The Fight Against Blue Light with Uriage AGE Protect

Today's post is about something I have only become aware of a couple of months ago when I attended the launch of a new skin care range by Uriage - the blue light emanating from our smart devices and its effect on skin ageing. In fact, blue light can be dubbed as the 'disease' of the 21st century, and the most recent studies in skin care labs claim that its effects on skin ageing can be minimized with using the right, specialized skin care products. 

Uriage's newest range, AGE Protect, specifically targets the effects of blue light on our skin. Uriage have remained true to their core principles with this range, with their thermal water being the basis of all the products making up the AGE Protect range. The other active ingredients are retinol, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA), dragon's blood, vitamin C, vitamin E and of course the patented Blue Light Barrier (BLB). Thus the formula has both protective and corrective ingredients.

The BLB creates an exposome shield, thus creating a healthy skin environment. The shield is further enhanced by Filmexel which produces a second-skin effect to prevent adhesion of pollutants to the skin. As for retinol and hyaluronic acid, we all know that these two ingredients combat pigmentation, wrinkles and promote healthy-looking skin respectively. 

The AGE Protect range is very comprehensive and out of the 7 products available, I have 4, which are the ones most suited to my needs and skin type. Packaging is the same for all products so it might get a bit confusing if you're picking the products from the shelf as you have to read the label each time. Having said that, I love the metallic blue top part which slides left and right to open the dispenser. All 4 of the products I have, feature a practical pump dispenser which allows you control over how much product comes out and the sizes are travel-friendly! What's more? The pump is airless, thus preventing Vitamin C and Retinol from oxidising inside the container.

The products I have are the Multi-Action Fluid (€23 for 40ml), Multi-Action Intensive Serum (€25 for 30ml), Multi-Action Eye Contour (target specific areas - €20 for 15ml), and the Multi-Action Detox Night Cream (designed for night-time use - €23 for 40ml). The products are tailored for all ages and can also be used by men. However, they are not advised for pregnant women since they contain retinol.

As far as texture goes, they are all surprisingly very similar - light, white cream formulas which are easily absorbed with the exception of the Night Cream which is of course, richer, as expected. To be honest I was quite surprised with the serum texture as usually serums come with a dropper and are usually more liquid.

It was easy for me to incorporate Uriage AGE Protect in my skin care routine as the products pair well with my usual ones. My favourite products are the Multi-Action Fluid, Multi-Action Intensive Serum and Multi-Action Eye Contour for they cater for my skin care needs down to a t! 

Of course after just three months of use, I cannot comment on the long-term effect of the products in preventing pre-mature skin ageing due to blue light but so far I am happy that they seem to agree with my skin, in that they didn't break me out. The only downside is again the Detox Night Cream. I find it to be super rich for my skin type and I always wake up with oily skin and I feel like I need to wash my face right away for a fresh skin feeling. I have since swapped it with another product which also targets pre-mature ageing caused by blue light but I will delve into more detail in a separate post. 

What do you think of this new blue light phenomenon? Do you agree that we could age prematurely because of it?

Traditional Delights in the heart of Mosta | Ta' Marija Restaurant Opens New Outdoor Terrace

After-work nibbles and drinks are always a good idea. You know what’s better? Unwinding at a cosy restaurant with friends! Last week I was lucky enough to be invited along by Grazielle from Blog by Grazielle together with Denis and Charlene to experience the newly launched outdoor terrace at Ta’ Marija Restaurant in Mosta.

Ta' Marija Restaurant's history goes a long way but has cemented itself as a reputable traditional Maltese restaurant ever since the beginning and has won several culinary accolades along the way. The Muscats', the family owning the restaurant, had taken other culinary projects before opening Ta' Marija and now, their children continue to pass on the tradition of genuine, hearty Maltese cuisine while still being innovative in the way the food is served, and now, further expanding their horizons with the opening of the outdoor terrace at the same restaurant.

Overlooking the Mosta main road, the terrace is ideal for after-work drinks with friends, a quiet dinner with a significant other or just to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail a little something to eat while watching life go by. The Mosta Rotunda offers the perfect backdrop to a relaxed evening, and if you happen to visit the restaurant on a themed night, you might as well consider staying for the folklore shows for a truly Maltese experience. I, for one really like the modern vibes of the outdoor terrace and I think they blend really well with the rest of the restaurant decor.

We caught up over a delicious seafood platter accompanied by proseccos and Aperol Spritz and we got to experience the albeit cosy outdoor terrace. The restaurant has an all-round romantic cosy feel and I will definitely be back with my better half for a special occasion dinner date.

Should you want to visit the restaurant yourselves, it is advisable to book in advance. You can also have a look at their menu and extensive, interesting history on their website.

Special thanks go to Ta' Marija Restaurant's management and Grazielle for having me and Gordon Formosa from GoRaw Photography for the pictures.

Living Coral | Pantone Colour of The Year 2019

The free-trial month a.k.a. January, is over and done with and we have finally settled back into a routine of sorts. I can call my life anything but routine at the moment but I'm really excited about this big year in our lives. Nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing our home and wedding come together; after all, we really are working hard to make our dreams come true!

Speaking of, February is going to be one heck of a busy month and I've got some interesting content planned out for this blog as well. I will however, take the opportunity to apologise in advance if you think I am neglecting this space, but right now, all other things are taking centre stage. But! Rant over and I'm coming to this post's subject - the anointed Pantone Colour of The Year, Living Coral and how I wore it.

The colour experts at the Pantone Colour Institute™ describe Living Coral, is An animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge.

Top & Skirt, River Island | Shoes & Bag, Zara
Headband, Yana's Jewellery | Belt, Stradivarius

Coral is one of my favourite colours as it is a fun, vibrant colour which brings many colour palettes together and adds the perfect pop of colour with my go-to neutrals. It just strikes the perfect balance - it is playful and evokes a sense of warmth.

It also brings to my mind my favourite season, summer, when everything is more vibrant and moods are more uplifted; the beautiful coral reefs which flourish when there's no unnecessary human intervention.

Although vibrant, Living Coral is at the same time muted, subdued which encourages light-hearted connections - the meaningful moments in life. Speaking of meaningful moments, we shot these pictures in the charming village of Attard, the place we will soon call home.

When Pantone announces their Colour of The Year, they take into account all the trends from different areas such as home decor, fashion, beauty and history. For me personally, as much as I love coral, I'd stick to only maybe adding pops of it around our house but I find it very easy to incorporate in outfits.

For this outfit, I paired coral with my favourite new neutral, khaki. I got both the skirt and top in the River Island sale for a very good price and when I bought the heels, I immediately thought of pairing them together. The bag adds the perfect interesting detail to the outfit with the snakeskin print, which many people still seem to fear.

What do you make of Living Coral as Pantone's choice of colour this year?