PMD PERSONAL MICRODERM: 2 Month Update

Back in May I published an 'initial impressions' post on the *PMD Personal Microdermabrasion device (£150) and to be honest I wasn't really seeing any fantastic results from it at the time although now over two months since I published that initial impressions post I do have some good news.

In May I had been using the white training disc for a few weeks to get my skin used to the feeling of the disc and I moved onto the grey disc which is designed for very sensitive skin. As I do have sensitive skin generally although not really where I used this device, I still wanted to be cautious with it as I didn't want any negative reactions and which thankfully I didn't experience. 

The grey disc was providing some positive results such as smoother skin and a slight reduction on my pores and overall just generally brighter skin where I used to device on my t-zone but still nothing incredibly amazing. After a few weeks with the grey disc I then moved onto the next disc up which is more abrasive - the blue disc for sensitive skin. I used the device once a week although I have to be honest and say that I skipped a couple of weeks due to being away from home and being ill. 

I was a little wary about moving onto a more abrasive disc but the blue disc is still under the 'for sensitive skin' category - with each disc I find that I was noticing better results. The blue disc has been the most effective, the pores on my t-zone aren't as bad and my skin overall is just brighter and smoother. I do think that you have to be persistent with this device, you're not going to see amazing results instantly. I was a little disappointed with the device in my initial impressions post although I had only used it three times. 

I don't know if the results will stay if I stop using it for a short period of time or if I have to keep using it once a week to constantly maintain the results but I don't think I would use this device often that from now on - it would come in useful if I was going on holiday or had an important event in a couple of months time and I wanted to get my skin in better condition. For now, I can only see myself using the blue disc, I don't think I would move onto the green disc (medium strength abrasion), I think it would be far too abrasive for my skin. 

Overall, after a couple of months I have noticed some positive results from this device and I'm surprised at how I haven't experienced any negative effects (apart from a small amount of temporary redness). The device is easy to use, set up and maintain although it definitely takes a few weeks of practise, or it did in my case. I don't have any lines/wrinkles as I'm only 22 *23 on the  15th August, cries* so I can't comment on that aspect of the device; I also don't have blemishes/acne/spots so again I can't comment on the effectiveness of the device on those problems. For me personally it isn't something I will continue to use on a weekly basis but only for special events and that makes it for me a little pricey at around £150 but if you were considering microdermabrasion in a salon, I think it would be a great at home device to try first. Please bear in mind that everyones skin is different and it may work differently for you. Overall rating: ★★★☆☆, 3/5.

Have you tried this device or any salon microdermabrasion treatments?

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Makeup Revolution Ultra Base Corrector

Makeup Revolution is one of my favourite cheaper brands, I love their eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks and blushers. The quality of Makeup Revolution, on the whole, far surpasses expectations especially when considering the very low price point. I was kindly sent their new corrector palette which looks really interesting and I don't own anything else like it. 

The *Makeup Revolution Ultra Base Corrector Palette (£6) contains eight corrector shades for numerous uses:

- Light Pink: brightens

- Lavender: neutralise yellow undertones

- Green: neutralise redness

- Orange: neutralises blue undertones

- Peach: balance out discolouration 

- Silver/White: highlight

- Cream/Yellow: neutralises purple and dark circles

- Brown: balance ashiness in medium to darker skin tones

Firstly, I have to say that some of the colour descriptions online are not what I would describe them as in the actual palette, for example, the 'white' shade is actually a glittery silver and the 'cream' shade is yellow in my opinion. 

I thought the texture would be quite waxy, caky and hard to blend however I was pleasantly surprised as they are really creamy. The pigmentation varies between the shades with the green and cream/yellow shades being sheerer and the pink, lavender and brown shades are the most pigmented. All shades are easy to blend out with fingers and less so with a brush unless it is quite dense and firm. 

I have been using the green shade the most as my skin is naturally quite red on my cheeks and nose; the green shade definitely helps to reduce the redness and a little goes a long way. I've also been using the peach shade under my eyes to corrector the darkness I have as well as the cream/yellow shade a lot recently. To apply I tap the product onto well moisturised skin, then I apply my foundation or concealer over the top. The shades aren't really stark or obvious on my skin if I use a light hand and if I blend well. The three/four shades I use the most are great even on my drier skin type which I wasn't expecting but the one shade I won't use is the silver/white as it is so metallic! Although I cannot wait for halloween to come around as this palette will be so useful! 

Overall, if you are looking for a corrector then try out this palette as for what you get it is well worth the money and if you don't like one/two shades then you still have six shades to use. The creaminess of the correctors is fantastic as it means that they blend well. As with other Makeup Revolution palettes, this one is slim and has a large mirror so it would be great for travelling. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5. 

Have you tried this palette or anything else from Makeup Revolution? 

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Desigual Love Eau de Toilette

Desigual is the fastest growing international fashion brand and they have now launched their first fragrances featuring bright, retro designs - Sex, Love and Fun. The bottles are designed to represent the characteristic prints from the fashion houses. Each fragrance was created by an illustrious, experienced fragrance designer who count the brands Kenzo, Guerlain and Dolce & Gabbana among their customers. All three fragrances are exclusive to The Fragrance Shop. 

I have the *Desigual Love EDT (RRP £29, 50ml - £17 sale) which contains the following notes: cranberries, blackcurrants, grapefruit, orange blossom, benzoin resin, praline, sandalwood and tonka bean - the latter notes are definitely favourites of mine. 

I have to be honest and say that the bottle is not to my taste, it is bright, colourful and fun but I think it is quite young for me personally although I think it is aimed more for teens and young adults. The design is very 60's inspired, in my opinion, which I think will appeal to a lot of people.

The fragrance initially is musky and floral but also quite sweet and fruity, it is on first impressions a generic fragrance and quite strong but I actually don't own anything quite like it. I love the more musky and floral notes; the juicy summer fruity notes do dissipate after an hour or so into a more musky, vanilla and powdery fragrance which I really like. I definitely prefer the fragrance on my skin after a hour or two but that it just my preference. The overall longevity on my skin is about five hours which I think is great for an EDT. 

Overall, I love how the fragrance transitions from a bold fruity, floral fragrance to a musky, floral and powdery fragrance - I prefer the fragrance after a few hours on my skin. The bottle and fragrance are aimed at a younger audience in my opinion; although obviously there are no age restrictions on fragrance and you should wear what you want. I'm surprised at the fantastic longevity! Also the price is very reasonable and I think a lot of young women would really like it. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5. 

Have you tried this fragrance? 

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Bronzers For Pale Skin

Bronzers are dangerous products for those of us blessed (or cursed, whichever way you look at it) with ghostly pale skin. The dreaded orange face is one of the reasons I've put of buying and using bronzers for years and I still worry that I will look like a patchy fake tan disaster if I'm not careful with the bronzer! #PalePeopleProblems 

Over the past year or two I've found quite a selection of bronzers, from numerous price points and brands, that actually work on my almost transparent skin tone. Here are the bronzers that I would highly recommend for super fair/pale people like myself:

*Smashbox Fusion Soft Light (Baked Starburst) 

I received this bronzer/blush/highlight hybrid product last year and I've broke it out again this summer as not only does it give such a pretty, highlighted bronzy look to the skin (that isn't orange or too glittery) but it is also great as a highlight on it's own or as eyeshadows! The pigmentation isn't amazing but that is a good thing when you have such fair skin; it just gives a healthy subtle glow to the skin.

*MeMeMe Blush Me! (Bronze)

I am fairly new to the brand MeMeMe, I have a few products of theirs and so far they have all impressed me. This bronzer comes in such a cute box, it has a mirror inside as well as a brush and even though it looks dark, it works perfectly with my pale skin tone. The pigmentation is great but if you tap off your brush then even with a heavy hand you won't go over the top with this bronzer. I apply with a fluffy brush from Fancy Witch and it looks so natural on the skin. 

*Essence Sun Club 2 in 1 Bronzing Powder (10 Sunshine)

Essence is one of my favourite cheaper brands and their products constantly impress me - this one is no exception. Firstly, the marbling of the bronzer and highlighter is so pretty and secondly the compact is so handy although I wish it had a mirror in the lid. The highlight isn't glittery but it has a gorgeous iridescent sheen  and the bronzer is similar to the MeMeMe blush but it is more glowy. The price point is fantastic as with all Essence products. 

Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer (52)

It has to be said, to me this bronzer doesn't smell like chocolate, it smells like shea butter but it still cute! Even though there is visible glitter in the pan, it doesn't really show on the skin. It also looks quite warm toned in the pan/packaging but it isn't orange or muddy on the skin. It is a good cheaper bronzer but there are others that I tend to reach for more. 

*Makeup Revolution The One Blush Stick (Bronze)

Makeup Revolution is another one of my favourite cheaper brands, their blushes and palettes are fantastic! I was able to try all of their blush sticks last year and they are all great but I especially love their cream bronzer stick. It looks scary when first applied but it blends out well and it doesn't contain any shimmer! I draw a thin line of it where I would use a contour powder and it really sculpts the face, while looking natural and light on the skin. You definitely need a dense brush for buffing this out, a fluffy bronzer brush won't work!

*RMK Matte Shiny Cheeks (01)

I love multi-use compacts, they are so handy for travelling! The blush in this cute RMK compact is such a pretty pinky coral shade and works perfectly with the bronzer. Getting just the bronzer on a brush is quite difficult as the Blush takes up most of the pan but it is a lovely shimmery bronzer. Sadly, I think this product is now discontinued/out of stock. 

MAC Studio Sculpt Defining Bronzing Powder (Golden Rinse)

This collection has now passed but it was the amazing Wash and Dry collection - the packaging is gorgeous! A lot of people complained about the pigmentation of this bronzer saying that it didn't show up and I do know where that is coming from as I do need to stick my brush in the bronzer well to get a good amount of product but it's worth it as it looks so gorgeous and fresh and on my fair skin it gives a natural sunkissed look! 

Here is my break down of the bronzers depending on what you want out of them:

Glitter/Shimmer: Smashbox, Essence, RMK

Matte or very little visible shimmer: Makeup Revolution, MeMeMe, Bourjois

Multi-Use: RMK, Essence, Smashbox 

Cheapest: Essence, Makeup Revolution  

Most expensive: RMK

Most pigmented: MeMeMe, Essence 

Least pigmented: Mac

Best packaging: Mac, RMK, MeMeMe 

Most natural looking: MeMeMe, Mac

Most assessable: Bourjois, Makeup Revolution

Have you tried any of these bronzers? If so which were your favourite/least favourite? 

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Naturisimo Cleanse + Polish Discovery Box

Naturisimo have just launched their latest discovery box, I have reviewed their previous box which was the Travel Essentials Discovery Box; it was a fantastic box and in my opinion it was amazing value too. This time round, the box is based around keeping your skin cleansed, polished and squeaky clean. Naturisimo is the UK's leading organic and natural beauty online retailer and they have a fantastic range of products, although the world of natural and 'green' products can be confusing so the discovery boxes are a great way of trying out a range of new products. 

The *Naturisimo Cleanse and Polish Discovery Box (£9.95) contains seven smaller sized products including: Skin + Tonic Steam Clean and Cloth (15ml), Madara Multi Action Micellar Water (5ml), Madara Brightening AHA Peel Mask (12.5ml), Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash (50ml), Green People Fruit Scrub Exfoliator (30ml) and the John Masters Birch + Cedarwood Cleansing and Shave Bar (4.5g). The latter three products are actually really good sizes!

I have already reviewed the full size version of the Skin and Tonic London Steam Clean Cleansing Balm and Cloth and I love it so I'm really glad that I now have a miniature version which is just adorable! The first product that I tried was the Madara Micellar Water sachet which contains hyaluronic acid which is great for keeping moisture within the skin. I did only get one use out of the sachet but it removed all of my base makeup and brows however it didn't remove any of my waterproof mascara. I thought a sachet would be messy to use but if you just cut a tiny corner off then it isn't messy at all. 

Next up, the Green People Fruit Scrub Exfoliator which is the type of physical exfoliator that contains scrubby grains suspended in a cream - they are not my favourite personally as most aren't exfoliating at all. However, this scrub is abrasive but it isn't too harsh although if you have hypersensitive or broken skin then I wouldn't recommend physical exfoliators on the whole. The scrub smells so nice and it leaves my skin feeling incredibly smooth and soft! Sticking with the skincare theme, Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash is also included in the box although while taking hundreds of blog photographs (literally), I managed to forget to photograph it. When it comes to Balance Me skincare, I am honestly not that interested as it is always included in magazines and it doesn't seem that exciting or special. Nonetheless I tried the face wash and it is actually a great, basic face wash; it isn't anything super special but if you just want a basic, no fuss face wash that doesn't contain any parabens, sulphates, fragrance or other nasty ingredients then this is the one for you! 

The last facial skincare item is the Madara Brightening AHA Peel Mask which states on the box that it can't be used on hypersensitive or broken skin which thankfully I don't have currently but to be safe, I have only been using it on my t-zone which isn't sensitive at all. The mask can cause redness and tingling as it does remove a thin layer of skin cells, I personally only experienced a tiny amount of redness on my nose which faded fairly quickly - I thought I would experience tingling/irritation but I didn't. After one use it did leave my skin very smooth and I think it made my pores smaller but it might just be a placebo effect - I've tried it twice but I need to try it more to see results I think. You can actually buy this sample size individually which I think is great!

Last but not least my favourite item so far from the box, the John Masters Birch + Cedarwood Cleansing and Shave Bar which smells so nice, it lathers quickly and easily into a thick soapy lather. I've only used it twice for my underarms and also my legs but it works SO well. I haven't tried anything like it before but it leaves my skin so smooth, it made the whole shaving process so much quicker and easier and I didn't cut myself which is a miracle. I have already purchased two bars as they are on sale for £2 each - bargain!  

Overall, a great box although a little heavy on the skincare in my opinion, it would have been nice to have another bath or shower product included. So far I LOVE the shaving bar, the facial exfoliator and I already loved the cleansing balm. I need to try the peel mask more to see results I think so I will update this post when I have tried it for a few more weeks. 

What do you think of this latest Naturisimo discovery box? Will you be purchasing one? Have you tried any of the products included?

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Elemis Fruit Active + Pro-collagen Masks

Elemis is a brand that I have heard so much about with regards to their skincare and bodycare; I've only tried a couple of their body products but I have been impressed so when two of their masks arrived, I was excited to try them especially as Elemis skincare is always so highly rated. 

*Elemis Fruit Active Rejuvenating Mask (£30, 75ml)

This mask contains strawberry and kiwi extracts to deep cleanse, rejuvenate and lift the tone of the skin as well as adding a boost of moisture and reducing the look of tired, dull skin. The mask looks like a creamy clay mask, it doesn't really harden on the skin at all and it smells amazing - the scent is so nostalgic to me but I can't put my finger on why! My mum recognises the scent too but we don't know where from. I apply a thin layer of the mask with a flat foundation brush onto my t-zone; I have only used these masks on my t-zone as I do have areas of sensitivity around my eyes so I don't tend to put any masks there and this mask is targeted towards brightening and deep cleansing which is what my congested t-zone needs right now. The packaging states that tingling may occur and I did experience a little tingling but nothing too much or uncomfortable by any means. I generally leave masks on for only ten minutes and wash off with a warm muslin cloth. The mask leaves my skin feeling incredibly smooth, soft and thoroughly clean without stripping or irritating the skin. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

*Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Mask (£49.50, 50ml)

Elemis, in my opinion, is a great brand of more mature skin and anti-ageing products; this mask is a Beauty Bible award winner for anti-ageing! The mask contains quartz, moringa and argan extract to instantly uplift the skin resulting in smoother, supple and firmer skin. The mask comes in such luxe packaging with a pump which is fantastic as applying masks is a messy business anyway but a pump dispenser makes it quicker and far less messy. The mask has a cream consistency and it smells very clean - like baby powder to me. As with the first mask, I apply with a clean flat foundation brush onto my t-zone and also my jaw. The mask doesn't harden, it feels gentle on the skin and doesn't irritate. Both masks are quick and easy to wash off with a muslin cloth and it leaves my skin looking and feeling soft, clean, smooth and very slightly firmer although I don't really know if it is this mask to be honest, it could be a placebo effect of simply using an anti-ageing mask. Also this mask isn't really aimed at women/men at my age of 22 (23 this time next week *cries*) so I'm going to get my mum to test it too and I'll report back! Overall rating: ★★★☆☆, 3/5.

Overall, I think both masks look expensive and fancy so they would make a nice treat for yourself or someone else. Elemis is such a well know, tried and tested brand with good ethics - they don't test on animals which is a big plus for me. For me the Fruit Active Rejuvenating mask was fantastic, it did make my skin look and feel so much nicer and it made my skin texture so much smoother compared to the areas where I didn't apply the mask! The Pro-Collagen mask is great too and I adore the packaging and pump dispenser although I don't think I will get many results with it as I am only 22 but I'll pass it onto my mum to see what she thinks of it. I am definitely interested in trying other products from Elemis, the body scrubs, milk bath and body oils all sound amazing.

Have you tried any Elemis face masks or any other Elemis products? 

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