Press Pause on Ageing with Alpha-H

Good Morning Loves!

I have enjoyed using Alpha-H skincare products for around three years. The proudly Australian brand, perhaps most well known for its cult classic Liquid Gold glycolic exfoliant, offers a large range of effective, results driven skincare products. I have reviewed a number of them in the past, and will leave some links below to previous posts for you.

Today I have a gentle, but effective duo of products to share with you to help you Press Pause on Ageing. The Gentle Daily Exfoliant and the Protection Plus Daily SPF 50+ have been part of my routine for the last two months.

I have used, and repurchased Protection Plus twice now. It is definitely a favourite of mine, however the Gentle Daily Exfoliant is new to me, and she has been happily living in my shower since the day she arrived. It is the combination of gentle effective exfoliation, and then protecting that lovely new skin with a broad spectrum SPF that helps you to Press Pause on ageing. As many skin specialists will tell you, the most effective way to slow the ageing of the skin is to protect it from the damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun.


If you'd like to find out a little more about these two products, please read on!

Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant.

Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant.

The Gentle Daily Exfoliant is quite unlike any other exfoliant I have used in the past, and believe me I have tried quite a few in my time! It contains a combination of fruit enzymes, which do a lovely job whisking away dead skin cells from the outer layer of skin, and very finely milled cleansing clays, including bentonite and kaolin. I use it in the evening following my oil cleanse, however you could certainly use it in the morning if you prefer. Once mixed with a few drops of water, the consistency is very light, and the product becomes quite thin. The silky, fine texture has no grip or pesky granules, in fact, you almost feel like you are massaging a very fine, diluted, watery clay mask on your face. It is quite different, and takes a bit of time to get used to. I will continue to massage for the full minute, to give the lovely ingredients time to do their job, and then rinse. I cannot tell you how velvety soft and smooth my skin feels. It feels clean and refreshed, without a hint of redness or irritation.
You may also mix the exfoliant with your cleanser of choice if you prefer. I have tried this with the Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser with great results. As I mentioned earlier, this product has not left my bathroom. I happily recommend it if you are looking to add a very gentle, but effective daily exfoliant to your skincare routine.

Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily SPF 50+

Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily SPF 50+

I use the Protection Plus as my morning moisturiser, after cleansing and applying my morning serum. I have combination/oily skin that is acne prone, and many mainstream SPF's irritate my skin, are too greasy, and can cause my acne to flare up. I have never had any such issues with the Protection Plus. It is tinted, which makes blending into the skin seamless. It is hydrating without being heavy or greasy, and it dries down to a satin/matte finish that makes for an excellent base for makeup. It also contains antioxidants to further shield skin from environmental damage. I also make sure to apply it down my neck and onto my décolletage, and the back of my hands. I wait about five minutes after application to allow it to absorb fully prior to staring my makeup.
As I have already mentioned, I have repurchased Protection Plus a number of times, and will continue to do so. I cannot recommend it enough.



You can head to the Alpha-H website here for more information, and to locate stockists, of which there are many!!


Below are some of my previous posts featuring Alpha-H skincare. Just click on each link to take you straight to the post!



Triple Action Cleanser

Instant Facial

Berry Box Gift Set

Liquid Laser Cleansing Oil




Thanks so much for stopping by!



Blessings,



Lou xo

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are honest and my own. xx

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Travel Beauty | Part One | Skincare

Hello Beauties!

I hope you are well! I am battling the flu, and thought I would blog this morning to try and distract myself from how rotten I feel!

I am transporting myself back to the beautiful Toberua Island in Fiji today, and taking you through my travel skincare picks that came along with me on my week long holiday in August of this year.

This post will be part one of a little Travel Beauty series I have put together. I hope you enjoy them!

Typically, when travelling, the products I choose to take with me are tried, tested and loved, and form a regular part of my skincare routine at home. Though tempting to pack little sample sachets, I choose not to, simply because I have quite reactive skin, and the last thing I want to deal with when away on holidays is a skincare reaction. My advice, stick to what your skins knows and likes, and leave trying new products to when you are at home.

Some of these products you may have seen featured on my blog previously, and I will link to more in-depth reviews along the way.

If you are interested to see which products made the edit... then please read on!

Alpha-H Liquid Laser Cleansing Oil was my cleanser of choice to take with me, and I used this morning and night. It is a thick gel consistency, that melts into a soothing luxurious oil when massaged into the skin. I always use cleansing oils starting off with dry hands, and massage them into a dry face. This is a cleansing oil to take your time with... it is just beautiful, and ideal for facial massage. The Liquid Laser Cleansing Oil will emulsify into a milky liquid with a little warm water, and can then be rinsed off easily without leaving any residue. I still like to follow up with a warm flannel to finish off, but that is just my preference. This cleanser is a huge favourite of mine. It's primary scent is due to the inclusion of Lavender oil, which is calming, relaxing and nurturing. It is also said to brighten dull, lacklustre skins with the inclusion of White Mulberry and Hibiscus extracts, while Ferulic acid provides antioxidant protection. Put it on your list. Love.

I followed up my morning cleanse with Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily SPF50+ which not only provides excellent physical, broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, but is non-greasy, doesn't irritate my oily/combo/acne prone skin, is tinted to offset any white cast, and provides an excellent base for your makeup, should you wish to use any. I have read some reviews online, and noticed that some people found it to be greasy, I do not agree with this at all. It is quite thick, but certainly, in my opinion, not the slightest bit greasy. This is a small, trial size tube, which I had in my cupboard from an Alpha-H set that I had purchased from Adore Beauty last year. I have already finished a 50ml full size of the Protection Plus, which comes in a handy pump bottle. It is a well know fact that protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun is the most important anti-ageing step in your skincare routine. Take it from me... don't forget to use it every day!

Paula's Choice Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner was packed in my bag, as I was experiencing a mild breakout before we left ( sodding hormones ). This is a 2% salicylic acid toner that I always have in my skincare cupboard. While I use a variety of acids on my skin ( not all at once! ) I find that Salicylic acid is the best for any issues with congestion that I might have. Salicylic acid is a fat soluble Beta-Hydroxy Acid, meaning that it is able to penetrate into, and exfoliate deep within the pore itself, as well as the surface of the skin. This is why it is often recommended for problem/acne prone skin. Salicylic acid also has an anti-inflammatory benefits, which will aide in soothing and calming the redness associated with breakouts. This toner also contains well known hydrating and anti-ageing ingredients, making it ideal for skins like mine that need both the exfoliating action as well as anti-ageing benefits.

If my skin ever feels bumpy, or rough, or I'm noticing more blackheads/whiteheads, this is what I reach for. A few drops of this liquid toner onto a cotton pad, and a quick sweep over the face, it can be used either in the morning or the evening. I'm not too prescriptive with it, I just pull in out and add it to routine as I feel I need it. I purchase my Paula's Choice from the Australian website.

Go-To Exfoliating Swipeys pretty much come with me wherever I go... well... not to shops, or the hairdressers, or the school drop off...but you get my point. I have reviewed these in more detail here, and have talked about them ad-nauseum, but to give you the short story, they are single use face pads soaked in a glorious concoction of lactic acid and nourishing oils that will have you waking up the next morning with glowing chops. I use these 2-3 times a week, after cleansing and prior to application of my chosen serum/oils/moisturiser. I have recommended these to many of my friends, who are now also equally obsessed with them as I am. I promise I won't tell Zoe if you haven't tried them yet... but I recommend a swift click onto the Go-To website here to purchase... just sayin...

These two hydrating powerhouses are must-haves in my humble opinion. Both Go-To Face Hero and Dr LeWinn's Miracle Radiance Renewal Serum were safely packed in my skincare bag. Again, Go-To Face Hero has featured on my blog previously here, and I adore it. This is the second bottle I have purchased, and it contains the most beautiful blend of skin-loving oils which hydrate, plump and calm irritation unlike any other oil blend I have tried. Yep. It's that good.

Dr LeWinn's Miracle Radiance serum is a more like a serum/oil blend. It contains Sea Buckthorn, Tamanu and Rosehip Oils, which incidentally are also present in the Dr LeWinn's Four Fusion Cleansing Oil, that I also love and adore. It is very lightweight, whilst still giving a good kick of hydration. I would alternate this with the Go-To Face hero as my evening moisturiser, and on occasion reached for this in the mornings when I felt my skin was looking a little lacklustre ( perhaps due to consumption of cocktails, but I can't be certain... ) I believe this has been the recipient of a number of Beauty Heaven awards in the past as well. Look out for the Dr LeWinn's gift with purchase packs that they will offer at various times throughout the year from either Priceline Pharmacy or online at Adore Beauty Official. I first tried this serum in one of those gift packs, and I was so impressed I went on to purchase the full size. Love.

A holiday just isn't a holiday without a tube of Lanolips. I rather grand statement yes, but I have a rather ridiculous collection of these luscious lip balms... it's a little embarrassing. I love them. Needless to say, Banana Balm enjoyed her time in Fiji immensely! Slathered on every evening, her light fluffy texture soothed and plumped my lips whilst happening to smell delicious to boot. One of the tinted Lanolips with SPF was my pick for the mornings, and she will feature in the next post! I am waiting anxiously for the new Pear one to appear in my local Priceline... I also use these all natural lip balms on my children, and you will find them randomly dotted around my house on any given day! Love!

I have been incredibly impressed with the Eternal Youth Day & Night Eye Cream from Dr LeWinn's. I have been using this for the last couple of months, and if you are like me and suffer from the dreaded puffy-morning-eyes-syndrome, then you absolutely need to try this! One of the most effective eye treatments I have tried to date, it has a neat, metal tip applicator through which you squeeze out a little of the serum, and proceed to smooth it all around the eye area with the cooling applicator. It firms the skin, de-puffs like a boss, and smooths fine lines whilst providing refreshingly light hydration. It also makes for an excellent base for concealer. Safe to say I cannot stop reaching for it, so naturally it had to come to Fiji with me! Put it on your list!

Well that's a wrap loves... I hope you enjoyed seeing what was in my travel skincare bag! Even if it was a rather large amount! A girl has to have choices you know!

Have you tried any of these products? Do you see any of your favourites here?

Do leave a comment or question below if you would like to!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

Disclaimer: All products were purchased with my own money, except for the Dr LeWinn's Eternal Youth Eye Cream, which was a PR sample. All opinions shared are my own regardless. This post is not sponsored. There are no affiliate links present. Cheers xo

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Alpha-H Instant Facial | Review

I was honored to attend the launch of Alpha-H's new product,  Instant Facial  in Sydney recently. The evening was hosted by Michelle Doherty, the owner and founder of Alpha-H. There is something quite unique and special about hearing the owner of a brand talk about not only their products, but share their personal skincare story as well. It gives you a more holistic view of a brand to hear about it from its infancy, to the present day. Alpha-H is a successful, internationally acclaimed, award winning Australian skincare brand. I have been using Alpha-H products for about a year now, and I have been using chemical exfoliants as a part of my skincare routine for around 2 years.

Instant Facial is a product designed to slot in to your existing skincare routine. It could be described as a hydrating/exfoliating toner hybrid. Used after cleansing, and before your serum and moisturiser, it's glycolic acid goes to work exfoliating dead skin cells and encouraging the formation of collagen, whilst a blend of natural plant and herb extracts provide hydration, contain soothing anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits, and also temporarily smooth and refine the texture of the skin's surface. Sound a bit too good to be true?


Instant Facial  is described by Alpha-H as "Botanical Brilliance" in a bottle, so let's have a look at some of the ingredients...

Witch Hazel... the second ingredient listed, it is well known for its astringent properties, and often seen included in skincare products, or used on its own as a toner. Known to refine pores and hydrate the skin,  as well as provide antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. I can notice a subtle scent of witch hazel when I use Instant Facial.

Glycerin... a very common ingredient in many skincare products, it draws water from both the environment and the deeper layers of skin, pulling it  into the outer layers of skin. It is hydrating and protecting.

Glycolic Acid... one of the most common AHA's ( alpha hydroxy acid ) typically derived from sugar cane. As I mentioned above, glycolic acid is an exfoliator, removing the layer of dead skin cells from the surface, allowing the fresh new skin cells to be revealed. Its ability to dissolve dead skin cells aides in the clearing of blocked pores and blackheads, it can reduce fine lines, scarring and hyperpigmentation. It will also, importantly, allow your skin to be able to absorb more efficiently those lovely serums, oils and moisturisers that we rely on to nourish, protect and repair our skin.

Plankton Extract... known to be used in skincare products for it moisturising, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. I did come across a small amount of literature which did suggest that the majority of marine extracts ( Marine Algae ) are thought to be comedogenic. I have not noticed any increase in congestion or comedones forming on my skin, and I am of the belief that the glycolic acid present in the product would counteract any such effect, if it does indeed occur at all.

Chamomile Extract, Thyme Extract, Arnica Flower Extract, Aloe Leaf Juice...a nice cocktail of soothing, anti-inflammatory, and skin repairing ingredients. Arnica is also known for its healing properties, stimulating the formation of new tissue.

Cypress and Barley Extracts... Cypress is know for its hydrating and pore refining qualities, while Barley is anti-inflammatory, and is also known to be a source of zinc, which aids in healing and repairing the skin. Worth noting is that Cypress and Barley do appear towards to end of the ingredient list, which generally means they are in smaller quantities.

I actually saw results after only a couple of days of using Instant Facial, and my skin is quite accustomed to products containing glycolic acid. I think the beauty of this product, is that its effects are both immediate, and ongoing. We all want that fresh, bright smooth complexion, and often look to makeup, or expensive serums and moisturisers to achieve it. 

Both alcohol and oil free, Instant Facial does smooth, and reduce the appearance of my fine lines...and I do have fine lines yes!! It has also reduced the appearance of my enlarged pores. Now, if pores had their very own little muscles, they would be able to close and open. Unfortunately, they don't, it is not possible for pores to be 'closed' as such. However, I do find that my pores are "less noticeable". My skin looks more radiant, even toned, and just healthier. Fresh. Glowing.

Instant Facial is packaged in a spray bottle, however I prefer to spray it onto a cotton round and then apply to my face. I like to be precise with where I am putting glycolic acid. You can spray directly onto your face if you wish, however you will need to cover your eyes. Two sprays directly onto the cotton round is the perfect amount for my face, neck and decollatage. Through my own experience of using this product over the last 5-6 weeks, any more than that seems to be excessive, and leaves an almost tacky residue on my skin. Less is more for me.

I do feel the 'tingle' that comes with glycolic acid products. It almost feels 'prickly' to me. I feel it immediately on application, and it usually lasts 10-15 seconds before dissipating. It is normal to feel this to some degree. As I mentioned earlier, I have been using AHA and BHA exfoliants for the last two years. When I first started to incorporate exfoliating toners into my routine I started gently, using them 3 times a week at first to see how my skin would react. I then built up to every second day, and then finally to daily use. If you are just starting out with acid exfoliators,  don't feel like you need to rush into twice daily use immediately...it is ok to take your time, and approach them gently.  

It is recommended to use alone for an intensive treatment, if you wish. I believe that this allows the glycolic acid to work its magic without being hindered by other products being layered on top of the skin. It is important that exfoliating preparations have a low pH, in order for them to work efficiently. Healthy skin actually sits at a pH of 4.5-5.5, which is naturally acidic. Although it does contain hydrating and water holding ingredients, it does not provide enough hydration on its own for me, so on a daily basis I will continue on with my serum and moisturiser. I do like to wait about 2-3 minutes after application for it to absorb and settle on my skin.

To keep it all in the context of my skincare routine, I am using other products that I am very happy with, that I believe are also contributing to how I see my skin looking and feeling at the moment. Some of them are from Alpha-H, some of them are not. I think the cleansers, serums, and oils that I use, along with Instant Facial are improving the overall health of my skin, helping reduce the length and severity of breakouts, and giving me more of a glow. Because we all want a little bit of glow don't we?

Do let me know in the comments below if you have tried Instant Facial! Do you have a favourite exfoliating product? I would love to hear from you!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

This product was gifted to me by Alpha-H for review. This does not affect my thoughts or opinions shared about the product. I will indeed be spending my own money and repurchasing this product when I run out.

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Christmas Beauty Buys - Skincare - ALPHA-H Berry Box Gift Set

I am so excited to share this gift set with you today!!

I was first introduced to the brand Alpha-H about 6 months ago. I purchased one of their skincare sets from TVSN ( shopping channel in Aus ) and have really enjoyed exploring the brand since then. Alpha-h is probably most well know for their glycolic acid based exfoiliant "Liquid Gold".
 ( Have it. Love it. )

Quite a few Alpha-H products have become staples in my morning and evening skincare routines. I am planning some more in depth skincare posts very soon...lots of great products to share with you!

I feel that this gift set ( it is limited edition ) is absolutely brilliant value. It was in my shopping cart within minutes, purchased from Adore Beauty, one of my favourite online stores for all things beauty here in Australia.

The Berry Box would make such a beautiful gift, at a very reasonable $59.46 ( AUD ) you get two gorgeous recently released body products, the cleansing cube ( full size ), and 100ml size of the new Firming Body Therapy; the brand new full size Protection Plus Daily SPF 50+ facial moisturiser, and a full size gorgeous OPI nail polish in the shade 'That's Berry Daring'.

This Christmas, Alpha-H gives you a well though out, beautifully packaged, luxurious gift with all the essentials for top to toe weekly pamper session, without forgetting the daily essential of sun protection.

This little beauty is far to special to ever be called soap. I am typically a shower gel/cleansing puff kind of gal, and I can't remember the last time I used a bar of anything to wash myself. This is my second cleansing cube! It is packed with nourishing oils, and the little cranberry seeds and glycolic acids lightly buff away your barnacles to perfection. Brilliant. I use it twice a week ( too special for everyday! )

Uncomplicated, sleek packaging. Pump dispenser. Brilliant.

Above is a swatch of the Protection Plus Daily SPF 50+ Broad Spectrum, as you can see it is slightly tinted, hence no white cast. It blends beautifully, is absorbed almost immediately into the skin, and leaves a demi matte, natural finish to the skin. I have used this under my makeup for the last 4 days, and it is performing really nicely under foundation for my oily/combo/acne prone skin.

You may have noticed the glow of my skin under the swatch? That would be the gorgeous glow from the Firming Body Therapy! The unique combination of the Cleansing Cube, along with the Firming Body Therapy has given me the softest, smoothest skin...I can't recommend them highly enough!

The 'Berry' theme of this gift set is carried through nicely,from the nourishing raspberry and cranberry fruit extracts in the skincare products, to this stunning OPI shade "That's Berry Daring".

Unfortunately, my photos are not capturing the true depth of colour of this gorgeous shade. It has a vibrant blue reflect which makes it look more fuschia than the deeper berry that it is in real life. Pictured is two coats, with top coat. Impeccable formula.

You can find the Alpha-H website here.
You will find details regarding international stockists there.

You can find the Adore Beauty website here
Sign up to their members rewards program. Immediately.
Every order comes with a Tim Tam as well...Brilliant.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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