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.

Everything You Want And Need From A Nail Kit...Thanks Sakare

I'm a sucker for a professional manicure. You get to sit there and feel pampered and leave with beautiful nails. If I ever tried at home it always ended up looking as if my 5 year old niece did it for me and I love taking half an hour out of my week to treat myself and simply switch off from the world. When I saw that Sakare have their own nail kit I decided it was about time to dust off my polishes at home and give it a go.

The kit includes a nail file, buffer, cuticle oil and Indulging Hand And Body Lotion, with the choice of 3 different scents. I started off by filing my nails and then following with the buffer. It's almost like magic! It makes your nails unbelievably smooth and shiny. I almost didn't want to paint them afterwards. I then used just a small drop of the cuticle oil on each of my cuticles. This essentially hydrates the cuticle and stops it from becoming dry, flaky, and unsightly. The oil was absorbed quickly and I could apply the varnish immediately after. I now had a smooth, even and primed area to paint, making it easier to achieve a better job.

It has to be admitted that Julia, my manicurist, definitely does a better job at applying the varnish than me, but I was impressed with the results. The kit was easy to use and effective...there was no faffing around with different creams and lotions or cutting of the cuticle. Sakare gives you exactly the right high quality products that you need to achieve a professional style manicure at home. Very reasonable price considering how much I usually pay for salon treatment.

To finish off I applied a small amount of the Indulging Hand And Body Lotion and rubbed in thoroughly. A really luxurious lotion that isn't too greasy but at the same time provides all the moisture necessary.

I am very happy with my purchase of the Sakare Exquisite Nails Case...although I can't say that I won't have to head back to the salon now and then to fix up my dodgy paint job!

Facial Serum...A Fad Or Worthwhile Investment??

So your beauty routine already consists of cleansing, toning, moisturising, the occasional exfoliation and even rarer face mask and now people are telling you to add yet another stage. Not only that but serums tend to be on the rather pricey side. You would be forgiven for thinking that this new trend of facial serums is just that...a pointless trend that will die out over time. At first I was skeptical and wasn't one of the first to run out to the shops and buy into the mania, but recently I decided it was about time that I give them a go.

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised and the serum trend has earned some credit from me and also a small place in my heart. Depending on the brand, it is advised that you rub in gently one or two pumps of serum up to twice a week. I recommend using after your usual skin care regime before bed, letting the ingredients get to work while your skin is naturally repairing itself. Many serums promise amazing anti ageing benefits, although the thing that I feel grants them a place on the beauty shelf their ability to penetrate the skin. Serums sink down much deeper than say regular moisturisers, enabling the rehabilitation and hydration to take place not just on a superficial level. This ensures long-term results that just can't be achieved any other way. Even if anti ageing doesn't interest you it's worthwhile to invest in a serum as they aid natural rejuvenation, helping your skin to be in top shape and naturally look it's best at all times.

Confused where to start? Here are my top picks in the serum stakes:

1. Sakare Fortifying Facial Serum
Obviously this one would make the list. I'm just in love with the whole Sakare range. But that aside this product is a real winner that you won't go wrong with. Strong natural ingredients such as birch sap extract for anti ageing repair and Omega 3 oils for anti oxidant repair get to work gently with your skin for optimal results.

2. Shiseido's While Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum
Unsightly dark spots? This one is for you. Yomogi and angelica root extracts help clear pigmentation and even the texture of the skin. A real investment but you will see results with this intensive treatment.

3. First Aid Beauty's Anti-Redness Serum
This one speaks for itself...if you are a red complexion sufferer then this is your saviour. Don't waste time trying to cover up blotchiness with make up, it simply won't work. Use this instead.Caffeine, ginger and aloe work together to shrink the blood vessels, reducing inflammation right there on the spot and also prevents it from flaring up in the first place.

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 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.