#Joanne Reviews... Ulster Tatler’s Woman Editor, Joanne Harkness, reviews Ultraceutical skincare and Lidl’s new range of perfumes.
REAL SKINCARE, REAL RESULTS Skincare is my new obsession! I would have been someone who was happy with removing my makeup at night, applying a bit of moisturiser and not much else, whereas now I am a lot more conscious of what I am putting on my skin and making sure I am taking the right steps to look after it. Perhaps this new sudden awareness is due the fact I am turning 30 next year and it is hitting home that I won’t get away with a slack attitude to skincare anymore (they do say with skincare prevention is better than cure). I am always keen to try new products to see what works best, because every skin type is different and there are so many options to suit everyone. One criteria that I look for in skincare is if quality of the ingredients and the ethics of the brand, making sure they are cruelty free. A brand that I have started using and that definitely fits that criteria is Australian skincare brand, Ultraceuticals. Their products have been developed to ensure optimal skin results, whilst balancing this with ingredients that are environmentally considerate. Micellar water is the product of the moment; it is a quick and easy way to cleanse the skin without any fuss. The Ultraceauticals Ultra B2 micellar solution has become a staple part of my makeup removing routine. I find it really gentle on the skin, with no need for scrubbing, and the 200ml bottle has lasted me for a long time, as you don’t need to use too much. After removing my makeup at night I always put on a serum before I moisturise, as I believe that this acts as a good base for the moisturiser and serums are the product that will really penetrate into the skin to provide it with the active ingredients that it needs. The Ultra A Skin Perfecting Serum contains the ever-popular miracle ingredient – Retinol. It is an anti-aging must- have that hydrates and plumps the skin. I am always cautious not to expect results straight away when using new products, but with this serum I wouldn’t be exaggerating when I say I woke up with glowing skin the next morning, it definitely had an improved texture. My favourite product in the Ultraceutical has to be the Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser with SPF30. I believe that the most important step in skincare and protecting your skin from aging is wearing suncream. Sun damage is irreversible and it can happen on even dull days, and from behind glass, so don’t be fooled. I pop this moisturising suncream on every morning and it just gives me that reassurance that my skin is protected. www.ultraceuticals.com
SCENT FROM HEAVEN
One of the last things I do before I leave the house is give myself a spritz of perfume, ready to start the day smelling fresh and lovely. Some perfumes are eye-wateringly expensive and stay in the drawer, reserved for special occasions – you wouldn’t dare spray them over-enthusiastically everyday! The key to this is finding well-priced perfumes that smell like the real deal, and I have found it! Lidl have a fantastic range of ‘Essence, by Suddenly’ perfumes priced at just £4.99 for a 100ml bottle. There are a variety of different scents in the range, from subtle, sweet tones, right through to deep and musky to suit all tastes. My two personal favourites are Essence D’Elle and Essence En Rose. The D’Elle fragrance is very fresh and sweet, which I can’t wait to wear in spring/summer. I have been wearing for En Rose for around a month and I always get compliments on my perfume (it always makes your day when someone remarks on how nice you smell). Also if I were to make a comparison, the En Rose smells very similar to the designer perfume, Lancome, La Vie Est Belle – a great alternative if you want something cheaper. The packaging and bottles also look very sleek and classy so wouldn’t look out of place on your dressing table. www.lidl-ni.co.uk
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