Tag Archives: skincare

Hot on the Highstreet Week 264 : Sodashi

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sodashi set

Before even opening the packaging I knew it was my Sodashi treats inside… the natural fragrance of these products was already flavouring the air.

The word Sodashi translates to mean wholeness, purity and radiance, qualities that this brand represents whole-heartedly. Hailing from Australia, Sodashi is an intelligent company with firm morals. All of the products are chemical-free, using therapeutic-grade, ethically-sourced essential oils and plant actives to effectively heal and nurture the skin.

I was lucky enough to experience the luxurious Sodashi facial at Akasha Spa a few weeks ago and fell instantly in love with the healthy and effective products. My face felt and looked radiant for days after the treatment. Ever since this revelatory spa session I have been enamoured with the Sodashi brand, so I was delighted to receive a range of their finest products to trial and try.

As a blogger I travel frequently and often find myself using cheap products whilst staying away from home. The Sodashi ‘Calm Skin Care Kit’ solves all travel beauty dilemmas. A chic grey wash bag contains six miniatures, ready to use wherever you are. Each bottle is 50ml or less so is within hand luggage liquid restrictions. It is a complete skincare pack to calm and revitalise sensitive skin. Individually the products begin to regenerate and revitalise the skin, but it is when they are used together in a dedicated routine that they work wonders and ensure visible changes to the skin. The kit includes a cleanser with sandalwood to clean make-up and dirt from the skin, a Calming Concentrate made from plant essences to exfoliate the skin. The Calming Rose Face Mist then tones and balances the skin before the Calming Skin Boost firms and tones. Finally you add moisture with the Calming Face and Neck Moisteruriser and the Eye and Lip Smoother, both which smell delicious and feel luxurious on the skin.

sodashi clay mask

When your face is really in need of an extra boost, the Gentle Repair White Clay Mask is the perfect product. The White Clay and Neroli stimulate cell renewal while Chamomile and Rose calm the skin. I found it was a lovely Sunday evening treatment, smoothed evenly over my face and left for 15 minutes it relieved tightness and left my face feeling fresh and looking bright. Another occasional product worth investing in is the Enzyme Face Polish which exfoliates and cleanses the skin and gently polishes with finely ground rice. It is best to use twice a week as part of a Sodashi skincare routine.

sodashi polish

I am not one to boast and brag about organic products, but I found the Sodashi range to be truly remarkable, and most importantly effective. The results for my skin have been noticeable on both look and feel, and I can’t wait to try the rest of the range.

More information on the Sodashi brand here.

You can purchase the Sodashi products from Akasha Spa, Piccadilly.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 242: Beauty Detox and Replenish

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January is a miserable month and our skin and hair can really suffer. I have compiled a selection of my favourite New Year products to detox and replenish so you can feel your best even in the coldest month of the year.

Mary Kay TimeWise Microdermabrasion Set £50 – I have tried Microdermabrasion facials before and always found them quite aggressive on my skin. Mary Kay have introduced this do it at home set which energises and nourishes in two easy steps. The first step should be used after cleansing and will gently exfoliate the skin removing dirt from pores and softening the skin texture. Step 2 is a rich serum containing vitamins and anti-oxidants and left my skin feeling luxuriously smooth and plumped.

Perricone MD Chloro Plasma mask £67 – I swear by the Perricone MD products and this revitalising mask is no exception. This innovative product contains blue green algae and watercress to help deep detoxification and purification. After an application my skin felt tighter and the pores were noticably smaller. It is also a great anti-aging product, reducing wrinkles and leaving skin looking supple and smooth. The perfect treatment to use on a Sunday evening in.

Thalgo Les Infus’Oceanes Bio Drainage £7.30 – Sometimes it is a great idea to supplement skincare with other dietary products. This detox infusion helps stimulate the body to release excess water. After Christmas it is the ideal drink to make you feel lighter and brighter. I tried the blackcurrent flavour but it is also available in other fruits.

Mary Kay Skinvigorate Cleansing Brush £35 – I found this handheld, battery-operated cleansing device quite comical when I first used it as I am not used to electrical skincare products. After removing eye make-up apply the cleanser and turn on the Skinvigorate slowly massaging the brush over your face in a circular motion. It is easy to use and truly removes make-up and dirt better than washing by hand, though it is quite an expensive alternative to a flannel. This product made my skin look more radiant immediately and the results continue as you use it repeatedly.

Murad Essential-C Day Moisture £57 – I struggle to find a moisturiser that is rich without clogging my skin. After the stress of moving house this product soothed and relieved my skin leaving it soft and silky, miraculously hydrating after just a few uses. And as an added bonus this product gives SPF 30 protection so will protect your face against the harsh pollution in London.

Yes to Grapefruit 25 Brightening Facial Wipes £3.99 – these are the perfect on-the-go wipes to cleanse and refresh. They are slightly textured so remove excess dirt and remnants of make-up and leave your skin completely clear. Made from 98% natural products and packed full of healthy grapefruit your face will be thankful for the zingy citrus burst.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 177 – Beauty Competition

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After a luxuriously long summer, autumn has definitely arrived, and this week my iPhone tells me it will be raining on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. There is no more need for shimmering after-sun body moisturisers and fun summery make-up; instead we look for nourishing face creams and comforting products to help us get through the cold months ahead.

FACE

Dr Perricone seems to understand women’s skin better than anyone. His Deep Moisture Therapy is my favourite winter moisturiser to use day and night. Rich but light it hydrates and softens skin, noticeably improving complexion tone. The new No Foundation is another great product, providing a lovely natural glow to paling winter skin. The cream includes SPF 30 perfect for days out in the sunshine, though this product is best in winter, providing a light coverage whilst also moisturising your face.

In my opinion the Sanctuary Spa Secret Facial Oil is best used before bed, after cleansing. This 99% organic plumping treatment revitalises skin overnight, so you wake looking bright and rejuvenated. Long term the oil will soften and restore your skin’s natural youth, a kind of superfood for the skin.

The 111 Skin Bio Cellulose Facial Treatment Mask uses advanced technology to nourish the skin and stimulate collagen production. The gel mask cools and refreshes the face, instantly brightening the skin. Perfect pre-holiday, or for a weekend pampering session to calm your stressed skin!

Jurlique is a natural brand that I cannot fault. Every product I’ve tried I dread finishing, the effects are genius. The Rosewater Balancing Mist is a refreshing spray to hydrate and soften the skin and leave skin looking dewy. The spray is perfect to use in the morning and at night keeping your skin balanced and beautiful at all times. Hydration without the greasy residue.

In winter your face needs a little more care and attention. Thalgo’s Masque Desalterant is perfect for this, a moisture quenching mask that gives your skin a moisture boost. I found this product to be ideal for sensitive skin, soothing and protecting skin against the damaging winter weather.

Lipstick pencils are easier to use and often the colour looks more intense. This is certainly true of the Lord & Berry 20100 Shining Lipstick. These thick pencils come in 12 shades, something for every occasion. The colour is bright and the texture creamy. My favourite hue is Mandarin, an orange-red that will really make your lips pop.

BODY

Most know Sanctuary for their gorgeous spa in the heart of Covent Garden. I tried a few of the products this week and was thrilled with the effects. As the colder weather ensues skin tightens and cracks quickly and the Tight & Tone Body Serum is ideal for combating those symptoms adding smoothness to the skin whilst also toning up bums and tums! For extra softness use the 4-day Moisture Oil Scrub which gently exfoliates and leaves skin silky.

I always like to have a hand cream at my desk and this season I am using the lovely Liz Earle Superskin Hand Serum. With extracts of rosehip oil and pomegranate, it smells as good as it feels.

HAIR

It was pretty cool to have Daniel Hersheson himself commenting on my hair colour and style, advising me on what would work best with my eye colour and skin tone. Since then I’ve been a massive fan of his work and products and the Essentials kit is a must-have for girls who enjoy experimenting with hair styling, and is the perfect gift. It includes the Hersheson limited edition Batiste Dry Shampoo, pins, grips and hair bands in small and large.

Kerastase’s Volumifique shampoo and conditioner is the perfect duo for fine hair. The shampoo is silky and naturally thickens hair; the conditioner controls fizz and adds strength without the unnecessary grease. Professional products to revolutionise your hair.

I’ve always thought Fudge haircare was for boys only. The sweet smelling Iced Raspberry and Vanilla Hair Spray, packaged in a brilliantly psychedelic pink container, says otherwise. With extra strong hold, a few sprays will last you all night. The Salt Spray is a great texture tool to ensure your hair looks breezy and beachy all year round.

Fun and effective Bumble and Bumble are a fashionista’s dream. For luscious locks follow the Color-Minded routine which keeps coloured hair bright and beautiful. The shampoo and conditioner are gentle and soft on all hair types. Complete your routine with the Dryspun Finish, a thickening spray to create a full and airy texture without letting hair feel heavy.

To win a selection of these products:

1. Follow Thoroughly Modern Milly on Facebook here.

2. Follow Thoroughly Modern Milly on twitter here.

3. Tweet me telling me your favourite Autumn beauty product and why.

The winner will be decided on November 1st and the prize will be posted out as soon as the winner gives delivery details.