oils for some time now, I was excited to try a facial oil from the brand. I find this one very hydrating on the skin, just like a long drink of water for my complexion, so it is a real pleasure to use. Like the Jane Scrivner oil, it's lightweight and sinks in very easily - neither of these oils leave any sort of greasy residue on my skin, which is good to know for those who find this a turn-off. Containing Vitamin C, Raspberry Seed Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil and Rosehip, I find my skin looks radiant in the mornings after applying this at night, and feels silky soft too.
Bio-Extracts Normal Facial Moisturiser*, Anti-Oxidant Boost* And Even Skin Boost*
Some of you who have been following my blog for a long time might remember me talking about Bio-Extracts before. This vegan brand offers a very interesting, bespoke approach to skincare, allowing you to pick and choose booster serums to add to your moisturiser, depending on your skin's particular needs at the time. Just before Christmas, they were kind enough to send me one of their moisturising creams and two boosters - one packed full of powerful anti-oxidants and the other designed to even skin tone and leave my complexion looking luminous. I've been using these in the mornings, adding a couple of drops of both boosters to the moisturiser before applying.
What are some of your winter skincare essentials?
Kate x
What are some of your winter skincare essentials?
Kate x
*Gifted item. All opinions, as always, are my own.
I always feel as though my skin needs that little bit extra TLC in the cooler months, and perhaps for that reason, the whole ritual of my skincare routine feels a bit more like a treat at this time of year than it normally does. One thing I've particularly been enjoying lately is layering face oils under my moisturiser for extra nourishment and protection. I've been lucky enough to have been gifted two really lovely ones, and I've found one of them to be an ideal addition to my morning routine, while the other has become a night time favourite. Below, you'll find a concise review of both products, why I like to use each of them at different times of day, and links to where you can shop them.
Oh, and if it's the day time oil you like the sound of, you're in for an extra treat, as I also have a discount code which you can use to get 20% off your purchase. Read on, and all will be revealed!
My Current Favourite Day Face Oil
As soon as the Dr Botanicals Moroccan Rose Superfood Facial Oil* arrived on my desk, I knew I was going to love it. It has rose in it, for one thing, and we all know how obsessed I am with rose as an ingredient. It's also pink (pink makes me happy, what can I say?!), and has the most beautiful light, sweet fragrance.
There are a few reasons why I love using this in the mornings. Firstly, it's super light and absorbs into the skin almost instantly, meaning I don't have to wait around before applying my moisturiser and moving on to my makeup. It's also rich in anti-oxidants, so I feel as though I'm helping to protect my skin against free radicals and pollutants in the atmosphere by applying this before going out and about during the day. Finally, it has Vitamin A as a main ingredient, which helps to even out skin tone. When I apply this, I feel that my skin looks instantly clearer and brighter, with any redness calmed - definitely ready to face the day!
In addition to Vitamin A, the other main ingredients in this product are Vitamin C, which stimulates collagen production for younger looking skin and Almond Oil, which adds moisture and also helps to brighten the complexion.
Designed to be suitable for all skin types, I think a lot of people would find this a great addition to their routine. If you like the look of it, you can find the Moroccan Rose Superfood Facial Oil here. Entering the code KATELOUISE at checkout will get you 20% off your purchase, and that applies not just to the oil but across the entire Dr Botanicals site. Their products are natural, vegan and cruelty free, and having had a good browse myself, I would say it's well worth a look as there were quite a few things that made me "ooh" and "ah". You might even, dare I say it, want to get a head start on some skincare related Christmas shopping?! (No? Too early? Ok, let's all forget I said anything and just look for treats for ourselves.)
I've already talked about the Antipodes Divine Face Oil with Rosehip and Avocado* in my Post Holiday Skincare Routine, but I'm still absolutely loving this product and it's perfect to use at night after the Dr Botanicals oil in the morning, so I just had to mention it again.
While both oils are rich and nourishing, you feel it a lot more with this one, as it's much oilier in consistency as opposed to the super light, almost watery Moroccan Rose oil. This makes it feel very comforting to apply at night. It's also packed with Vitamins, as well as Organic Avocado Oil, which boosts collagen production while reducing the appearance of fine lines and scarring. Rosehip Oil also adds moisture and repairs damaged skin. With all that repairing going on, I think that the evening is the ideal time to apply it, as it can really get to work to aid the skin's natural healing process.
Are you using any facial oils at the moment? Which are your favourites, and do you prefer to apply them in the day time or at night? And don't forget to use the code KATELOUISE for 20% off anything from the Dr Botanicals website.
Kate x
In addition to Vitamin A, the other main ingredients in this product are Vitamin C, which stimulates collagen production for younger looking skin and Almond Oil, which adds moisture and also helps to brighten the complexion.
Designed to be suitable for all skin types, I think a lot of people would find this a great addition to their routine. If you like the look of it, you can find the Moroccan Rose Superfood Facial Oil here. Entering the code KATELOUISE at checkout will get you 20% off your purchase, and that applies not just to the oil but across the entire Dr Botanicals site. Their products are natural, vegan and cruelty free, and having had a good browse myself, I would say it's well worth a look as there were quite a few things that made me "ooh" and "ah". You might even, dare I say it, want to get a head start on some skincare related Christmas shopping?! (No? Too early? Ok, let's all forget I said anything and just look for treats for ourselves.)
My Current Favourite Night Face Oil
I've already talked about the Antipodes Divine Face Oil with Rosehip and Avocado* in my Post Holiday Skincare Routine, but I'm still absolutely loving this product and it's perfect to use at night after the Dr Botanicals oil in the morning, so I just had to mention it again.
While both oils are rich and nourishing, you feel it a lot more with this one, as it's much oilier in consistency as opposed to the super light, almost watery Moroccan Rose oil. This makes it feel very comforting to apply at night. It's also packed with Vitamins, as well as Organic Avocado Oil, which boosts collagen production while reducing the appearance of fine lines and scarring. Rosehip Oil also adds moisture and repairs damaged skin. With all that repairing going on, I think that the evening is the ideal time to apply it, as it can really get to work to aid the skin's natural healing process.
Are you using any facial oils at the moment? Which are your favourites, and do you prefer to apply them in the day time or at night? And don't forget to use the code KATELOUISE for 20% off anything from the Dr Botanicals website.
Kate x
*Gifted product. Some links may be affiliate links. This poses no extra cost to you, the customer. All opinions, as always, are my own.
I've always said that discovering new brands is one of my favourite things about blogging. When those brands turn out to offer beautiful quality products in an exciting way I've not experienced before, so much the better. And I want to share one such brand with you today.
Back in May, I was invited to dinner along with a group of other Thirty Plus bloggers to the uber hip and popular Farmacy, a vegan restaurant in Notting Hill. The choice of a vegan restaurant was very deliberate, as the dinner was being hosted by Bio-Extracts, a vegan skincare brand. Not only did we enjoy a healthy, delicious feast, a few drinks and a good old natter, we also got to hear all about the concept behind Bio-Extracts from the founder, Marina Shcherbinina.
I was really intrigued by the range, as it wasn't like anything I've seen before. Essentially, you can tailor make your own skincare prescription, depending on your own particular needs, and you can alter that prescription to suit the changes your skin goes through as often as you like. You can do this by selecting from a skincare menu of nine different boosters, or concentrated serums, including Clean to Clear, Redness Relief, Anti-Wrinkle, Lifting, Firming, Hydro, Glow, Anti-Oxidant and Pore Minimising. Each one is presented in the form of a syringe, allowing you to add just one or two concentrated drops to your moisturising cream. Bio-Extracts also produces different moisturisers - Light, Normal, Rich and Delicate - and the one you pick will be dependent on the combination of boosters you go for. The beauty of the system is that you can hand pick the care you give to your skin on a daily basis. After all, we all know that sometimes our complexions crave more hydration, at other times more clarifying, etc.
The creams use a Multi-Lamellar System which mimics the natural layered structure of skin, acting like a patch to lock in moisture and protect against external irritants. This system is also really effective at distributing active ingredients evenly. The boosters, meanwhile, feature a phospholipids-based delivery system - based on the parts of cellular membranes that regulate cell life - to ensure that the active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin's layers. All the products have been developed with Bio-Technology to ensure that only the purest active plant extracts are used, while the airless packaging helps to preserve the integrity of the product as well as to dispense exactly the amount you need with no mess or wastage.
My personal prescription, handed to me at the dinner, included the Rich Moisturising Cream* and the Hydro*, Glow* and Anti-Oxidant* boosters. So far, I've mostly been using the Hydro booster at night and the Glow booster in the morning and my skin has been loving the results. The Hydro booster in particular is so impressive and I really feel that it's been plumping up my fine lines and giving me a fresh looking complexion. There is a lovely, very faint and very natural, fragrance to the products which I can't imagine anyone not liking, even those who aren't keen on any scent in their skincare. The moisturising cream feels rich and nourishing to use without being heavy or greasy in the least, while the little shots of booster serums mix in effortlessly. I love the packaging too - it's based on the concept of your own home skincare lab, and the different coloured syringes make it easy to pick out exactly which boosters you want to use that day. All in all, I'm loving both the quality of the products and the freedom to adjust my prescription to suit my skin's changing needs. It's such a clever idea and my complexion is definitely grateful!
What do you think of Bio-Extracts and their custom skincare range? Is it something you'd be interested in trying?
Kate x
The creams use a Multi-Lamellar System which mimics the natural layered structure of skin, acting like a patch to lock in moisture and protect against external irritants. This system is also really effective at distributing active ingredients evenly. The boosters, meanwhile, feature a phospholipids-based delivery system - based on the parts of cellular membranes that regulate cell life - to ensure that the active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin's layers. All the products have been developed with Bio-Technology to ensure that only the purest active plant extracts are used, while the airless packaging helps to preserve the integrity of the product as well as to dispense exactly the amount you need with no mess or wastage.
My personal prescription, handed to me at the dinner, included the Rich Moisturising Cream* and the Hydro*, Glow* and Anti-Oxidant* boosters. So far, I've mostly been using the Hydro booster at night and the Glow booster in the morning and my skin has been loving the results. The Hydro booster in particular is so impressive and I really feel that it's been plumping up my fine lines and giving me a fresh looking complexion. There is a lovely, very faint and very natural, fragrance to the products which I can't imagine anyone not liking, even those who aren't keen on any scent in their skincare. The moisturising cream feels rich and nourishing to use without being heavy or greasy in the least, while the little shots of booster serums mix in effortlessly. I love the packaging too - it's based on the concept of your own home skincare lab, and the different coloured syringes make it easy to pick out exactly which boosters you want to use that day. All in all, I'm loving both the quality of the products and the freedom to adjust my prescription to suit my skin's changing needs. It's such a clever idea and my complexion is definitely grateful!
What do you think of Bio-Extracts and their custom skincare range? Is it something you'd be interested in trying?
Kate x
*Gifted products. All opinions, as always, are my own.
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