Review | La Roche Posay Toleriane Teint Mineral Compact Powder SPF 25 Complexion Corrector 11 Light Beige

La Roche Posay, one of the leading French skin care brands world wide, has always held a prominent spot in my skin care regime, ever since I was a teenager. Nowadays, the brand has also ventured into dermo-cosmetics to compliment their very successful skin care products in an all round caring experience for your complexion.

I have had the opportunity to try the Respectissime mascara in the past and I still regard it as one of my favourite mascaras. This time round, I have the pleasure of reviewing the re-formulated and re-pacakaged Toleriane Teint Mineral Compact Powder SPF 25 Complexion Corrector in the shade 11 Light Beige.

The La Roche Posay Toleriane skin care range is specifically designed to cater for the needs of even the most sensitive of skins and the same can be said for the makeup line bearing the same name. In fact, Toleriane Teint Mineral Compact Powder SPF 25 Complexion Corrector is engineered to correct the imperfections on normal, combination and intolerant skin types through its finely milled mineral powder texture, while at the same time offering matte coverage similar to a foundation, minus blocking pores.

The sophisticated looking case houses the compact mineral powder on the top compartment as well as a good sized mirror and an ultra smooth sponge in the bottom compartment, making the compact perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. The sponge is specifically designed for use on sensitive skin.

The formula is preservative-free, non-comedogenic and provides and SPF25 which if you ask me, is a very good factor. Moreover, the new formula is enriched with pearlite, enabling a long-lasting matte finish.

As for my personal experience, I have to start by saying that the new packaging looks much more classy and chic than the first one so that's definitely a plus! I have noticed that my skin stays matte for longer throughout the day when I'm wearing this product and the small breakout I had on my chin healed without a trace over a few days. Long story short, La Roche Posay Toleriane Teint Mineral Compact Powder SPF 25 Complexion Corrector has officially been added to my list of holy grail makeup products!

La Roche Posay products are available from pharmacies across Malta & Gozo. Follow their Facebook page to keep updated with their Dermoadvisor calendar and take part in the fabulous competitions they launch from time to time!

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Pleats Please

Spring has sprung! And fashion has taken a cue from mother nature with beautiful floral prints and embroidery blooming all over. The weather is still settling into warmer temperatures but now is the perfect time to start ditching the layers and wear the prettiest of skirts! 

Pleated skirts (more specifically the ones with accordion pleats) are literally everywhere this season. I am a big fan of this trend but being petite, I have to admit that I had to search quite a few shops to find a skirt that suits me given that such skirts are mostly available in ankle length variations.

Back lace panel shirt, H&M | Printed pleated skirt, Stradivarius
Shoes, Limited Collection at Marks & Spencer
Floral applique bag, ALDO Shoes & Accessories | Sunglasses, Marks & Spencer
Flower ring, River Island | Earrings, Michael Kors at Sunlab

I am pleatsed to say that I have found my dream pleated skirt at Stradivarius from their latest collection. It is this dark green silk number with a sort of oriental style flower print all over them. Them having quite a busy print, I paired them with a light-weight beige blouse which a little lace detailing at the back. However, my favourite part of this outfit is this bag which I got from ALDO. I think it brings the whole look together...don't you agree?

On a side note, I'm really digging how the outfit blended with the garden backdrop of the serene San Anton Gardens in Attard and how cute is that cat who wanted some cuddles while posing for photos? :)

Photos captured by Charlene Sammut

IMEDEEN Anti-Aging Oral Skin Care

We are bombarded with countless new products every day with promises that x product will make us look younger, y product will give us plumper skin and so on and so forth. While some of these products still spark my interest, nothing quite makes my curiosity soar as much a totally new concept does.

This is the case with IMEDEEN which is the top brand in oral anti-aging skin care. I was invited to the product's launch which took place in the beginning of the month, by the brand ambassador for IMEDEEN Malta, fellow blogger, Caroline Paris on behalf of Vivian Corporation which is the company that imports the brand.

During the launch, which was held at the grand Palazzo De Piro in Mdina, we were given a presentation, explaining the difference between the products in the range and we just generally got to meet the people behind IMEDEEN and have fun and chat the night away.

With all the bloggers at the launch event

So what is IMEDEEN? Basically, IMEDEEN is a new approach to anti-aging skin care, the next best thing if you will, that comes in the form of pills which obviously you take orally. There are three main products which are currently being marketed locally, namely, Derma One (ages 25+), Time Perfection (40+) and Prime Renewal (50+). The first two can be thought more of as preventive while the latter is more of a corrective solution.

Although it is new to the local market, IMEDEEN is sold in 45 countries world wide and has been the pioneer of internal skin care since 1991. Clinical studies (10 to be exact) show that the products improve skin all over and it is more than just a supplement. In fact, IMEDEEN is the gold standard as far as oral skin care is concerned.

The products promise to nourish the skin from within (the dermis to be exact, where traditional anti-aging creams don't reach) and the first results can be seen after 90 days. Since the formula contains Vitamin C, it aids in neutralizing free radicals, thus protecting skin cells from oxidative stress, Vitamin C also helps in the natural formation and maintenance of collagen. IMEDEEN also contains an exclusive Marine Complex which contains elements that are similar to what naturally occurs in the skin. Furthermore, the Zinc content contributes to normal DNA synthesis. Moreover, IMEDEEN is manufactured under strict conditions at Pfizer, a top pharmaceutical company.

IMEDEEN Clinical Study showing the increased collagen and moisture levels in the skin after 3, 6 and 12 months

Following the launch, I was invited to the Vivian Corporation offices Wednesday afternoon for a free skin analysis to help determine the moisture and collagen levels in my skin, and subsequently determine which IMEDEEN product is the right one for me.

Basically, the skin consultation takes place in roughly 15 minutes and it involves an ultrasound scan of the skin on the top of your hand, thus its really not invasive and doesn't require the patient to take off their makeup or anything.

Allison explaining the results on the ultrasound scan to me during my consultation - pictures taken by Marija

The scan results are shown on the computer connected to the ultrasound machine and Allison, the specially trained advisor, explained the results in extreme detail. I am happy to know that I have adequate collagen levels and my skin is quite hydrated, though it does lack some moisture on the outermost layer. The dehydration is mostly due to me slacking on drinking enough water as well as the colder temperatures and environmental stressors.

The results of my skin scan - very good density overall!!

Following this consultation, Allison concluded that IMEDEEN Derma One is the right product for me and I was kindly offered a month's supply to try out and we will check back to see how the collagen and moisture levels in my skin have increased.

If you follow me on my Facbeook page, you'll know I have started my IMEDEEN journey on Thursday morning by taking 2 IMEDEEN Derma One pills with my breakfast. So far, I haven't experienced any side effects but we'll see how the product measures up in the long run.

In the meantime, if you want to take care of your skin from within, you can book a skin analysis at your nearest pharmacy (check back with Vivian Corporation to find out where) and you can start your IMEDEEN regime right away!

Furthermore, there are plans to market IMEDEEN for men as well as the Advanced Beauty Shots in the near future locally. The prices for IMEDEEN products are as follows:
- Derma One €45 for a month's supply
- Time Perfection €53 for a month's supply
- Prime Renewal €71 for a month's supply

A month's supply of IMEDEEN Derma One was offered to me as  PR Sample. All opinions are my own and are in no influenced by Vivian Corporation.

Top Red Lipstick Picks

I do love a red lip and I have always believed that red lipstick gives you a confidence boost - as long as you're wearing the right shade of course! If I have an important meeting or a big night out, more often than not, you will see me sporting a red lip for sure.

Of course, being a lipstick junkie and a beauty blogger, translates to being constantly on the hunt for more lipsticks to home. At this precise moment in time, I own 22 red lipsticks. There was a time not too far away when I owned way more but I had to clear out my stash for lack of space mainly.

Without further ado, here are my top pricier red lipsticks, their drugstore dupes and matching lip liners ;)

You probably already guessed the first one up...it's MAC Ruby Woo. The cult favourite matte pillar box red needs no introduction as it suits a variety of skin tones. A dupe for it would be Catrice Matt Lip Artist 6hr in 050 Fashion Reditorial. It provides the same matte finish and the colour is pretty close. To seal the deal with these two, Make Up Store Lip Liner in Burlesque has a matte finish and is an exact match.

Next is one that I've had in my stash for a few years now and it is still one of my most used lipsticks. My parents had gotten me the Givenchy Rouge Interdit 20 Illicit Raspberry one Christmas, making it the first high-end lipstick in my collection. A less costly alternative is Max Factor Marilyn Lipstick, 4 Marilyn Cabernet. The perfect matching lipliner for this pair is Essence Lipliner 08 Red Blush.

Next is another MAC matte lipstick - D For Danger. This is one of the darkest reds I own and I love how such reds look paired with a classic smokey eye. The dupe? No other than Flormar Extreme Matte Lipstick 07 Haute Burgundy while for lipliner, I would recommend Flormar Waterproof Liner in No. 205.

I cannot not mention the Christian Louboutin Lipstick in Rouge Louboutin. Of course the price of this one may not be what everyone is willing to spend on a lipstick but I'm going to justify it by saying it is one of the most beautiful pieces in my collection and that the colour lasts throughout the whole time I wear it. A very affordable dupe come from Italian makeup brand KIKO - Glossy Dream Sheer Lipstick 206. Of course you will need to build up the colour to achieve the intensity of the Louboutin lipstick but they are a pretty close match. To achieve the look with a little less effort, applying Catrice Long Lasting Lip Pencil Waterproof 130 Prince Cherry all over the lips underneath the KIKO lipstick will definitely help!

Those were the top red lipstick picks from my collection. Are there any more red lipstick fans out there? 

Banishing Dry Skin with Yves Rocher | Bourbon Vanilla Sensual Sugar Body Scrub & 3 in 1 Nourishing Cream Lotion Review

Spring will soon be upon us, which means warmer weather, which in turn means more skin will be exposed. The effects of cold temperatures are manifested in a number of ways on our skin but mostly, they all result in dry, flaky skin which I think we can all agree is not a beautiful sight. Moreover, we tend to drink less water in winter which can lead to skin dehydration.

I am not immune to altered moisture levels in my skin but since the people behind botanical beauty brand Yves Rocher (Malta) reached out to me to try their Bourbon Vanilla Sensual Sugar Body Scrub and the 3 in 1 Nourishing Cream Lotion with Oat Extract I agreed to try the products and see how they work in restoring glowing and moisturized skin all over.

I couldn't wait to start using the products, thus I did so right away but more on the results later. Here are a few words about the packaging and products' texture first.

Bourbon Vanilla Sensual Sugar Body Scrub - €9.95 for 150ml 

This sugar based body scrub comes in a 150ml transparent plastic jar with a green lid bearing the Yves Rocher logo. The scrub is sealed with a protective foil. The commitment of the Yves Rocher brand towards the environment is truly visible with minimal packaging that can be reused or recycled. Back to the scrub, it is yellow in colour and has a thick, buttery texture with exfoliating granules. As soon as you open the jar, the smell of Bourbon Vanilla immediately takes over your senses and vanilla being my favourite scent, I found this scrub very appealing. 

It is very easy to employ this scrub to slough away dead skin despite it's thick texture as it spreads very easily over your skin without the granules being too harsh.

3 in 1 Nourishing Cream Lotion with Oat Extract for Very Dry Skin - €9.16 for 150ml

The next product I was offered to try is this nourishing body lotion. Again the packaging is environment friendly as the tube contains 25% less plastic than the previous one for this same lotion. This cream features a white, rich formulation that is easily absorbed into the skin to quickly hydrate the skin. It has a subtle fragrance and the oat extract contributes towards softer feeling skin. The lotion's formula contains more than 94% ingredients of natural origin, is mineral oil free, colorant free and paraben free.

Now for the results. I have used both of these products religiously for the past 10 days or so and have applied the lotion everyday after I shower and I have used the scrub twice a week. I have nothing but words of praise for both of these products as they do exactly what it says on their respective packaging, and I now have smooth, supple skin ready to face shorter skirts and sleeves!

Yves Rocher has outlets in Paola, Valletta and Sliema and they also house a Botanical Spa at their Paola outlet.

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