MURAD WINNERS

The winners of the Murad Giveaway are:

1. Helene Frost
2. Gemma Delaney
3. Lorraine O'Grady
4. Nikki Pickering
5. Orla (orlskeenan)
6. Amy Hughes
7. Suzy Burrage
8. Liz Ottaway
9. Niall Kavanagh
10. Iris Waldburger

CONGRATULATIONS ALL! You'll get an email from me in the next day. :)

Thank you Murad. 

Saturday Giveaway - Murad Hydro-Dynamic Giveaway

One of my favourite releases this year, Murad's Hydro-Dynamic Quenching Essence and Ultimate Moisture are pretty perfect in many ways. Between them they are suitable for all skin conditions from dehydrated to reddened, from oily to dry. You can't go wrong. They work perfectly well with any serum, any oil and any treatments. I use them on my clients every week to hydrate/calm the skin after treatments.

And now the lovely people at Murad are offering TEN lucky winners in UK/Ireland the chance to win both of them. To enter simply leave your email address via Rafflecopter below. It won't be used for any mailing lists/marketing. It isn't given to the brands, it's only used for me to contact you should you win. And you can enter every day if you want to.

Good Luck everyone! Thank you Murad.

T&Cs are listed on the app but are basically:

• UK/Ireland only
• 10 x winners
• Prize will be sent directly from the brand
• You can enter daily

The Giveaway runs until 11.59pm next Friday 16th September.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



My giveaways are not paid for, nor do I use affiliate links on them. If you are a brand interested in holding a giveaway you can email here.


*comments are closed to save confusion on how to enter

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture

Describe the brand in five words.

Doc. Water. Derm. Acne. American.

What is it?

'A luxurious, yet lightweight cream that provides 24-hour hydration to restore suppleness and visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.'

A moisturiser.

Who is it for?

Murad say this is for dry/dehydrated skin. They have an essence for oily/combo skins, although I have used this on clients with oilier skins with much success.

What’s in it?

Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Sunflower Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Behenate/Eiosadioate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Shea Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Myristyl Myristate, Cetyl Alcohol, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearic Acid, Oat Kernel Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Yeast Amino Acids, Betaine, Inositol, Taurine, Trehalose, Soybean Sterols, Corn Starch, Olive Fruit Oil, Avocado Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Linoleic Acid, Phospholipids, Polysorbate 60, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Panthenol, Jojoba Alcohol, Potassium Jojobate, Polysorbate 80, Urea, Glucosamine HCI, PEG-8, Bisabolol, Sorbitan Oleate, Cetearyl Methicone, Dimethicone, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Retinyl Palmitate, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol

What's not in it?

Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates 

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

Shea butter - but it is far enough down the inci to not cause me an issue.

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

Man made 

Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?

No/Yes

How does it smell?

Fragrance-free

How does it feel on the skin?/Absorption rate?

Feels lovely on the skin, absorbs nice and slow.

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?

After serums, am and/or pm.

How long before you should see results?

It's a moisturiser, so immediately.

How long did I test it for?

I used up the entire jar. 

How much is it? /Size

£55.00/$72.00 for 50ml.

Lasted me a couple of months, and I'm heavy-handed. 

What’s good about it?

This is a great, solid moisturiser that not only works brilliantly on its own but allows the serums you use underneath it to work as they are supposed to, without interfering with their action.

It's fragrance-free, so suitable for people with those specific sensitivities, yet not unpleasant or 'functional' to use. Feels luxurious on the skin but leaves no residue or greasiness at all. 

I've used this on the majority of clients in treatments, finishing off fairly aggressive treatments (under SPF) with great results. It hydrates, nourishes and moisturises, exactly as it says on the pot.

What’s not so good about it?

Nothing. Not one complaint.

Works well with?

Every single serum I have trialled in the last two months (or thereabouts) was used with this moisturiser. In fact the only time I strayed, I got spots. That review is coming.

What’s the website like?

It's good. A bit of a trek to find all the ingredients listings, but at least they do have them - I would've expected a Dr's site to make them more accessible though. Other than that it's fine. A bit basic, but fine.

Would I purchase/repurchase?

Absolutely.

Similar products?

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Quenching Essence

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream

REN Vita Mineral Daily Supplement Moisturising Cream

Murad's Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture is £55.00/$72.00 for 50ml and available from various outlets including:

UK - Murad.co.uk
UK - Lookfantastic.com
UK - FeelUnique.com


USA - Sephora.com

Instagram Update

I know a lot of you aren't on Instagram (you should be, it's brilliant!). But: I spend so much time on there showing products and my routines that I thought I'd try and keep regular updates showing anything beauty-related on here also. I'll use it as a precursor to the reviews that follow the trialling. 

Clinique discontinued the Mild Clarifying Lotion and replaced it with the 1.0 Clarifying Lotion. Comparison coming on the blog this week.* It's still alcohol-free, don't panic.

Pixi showed their newness including the already-seen Glow Tonic To-Go and brand new Lash Nourish Makeup Remover Pads. 

I used up the goop eye cream and the Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture*. The NeoStrata Smooth Surface Pads and Bionic Face Serum* also work brilliantly.

Hair:

Davines OI All in One Milk is beautiful. Nourishes, softens, smooths. Brilliant.

Bumble & Bumble Full Potential is to be used on the scalp to promote hair growth. So far so good.

Ouai Hair Oil is new but lush so far. I've loved everything I've tried from this brand.

Philip B Russian Amber Imperial Conditioning Creme is beyond prohibitively expensive, and once this one has gone I don't now if I can justify a new one, but for my knackered, broken hair from last year, I was willing to try anything. 

SHOW Beauty Working Texture Spray is awesomesauce and not new to any of you. Yes, I'm still using it. Probably always will.

Time Bomb Strike a Pose hairspray is new, but good.

Simple's new cleansing products coming soon. 

Omorovicza's beautiful Queen of Hungary Mist is out in a divine Limited Edition bottle.

Hourglass are releasing this insanely gorgeous Surreal Light Palette in time for Christmas. And yes, that is a marble design. 

Mask therapy in the form of:

• Bobbi Brown Instant Detox Mask* for a nice deep clean.
• Charlotte Tilbury's Goddess Skin Clay Mask* is softer and better for a slightly more delicate skin.
• Zelens PHA Pads are poly-hydroxy pads so allow products used after them, especially water-based ones, to absorb easily. Brilliant.
• Bobbi Brown Skin Nourish Mask* is soft, hydrating and the perfect nourishing mask to finish a Sunday facial. It's also clearly popular as it's sold out nearly everywhere.

My Spanish travel bag - skincare:

• Emma Hardie Moringa Balm Travel Size goes everywhere with me. Like a puppy. :)
• Josh Rosebrook Moisturizing Cleanser was the perfect size and thankfully, washed off well, because I forgot my flannels. *kill me now*
• Radical Skincare Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads are great at any time, but perfect for travel in the ziplock bag. 
• Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator* is really lovely. So much more than just a 'spritz'.
• Environ C-Quence Eye Gel is light, hydrates and absorbs well - which is ideal for humid conditions.
• Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum is still one of my favourites. One-size-fits-all serum for all. A must-have.
• Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Firming Peptide Milk is super-lightweight and full of peptides and actives making it much more than a simple moisturising lotion.

Spanish SPF:

• Zelens Body Defence* was perfect for the trip. Light, absorbs immediately and worked. No burning for me.
• Kate Somerville Daily Deflector SPF50* is brilliant. I took it with me to Barcelona (work, not play) and use it on client's skin at the end of facials, post-peel.
• Phyto Phyto Plage Sun Oil is great - I've used it for years. 

Body travel bag for Spain:

• Hand Chemistry Hyaluronic Body Mist is the perfect moisturiser for hot climates. It almost disappears on contact and leaves you completely ready to get dressed with no stickiness.
• Sachajuan Hair Repair is one of the best hair conditioners/treatments I've ever used. Really, really, good. And this travel size was perfect for throwing in my case.
• Kerastase Resistance Ciment Thermique has been around for years, and I am still doing everything I can to help the breakage!
• Bumble & Bumble Full Potential as above.
• Studio Pro Lock It hairspray because bun hair needs all the help it can get in that humidity.

And yesterday's face!

• Environ C-Quence Eye Gel again 
• Beuti Beauty Sleep Elixir* - this contains 14 oils and is 98% organic for those of you obsessed with green. Loving it. 
• Kat Burki Vitamin C Intensive Face Cream - I'm loving this range. Literally everything I've used it fantastic.

*Reviews coming this week. ADDITION 29.07.16 - Sorry the reviews didn't happen this week, they are in order and next on the blog. When I can breathe.

I sometimes (not always) use affiliate links. If you are happy to click on the link and support this blog in that way, thank you very much. If you would prefer not to, just google the brand and the item, it's all cool. :)
For absolute clarity: I do not use affiliate links on products belonging to brands that I work with on a professional basis.

FAVE FIVES | Skincare | July 2016

Today's Fave Fives is Skincare. All information is below the video and below the link below for your ease.

See you tomorrow with acids!

WHAT I’M WEARING:

J. CREW Save the Bees T-Shirt: http://bit.ly/29p0HNn

Swarovski Celestial Pierced Earrings: http://bit.ly/29udRL1

Nails: OPI Let’s Be Friends Gel from Hello Kitty Collection: http://bit.ly/29q3X9U

Hourglass Ambient Light Correcting Primer in Mood Light: http://bit.ly/29p2vFW

Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 in Medium to Dark Tint (it’s not that dark, clearly): http://bit.ly/29nUkgE

Laura Mercier Candleglow Foundation in Buff: http://bit.ly/29nTG2T

Chantecaille HD Perfecting Powder: http://bit.ly/29p1lKx

Bronzer across forehead (my glow, basically): New CID I-Glow in Coral Crush (I will literally be buried wearing this): http://bit.ly/29nTIYJ

Used as Blush: Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Antigua (the perfect pink for me): http://bit.ly/29p1dL4

Brows: Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil in 2: http://bit.ly/29nTJM1

Lips: Gwen Stefani for Urban Decay Lip Pencil in Firebird (lightly all over lip): http://bit.ly/29p1OMN

Pixi LipLift Max in Petal Ice (on top): http://bit.ly/29DBnrl

PRODUCTS DISCUSSED:

Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Peel:

UK – http://bit.ly/29o96QW

USA - http://bit.ly/29o9PBL

Leahlani Skincare Champagne Serum: 

USA (ships outside USA) - http://bit.ly/1SUF06R

Vintner’s Daughter:

UK - http://bit.ly/29o9vD0

USA - http://bit.ly/29o9tLD

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture:

UK – http://bit.ly/29o8BGR

USA - http://bit.ly/29n80bR

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intensive Recovery Ampoules:

I was talking nonsense – these are available now –

UK - http://bit.ly/29n8IWQ

USA - http://bit.ly/29oaljd

OTHER PLACES TO FIND ME:

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/carolinehirons

Instagram:

http://www.instagram.com/carolinehirons

Pinterest:

http://gb.pinterest.com/carolinehirons/

Snapchat:

@carolinehirons

Bloglovin':

http://bit.ly/1fuzPqQ

Caroline Hirons c/o

Gleam Futures

6th Floor

60 Charlotte Street

London W1T 2NU

caroline@gleamfutures.com  (skincare queries cannot be answered at this address)

I sometimes (not always) use affiliate links. If you are happy to click on the link and support this blog in that way, thank you very much. If you would prefer not to, just google the brand and the item, it's all cool. :)

See my full disclaimer here:

http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq

The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

What's New this month?

Hi Everyone!

Back in the land of the living albeit looking roughhhhh. It's a long one - but if you are borderline/full-on obsessive about all things beauty you may make it to the end.

Enjoy!

A full list of the products discussed are in the video description box.

Murad Giveaway Winner

The Winner of the Murad Giveaway is......

Bristol Beauty Blog.

Congratulations - expect an email from me!

Thank you to everyone who entered.

Murad Birthday Giveaway

Right well what can I say? Those lovely people over at Murad have offered up a HUGE giveaway for the first birthday of this little blogette.

If you read my original posts on these products - here - you'll know that I raved about these products - the supplements in particular are phenomenal and came highly recommended.

So: fancy winning the lot?

This little set retails at £192.95. Yes you heard me correctly. £192.95.

So to be entered:

1. Follow Beauty Mouth------> over there---->
2. 'Like' Murad's Facebook page
3. Leave me a comment below. A Happy Birthday would be nice but hey ho...

T & C's.

• One Prize as above
• One Winner
• Winner will be chosen at random
• All decisions final
• Competition Closes Friday 6th May

Good Luck!!

Murad Cellulite Trial Results

At the beginning of June I grabbed my six 2 Litre pack by the horns and decided to take Murad up on their offer of trialling their Body Care System consisting of Firm and Tone Dietary Supplements along with the Firm and Tone Serum and the Body Firming Cream (original post here).
I thought I would be posting results in 4 weeks but it has taken slightly longer because I was waiting for all of the product to run out. 

Dr Howard Murad is a highly respected dermatologist based in California and has been ahead of his game for years. Murad is the top-selling 'Dr' line in Sephora stores in the USA. (full brand review to follow)

As I previously explained I don't care that much about my butt.  And frankly, anything that says firming is going to be put to the test on me - hard.  J Lo would be proud of my rear - it's large - I do believe Sir Mix A Lot wrote a song just for me here.

Me on the way to the Co-op.

But I'm always interested in trying to shift my baby belly.  Pre-offspring I used to be able to lay a ruler across my stomach - hipbone to hipbone.
Suffice to say those days are long, long, long, long (one for each child) gone. My penchant for fizzy drinks (I know) has aided it - along with my allergic reaction to all things exercise.

Whilst it's not huge or anything - and my kids were very good to me stretch-mark-wise - it certainly lacks 'tone' shall we say?! And no - there shall be no pictures. Get a grip. No-one needs to be seeing that.

Everything is sold separately but the kit pictured above is what I was using - it is priced at £135.00 - a saving of around £40 compared to buying the 3 items separately. Not cheap. But I suppose it depends on what you use normally. Two high-end cellulite creams used once a day each and 11 quality supplements a day would add up to substantially more.

It was 3 products and over 10 weeks on trial - I'm trying to keep it concise but bear with me:

The Firm and Tone Serum is the reason it took so long to post this. It is only just running out. Not bad going. I have used this religiously every morning after showering since the beginning of June. Around 75 days. It is very lightly textured, absorbs easily and there is absolutely no sticky feeling after applying.
This is supposed to 'refine uneven skin texture and improve skin firmness and elasticity' and I do think it has done that.  The skin on my stomach is definitely firmer and 'pinker'. It has certainly improved the 'look' of it.

The Body Firming Cream is 'clinically proven to increase skin firmness and hydration levels by 40% in 15 minutes'. I am a habitual addicted body lotion/cream/butter user. I mean addicted. I do NOT get dressed before slathering myself in the stuff - any and all, everyday without fail (unlike my good friend over at Get Lippie who doesn't agree with it like this - but that's ok - she can give them all to me). I think this is why I was not overawed with the cream - it didn't do enough to warrant me thinking I would buy it instead of my usual 15 bottle selection.  Although to be fair to Murad it has excellent web reviews (outside of its website) with one woman even using it on her face for the firming action. Also - it didn't last as long as the serum - about half the time in fact.

I did really like that there was no camphor in these products - traditionally used in cellulite creams to mimic the 'burn' but absolutely pointless - a bit like the 'lash inserts' in mascara ads.

What I really want to focus on is the Firm and Tone Dietary Supplement Pack.
The pack contains sachets of supplements helpfully labelled 'day' and 'night'. As a longtime supplement taker it does make life very easy. I can normally be found on a Sunday night decanting everything into my large pill box from Muji (highly recommended - here). With these, I just tore the strip of Day off and threw them in my handbag and left the Night ones by the kettle to remind me when I came home.  That bit didn't always work.  I found that it was harder to take the Night tablets - I would either forget at dinner or be so tired I would go to bed and forget... Either way - I had Night tablets lying around days after I had finished the Days - if you know what I mean. I just took them in the morning...whatever suits - they are not specific to PM - it's repeat dosages with slight changes in quantity.

If you have read my previous warblings you will know I have a thing for supplements anyway - my usual suspects (switching between addicted use and sporadic) are:

Magnesium (relaxes my stiff neck/joints/stops me grinding my teeth/helps you 'go')
Iron (anaemic)
Zinc (hair/nails)
Flax Oil (skin)
Fish Oil (brain *fail*)
Folic Acid (*prescribed for good HB count in blood - not for babies)
Vitamin B (so I don't stab my husband - or anyone else - but mainly my husband)
Vitamin C (skin)
Vitamin D (mood/skin/bones)

So I'm no virgin on the pill front - but these supplements did something I had never experienced before.
They cut my appetite in half. IN HALF. Now, I don't know particularly WHY - or HOW - they don't appear to have anything in them that I have not taken before - they are listed as:

MultiVitamin (obvious)
Connective Support Complex (amino acids?)
Essential Fatty Acids (fish/borage etc)
Cell Energizer (CoQ10 etc?)

Nowhere on the box does it say 'stop you pigging out supplement' - but something about taking these all together does exactly that. Have to say I was shocked. It's not that I would call myself hard to please and cynical - but well, I am hard to please and cynical.

I found myself arguing with the voices in my head (stay with me) 'No I can't possibly be full - keep eating' and then I would have that awful 'TOO full' feeling. I am a plate-clearer, as in finish mine and the pick at the kids/husbands/strangers plates. I found it hard to finish a meal while I was taking these. Wow. That sentence can go in the 'words you never thought you'd say category'. My husband eyed me suspiciously as I pushed the plate away night after night saying 'I'm full'. NOT what he is used to poor chap.
And it's not just me - I spoke to other people (outside of the business) who used them and the reaction was the same. 'I don't know what it is but they are amazing etc...'

So would I purchase? The supplements without doubt yes. I love supplements and I'd save on food so why not?! The serum yes in preparation for bikini (*laughs to self*) or if I had definite new stretch marks - after baby/weight gain/loss etc. The cream I would be less inclined to purchase purely because as I said before, I don't have real issues with my cellulite or stretch marks - but it is hard to find a negative review online for either of these two.
If cellulite is your thing you could be on to a winner - if it's stretch marks you're worried about remember they still need to be PINK if you are to have any chance of getting rid of them.  It shows that there is still a blood flow to the area - so straight after birth or large weight gain or loss is best. If they are 10 years old you best be getting used to them!

More information on Murad can be found here.
Specific information on the products I used can be found here.

Murad Trial Update/Supplement Tips

One week in...
I started trialling Murad's Cellulite Solution just over 2 weeks ago - original post here.

Do I still have cellulite? Obviously. BUT - I have noticed a few changes in my habits..

• I am eating less. Yes. Really. I thought it could be down to the heat... but I really seem to be eating LESS in general.  
• I am persevering with the supplements - despite the definite whiff of vitamin B (GAG).  I am however, admitting to breaking the habit occasionally and am not giving myself a hard time about it. I honestly think that most people would do the same and so consider this a REAL trial!
• I am drinking an inordinate amount of water.  Again - could be down to the heat - but I've never kept a jug on my desk at work for ease before!

 I have dipped in and out of taking supplements for years.  Never completely habitual, but always taking SOMETHING... so here - a few of my faves and some tips that you may find helpful if you want to supplement yourself..

• One of my all-time favourites is Floradix.

I have been taking this on and off for over 19 years. It was recommended to me by my midwife to boost my HB levels in pregnancy.  It contains organic iron, herbs, vitamins and is basically a brilliant boost if you are run down in ANY way.

• Vitamin D - more of that here. Get some. Today.
• Folic Acid - have been taking this since I was 13 and started my periods. It's not just for pregnancy. Read up about it - your body needs this to synthesize and repair your DNA - get to it.
• Magnesium - this was recommended to me on my first day (many years ago) at The Organic Pharmacy. I went for a health check-up - (something they do for all their staff - nice eh?) and mentioned that I had a very stiff neck and had done for years - I was also grinding my teeth at night.  I was prescribed magnesium and have never looked back.  It made a difference overnight - amazing. Taken at night it also aids sleep.
• Omega oils -fish or flax for vegetarians - too many known benefits to list here - but everything from skin, hair, nails, brain function, cholesterol and heart disease can be aided by these wonder oils.

And just quickly!

• Never take iron with calcium (i.e. a glass of milk) - they work against each other. Take iron with vitamin C  - orange or apple juice
• Never take iron before bed - take it in the morning - personally gives me wild dreams and keeps me up all night if I do
• Always take vitamin B and any oil supplement BEFORE food. Otherwise you'll be burping fish and thus gagging for hours afterwards. Ugh.

Murad Cellulite Solution Regimen Trial

I have a confession to make.

I'm not bothered about my cellulite. I know the media tells me I should be - but really, I've got more important things to worry about. And anyway -it's behind me- I don't even have to look at it - so why stress?

 *NOT my arse. But what a great picture.

I mean, I'm 40 - and I've had 4 large kids (I know I remind you of this often - but if you had sprung forth a total of 38.25lbs of human from your loins you would probably wear it like a Blue Peter badge too) - I'm SUPPOSED to have cellulite.
However, what I do NOT appreciate is the slightly 'baggy' baby belly that Max left me with. Yes Max - it's your fault that Mummy can't show her midriff even slightly without sucking it all up REALTIGHT.

Max caring not a JOT about his mother's stomach.

So - being the awkward cow that I am - when I got the chance to trial the Murad Cellulite Solution - my first thoughts were - EXCELLENT - baby belly here I come. 

So. I started last Saturday. The regime entails taking two packets of supplements, one in the morning and one at night and using a serum and cream on the affected area of bottoms and thighs (stomach).

 

So far it's surprisingly easy.  I have already noticed a general improvement in the skin on my face.  And applying the serum/creams is no hard labour for me. I grease myself like a chicken pre-roast every day anyway.

I may be going nuts but I think the supplements are also improving my sleep.

So, we'll see - will I look like THIS afterwards?:

Helena Christensen looking fabulous - for a change.

Err. No. But that's OK.  Watch this space.