JOANNE REVIEWS Ultraceuticals skincare and Lidl perfumes

#Joanne Reviews...

Ulster Tatler’s Woman Editor, Joanne Harkness, reviews Ultraceutical skincare and Lidl’s new range of perfumes.

REAL SKINCARE, REAL RESULTS

SCENT FROM HEAVEN

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

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

COSMETIC SKIN TAG AND MOLE REMOVAL

Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mr. Chris Hoo specialises in the removal of cosmetic moles and skin tags. In the vast majority of cases all of these lesions are benign. But if there is any clinical concern about the nature of the lesion it can be sent off for testing.

Q & A with Chris Hoo Q: Does it hurt having these removed?

“Since these are treated under local anaesthetic it shouldn’t! The worse bit is having the injection of anaethetic, which many patients describe as a mild stinging sensation. Cryotherapy does not even need an anesthetic.”

Q: How are skin lesions removed?

“In most cases these can be done under a local anaesthetic. If there are no concerns about its nature they can be either shaved off, or excised. Some skin lesions can also be treated by freezing the skin – termed cryotherapy. All options are discussed with the patient beforehand.”

Q: How long does the procedure take?

“This depends on what’s being done, but most procedures take between 15 and 30 minutes or so.”

Q: Can I drive home afterwards?

“That depends on you! If you are the sort of person who can drive home after a filling at the dentist then there should be no reason why not. But if you are a bit squeamish, best to bring someone with you. They can at least tell you how brave you were, even if they don’t need to drive!”

Q: What about aftercare?

“If stitches have been necessary these are generally removed after 5 – 7 days. For best results a combination of steristrips and scar massage are required and which you need to do will be discussed.”

Q: Will I have a scar?

“Scarring is an inevitable consequence of surgery in anyone’s hands, so yes. But of course the whole point is to be cosmetic and so everything is designed to minimise this. It’s best to consider this as replacing one cosmetic blemish with another one, which should be much better. But it is unrealistic to expect an invisible scar no matter who your specialist is.”

For further information or to book aconsultation please call Cosmetech on 028 90423200 or visit www.cosmetech.co.uk

ADD MORE GOODNESS TO BREAKFAST TIME

Linwoods, the UK’s leading producer of healthy super foods has launched its newest seed range – Linwoods Crunchy Seed Clusters. A fi rst for the brand, the range is a step into the breakfast market, range is a step into the breakfast market, providing consumers with a quick and easy way to add more goodness into breakfast time.

Available in three delicious varieties, the Linwoods Crunchy Seed Clusters are vegetarian friendly, all natural and contain an impressive 1.8g of fi bre per each 20g serving. The breakfast toppers are also high in plant-based protein, Omega-3 ALA (alpha linolenic acid) and magnesium, perfect for sprinkling on classic yoghurts, cereals, porridge and overnight oats for an added morning health boost.

The full Linwoods Crunchy Seed Clusters range includes:

Linwoods Crunchy Seed Clusters

with Flaxseed & Cranberries: A combination of toasted fl axseed and sliced cranberries providing a delicious way to add natural goodness to breakfasts without the need for artifi cial sweeteners or refi ned sugars. Linwoods Crunchy Seed Clusters with Flaxseed & Nuts: A delicious blend of milled almonds and walnuts and toasted fl axseed to provide breakfasts with a unique taste and crunchy texture. Linwoods Crunchy Seed Clusters with Pumpkin & Chia Seed: A blend of two highly nutritious seeds to give the body a morning health boost as well as an extra sweet crunch in two spoonfuls.