Christmas Countdown: Last Minute Gift Dash at Sakare

If you haven't completed your Christmas shopping (or even started it yet) don't stress out too much. There is still time to pack in a few last minute dashes to the shops, you just have to know what it is you're looking for. Luckily Sakare always have a great selection of products that are just perfect for Christmas gifts.

If you want to get someone something special but don't have time to come up with the most original idea ever then head over to Sakare. Avoid being one of those helpless souls wandering around Oxford Street with no idea what they are looking for by following my last minute gift guide:

Top 3 Sakare Products That Make Perfect Gifts For Every Woman

1. Luxuriating Body Butter

Because who lives without body butter? A classic bathroom staple that won't go out of fashion and is suitable for all ages and all skin types. Not to mention that Sakare's version is renowned for being top level quality with its unique mineral rich formula. Will impress even the highest level skincare connoisseur.  

2. Hydrating Hand Cream

During the winter months hand cream will most certainly not go amiss. Appealing for both the beauty obsessed and practical types alike, therefore you really can't go wrong with this one. This amazingly easily absorbed formula is full of Vitamin E to soothe even severely dry, irritated skin and buying it won't do serious damage to your bank account (which is always a plus this time of year).

 

3. Soothing Shower Oil

Even if you have no idea how beauty concerned the person you are buying for is you can't go wrong with this one. Not everyone is into taking long pampering baths but even quick morning shower people will love this product. Turn your practical shower into something more luxurious with this amazingly hydrating body wash. No need to use additional body moisturisers afterwards, this product is the ultimate 2-in-1 for busy people with busy lives.

Trust me on this one...stick to this gift guide for the women in your life and you will see some happy faces when it comes to Xmas day! 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all. Wishing you a magical time and all the best for the new year to come.

Emma :)

Best Product for Gentle Make-Up Removal (Sakare Calming Milk Cleanser)

The name says it all...Calming Milk Cleanser. And calming it certainly is.

If your nightly make-up removal ritual is to rub a cleansing wipe over your face until it feels clean and then head straight to bed then you should reconsider! Face wipes are not only full of chemicals and other nasty stuff that you don't want to be rubbing into your pores but are also extremely dehydrating. Studies have shown that they don't actually fully remove all traces of make up but just spread them all over your face. Sleeping with traces of make up on your face can lead to irritation, dehydration, and even blemish outbreaks. The rubbing action which is required when using these wipes for make up removal can also be damaging to skin, and even increase signs of ageing.

Many people underestimate the power of a good, gentle cleanser as they are caught up in more fancy products like serums and masks. The truth is that if you have a steady skincare regime in place with quality products you won't need anything else to make your skin look it's best.

Personally I follow the Sakare skincare regime of cleansing, toning and moisturising morning and night. If you don't wish to enter into a regime with 3 stages every morning and night please consider to adopt cleansing, even if just for the purpose of make up removal.

Sakare Calming Milk Cleanser is completely natural and so can be used by any skin type, no matter how sensitive. It's calming due to the unique combination of chamomile, rose water extract, and vitamin E, and will leave your skin feeling 100% clean and even moisturised.

To use simply massage all over your face and remove with a cotton pad or damp cloth. I like to repeat twice: once to remove my make up and a second just to pamper my skin. If you really wish to treat yourself then place a cloth in hot water, ring out the water then place it over your face. The steam will open up your pores and sweat impurities out.

Since using the Sakare cleanser I can't go back to face wipes as I now realise how damaging it is to your precious skin. You only get one face so treat it well and it will last you!

Hand Cream Comparison: Sakare vs Kiehl's

This week I decided to compare two top notch brands on a product that I won't go anywhere without: hand cream.

As a mother I find myself washing my hands all too often due to forever being on a clean up mission running after my two little ones. My hands take the brunt of this and so I've learned to always carry a bottle of my favourite hand cream with me everywhere I go.

Up until now my go-to hand cream of choice was always Kiehl's, but after being introduced to the Sakare product range I am on the fence. Here's what I think about each of them:

Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

For years this hand cream has been my life saver. It's not extra fragranced or luxurious it simply does it's job...moisturises and protects your hands from the stresses of every day life. Contains a mixture of oils and natural wax so is a highly concentrated mixture. Takes a while to rub into the skin fully although once absorbed you are protected for the whole day. The only downside that I found with this cream is that during the absorption process your hands are greasy which isn't always practical or a nice feeling.

Sakare Hydrating Hand Cream

I have recently been implementing this cream into my daily life and so far I love it. As a lighter formulation it is easily absorbed into the skin and doesn't leave your hands oily. Rich in vitamin E and includes UV protection this is no ordinary hand cream. Offers great moisturisation and protection against the elements whilst still embodying the Sakare benchmark of luxury. Smells beautiful without being too fragranced and leaves my hands silky smooth. I find myself applying a few times a day but just purely because I love the smell of it so much.

So it has to be said that yet again Sakare is my overall winner...the combination of high effectivity and pure luxury makes products that are practical and simply opulent. Kiehl's hand cream is perfect for those requiring something strong but not so practical for busy mums.

Sakare 24k Gold Mask - Dosen't Get More Luxurious Than This

Probably the most luxurious product ever to have graced this earth. The Sakare 24k Gold Mask is for those serious skincare connoisseurs out there that expect only the best results.

By now you are probably thinking "can she talk about Sakare ANY more?" Well, the answer is, yes. I truly feel that they are the next luxury brand of the moment and that they are underestimated and not talked about enough! That's why I have taken it upon myself to talk and walk you through the whole range so you can discover it for yourself before investing...try before you buy as they say.

This product promises to give your very own high-level professional facial from the comfort of your own home in just 2 minutes. Infused with real gold, yes REAL GOLD, to give your complexion a complete re-vamp and renewal, you will see results after just one use.

Packed full of anti-ageing benefits such as Indonesian nyamplung oil and borage oil, this mask is a great fuss-free anti-ageing treatment. Just 2 minutes and skin elasticity will be improved, skin tone evened and brightened, and wrinkles significantly diminished.

I have to say that the results are simply amazing and I've never used a product quite like it before! My skin feels great but it actually LOOKS great too. If I wake up extra tired I make sure to take a few minutes to use this mask and nobody can tell.

If you are serious in seeing results for a more youthful complexion I would advise you to invest in this Sakare marvel of a face mask.

Spring Beauty Trends and How to Achieve Them

Happy Easter everyone! Spring has finally arrived and the Easter bunny has brought us chocolate to get us out of that winter slump. Even the sun has reared it's head and made an appearance! It won't be long (hopefully) until the shorts and shades can come out and maybe the occasional ice cream can be enjoyed outside without getting hypothermia.

Seasons are changing and with it so are the latest trends. I took a look at the latest beauty forecast to predict what the hottest spring/summer looks are and how to achieve them.

Dewy Skin - Never fails to make an appearance at this time of year. A dewy glow if done right can takes years off your face and give you that healthy, radiant look that everyone wants for summer.

How To - The trick to dewy skin is all about finding the right base. I love Sakare Hydrating Mineral Complex Moisturiser because it gives you just the right amount of moisture to achieve this look. It is also great at reducing redness and evening out skin tone so you won't need to clog up your skin with so much foundation. Switch your powder for a subtle bronzing powder to finish off this look. Pale, shiny skin tends to make you look a bit unwell so be careful.

Fresh Faced - I love this trend because it is all about the no make up look which I think is the most flattering to women of all ages.

How To - It doesn't mean that you literally have to be so fresh faced and make up free. The trick is getting the right shades that are a real match for your skin tone. I recommend going to your favourite make up counter and asking for help with this. What you can do at home...make sure your skin is spotless and refined by using a gentle scrub such as Sakare Exfoliating Gel at least once a week. It will promote a vibrant, clear complexion, enabling you to avoid the 'caked-on' look.

Nude Nails - Neatly manicured nails with muted pale shades in nudes and pinks have been spotted all over the catwalks recently.

How To - Pale shades show up imperfections more such as bumps and chips and so preparation needs to be done before the varnish goes on. As I previously mentioned the Sakare Nail Kit will have you sorted with it's high quality nail buffer, nail file, cuticle oil and hand cream. As for colours I love Essie's Ballet Slippers.

Trends really do go round in circles and it seems like the natural look is up again. Make up can help but the real beauty comes from a good skin care regime and of course...a healthy lifestyle!

Hottest Product of the Moment - Sakare Rejuvenating Shower Scrub

Why have I only just discovered this product?! It's a marvel in a bottle and will make your life so much easier.

In the era of the here and the now we want everything to happen straightaway and immediately be able to see results. The generation where 2 year olds learn how to use tablets and iphones before toys has become extremely impatient (call me old). We may think this just affects the technology we use but actually it has a real impact on all aspects of our lives. At the same time our standards are higher than ever and we all want to be pampered by the best products first, wear the latest trends before they are out, be on the latest social network before everyone else. If you are an avid trend follower then you need to get onto this one: wash and exfoliate at the same time with Sakare Rejuvenating Shower Scrub!

A daily shower wash which is really a 3 in 1...wash, scrub and moisturiser. Enriched with minerals and vitamin E this concoction helps your skin to renew itself...leaving a rejuvenated and youthful appearance every day. No mess, no fuss, no faffing around with creams and lotions and not being able to get dressed. 

Zero compromise on quality! Traditionally products which claim to do more than one thing at a time are viewed as untrustworthy and a waste of time. Not with this brand. The people at Sakare really know what they are doing. They have nailed the super-speed trend while still managing to uphold the high standards of luxury their products are renowned for.

If you are a bit impatient and always like to know the latest trend like me then trying this shower scrub is a must! 

Goodies, Goodies, Goodies!

Ok so I was a very lucky girl over the Christmas period. Not only did I get surprised to a trip to BARBADOS with my boyfriend, I received a whole load of goodies from the latest brand I am obsessed about....SAKARE.

So my new products that I have been playing with over the past week are the Exfoliating Facial Gel and the Anti Wrinkle Eye Cream.

• I'm not old but I will definitely be using this cream to fend off the wrinkles from trying to appear in the first place! I have to admit that anti wrinkle cream wasn't really top of my list this year but after using this product just for a short while I am noticing a youthfulness that just wasn't there before. Small fine lines I had are basically undetectable now. I have a feeling if I keep using this I'm going to be 60 and almost completely wrinkle free. This light but potent formulation is extremely effective from the get-go. It gives your skin the exact amount of moisture that it needs, with primrose oil extract to work on those nasty black circles. 

• This exfoliating gel is gentle enough to use even on sensitive skin! As you may have read before in my past blog posts, I struggle with sensitive skin. Having such fair skin often makes this so much more noticeable and embarrassing. These products so far have all worked fine with my skin, causing no irritation, but I expected their exfoliating gel to cause a bit of a ruckus. Nope. No red outbursts or anything. It's gentle enough to use more than once a week although I would recommend to do it only once every two weeks. If your skin gets used to being stripped back that regularly it will start to produce oil much more quickly.

I always say it's never the wrong time to treat yourself. So if you didn't get any Sakare under the tree this year you can always get yourself down there! 

Happy 2015....let's make this one a year for really great skin :)

New Levels of Nourishment from Sakare

As a bestseller in the luxury brand's range of products I had high hopes for the Intensive Nourishment Mask. I have been raving about their products recently and I have to say I have been continually impressed. The mud mask was yet another success story for me.

Yes it feels great, smells great and makes my skin soft and rejuvenated....but what are the highly effective ingredients that Sakare are known for and what do they actually do?

Indonesian Nyamplung Oil: amazing anti-ageing properties. Enhances the suppleness of the skin

Omega-6 Borage Oil: works as an anti inflammatory. Smoothes out skin tone and enhances radiance

Skin-activating sea minerals: deeply nourishes the skin and helps to calm environmentally stressed skin

(yes I did my research)

One of the best Mud Masks out there on the market right now. Results are visible almost immediately. A great investment that will become a staple in your skin care routine.

I like to use it once a week when I feel like treating myself to a relaxing bath and a glass of wine. It refreshes your skin and complexion but is also a great recharge for the brain after a stressful week.

Stuck for a Christmas present this year? Buy them this mud mask!! Suitable for all ages and skin types, a truly enjoyable experience that they will not be disappointed by. Play it safe and make sure you get them something they will love this year!

Merry Christmas & happy shopping!!

The Secret to Super Soft Skin (without moisturising)

Ladies I'm sure you will all sympathise with me...the high standards of presentation that are expected of us on a daily basis. It's not really realistic is it? We have busy lives...careers and kids and family, sometimes other priorities overtake. Don't get me wrong...I'm not a slob and do not think that we should just go about our lives in pyjamas all the time. Although on more than one occasion I have been asked to defend myself over "flaky skin" on my elbows and "blotchy red patches" on my face. I have been suffering with dry and extremely sensitive skin for the most part of my life and have become hypersensitive over it. People pointing it out and telling me "you should get that looked at by a doctor" (have done, no success) hasn't helped my self-confidence at all.

I went through a stage of spending loads of money on all the latest treatments and fads but to no avail. One day I decided to stop spending hours at night and in the morning lathering myself with lotion, or searching for some other cure on the internet. I decided that people would have to accept me for who I was and constantly reminded myself that I have a lot more to offer than just looks. While I truly believed this it still got me down.

After being recommended by a friend to try out the Sakare Deep Cleansing Salt Scrub (Check out my post about it) for my dry skin, I was hooked to their products! I haven't experienced any irritations or blotchiness and my skin is no longer flaky. On my latest visit to Sakare I was looking for something that delivers the effectiveness and sense of luxury that the brand is renowned for, but that also cuts down and simplifies my beauty routine. I was recommended the Soothing Shower Oil, a formula that revitalises and rehydrates skin perfectly due to it's richness in vitamin E.

For me it has been a wonder product!

• Slathering this oil on in the showers gently cleanses 
• It packs in so much hydration that you won't need to use any other moisturiser afterwards
• A good base for shaving so there is no need for any creams or gels
• Unrivalled sense of luxury with this high quality product 
• It cuts my daily routine down giving me more time for me!

Don't succumb to the pressure...just because you are a woman doesn't mean that you have to spend all your time and money on looking tip top. It can be achieved easily by investing in quality, effective products like these from the range at Sakare.

Sakare Cleanser Best for Sensitive Skin

Having sensitive skin can often be a curse. You are sometimes left with red blotches all over your face minutes before you leave for a hot date, and attempts to cover it up with make-up simply fail. My whole life I have been searching for something that is strong enough to properly cleanse my skin, whilst also being gentle enough not to provoke any sort of reaction. I am happy to let all of you sensitive skin sufferers know that there is such a product out there....Sakare Calming Milk Cleanser!

This unique cleanser has a gentle but effective combination of rose water extract, chamomile and vitamin E to soothe your skin to cleanliness, and not just on the surface. This cleanser really gets deep into your pores, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and beautifully clean. I didn't experience any redness, patchy-ness, or soreness after using, which is very rare for me. I would recommend to follow with the rest of the Sakare skin care range (toner & moisturiser) but if you invest in just one of these products it has to be the cleanser.

This cleanser isn't just effective for people who suffer from sensitive skin....it's great for removing make-up easily, and protects the skin from damaging free radicals. When you use this product you don't feel as if you are putting added chemicals and fragrances into your skin, it feels natural and soothing. It has great anti-ageing properties as well (not something I'm really concerned about but definitely a bonus for the price). High quality ingredients really produce high quality results and the Sakare range is great example of just that!

Sakare Deep Cleansing Salt Scrub

I bought the Sakare Deep Cleansing Salt Scrub last week and I am certainly not disappointed. I went for the Ocean fragrance but you can also choose passion or patchouli. Deciding in the shop was very difficult as they all smelled really nice. So far I have only used it once but I have noticed immediate effects. My skin is a lot softer and smoother, as you would expect, but it also has a regenerated glow. Any spots or dry patches I had cleared up and my skin feels soft and hydrated without even using moisturiser! 

High-range Sakare Salt Scrub does wonders for your skin

Ladies this product is great for getting rid of those unsightly ingrown hairs! Use once a week for optimal results (not more as this could be harsh on your skin). Another tip which the sales assistant told me in the Sakare store (on Bond street) was that you can also use the oil from the scrub as a bath oil. Such a great tip as the oil smells beautiful and is just perfect for a relaxing bath after a long day. Another thing I love about this product is that a very small amount goes a very long way. I'm sure this product will last me more than a year. If you think about cost per use it's really not much to pay for such high-end quality and luxury.

Many scrubs can be harsh on the skin, creating adverse effects, although this scrub is the perfect mixture of exfoliating and moisturising. When the seasons change I always get extremely dry skin on my hands and feet. The Sakare deep cleansing salt scrub was even delicate enough to use on my fragile hands and feet, gently removing the dry skin and locking in moisture. 

I would highly recommend this product to anyone. High quality, great results, amazing value...Sakare scores highly on every level.