Review | Vichy Cellu Destock Serum Flash

To the majority of people, men and women alike, the month of May translates to 'panic-because-summer-is-soon-upon-us' month. We all know that new year resolutions of eating a healthier diet and going daily to the gym are easier said than done but luckily, there exists an easier way to keep cellulite at bay that comes in a black squeeze-type tube and the consistency of a serum. Enter Vichy Cellu Destock Serum Flash. 

 

I was kindly sent this product by ProHealth, the importers of Vichy and La Roche Posay products in Malta and I have been testing it for two weeks so as to see if it stands to the claim that results are visible after 14 days of use. 

 

Like I said, packaging is pretty simple yet very convenient with respect to the intended use of the product as you just have to twist the silver cap and the product comes out of a small hole, enabling you to control how much product is dispensed. A carton box is part of the packaging and there are massaging instructions printed on the inside. Here I would like to suggest that I think it is better if the instructions were printed on a package insert rather than inside the box as that made it a little difficult to see them.

 

 

As for the product, it has the consistency of a serum and bears a caramel colour with light reflecting gold pearl pigments. The formulation is easy to work onto the skin and a euro-sized amount is enough for me to massage one thigh. Despite being tinted, the serum does not stain clothes and is rapidly absorbed, hence you don't have to wait for it to dry before dressing.

 

 

The serum is fit for use thighs, buttock, hips, stomach and arms - basically any area that lacks tonicity and is showing signs of cellulite development. In fact, it is aimed at targeting cellulite, stubborn volumes, tonicity, homogeneity and overall skin texture for an improved silhouette.

 

The key ingredients are 6% pure Caffeine (known for its action against cellulite), Hyaluronic Acid at a concentration of 0.4% (known for its re-plumping effect) and Salicylic Acid (to yield smoother, softer and more radiant skin).

 

It is recommended to apply the product twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks in massaging motions as explained below and after I have followed the instructions and tested the product for two weeks, I have noticed that my thighs do look more toned. I am now in the third week of treatment and I am still noticing an even more toned appearance.

 

I would recommend this product for a quick fix just before summer but always remember that a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are key to maintaining a healthy body all year round. Lotions and potions are there to help you preserve what you achieve ;)

 

Vichy Cellu Destock Serum Flash is now available at various pharmacies around Malta & Gozo and retails for €29.90. For enquiries, check out the Vichy Facebook page.

PR Sample

Review | Pupa Milano Intensive Treatment for Deep & Visible Cellulite Cream & Body Scrub

If I had to ask you what is a woman's worst enemy in terms of beauty, I'm sure many would agree that it is cellulite. Cellulite affects women of all ages, shapes and sizes, even skinny minis! This condition is cause by a variety of factors such as diet, tight clothing, genetics, hormonal factors and your lifestyle in general. While regular exercise and a healthy diet promote a better looking body and help banish cellulite, not all factors are under our control and that is where Pupa Milano Anti-Cellulite Treatment comes in.  

 

Today I will be reviewing this product and share the results with you after using it everyday for 5 weeks.

The treatment is available in two variations, namely, Intensive Treatment for Water Retention and Cellulite and Intensive Treatment for Deep & Visible Cellulite and they are both supplied in the same packaging i.e. a 250mL tube of product in a carton box that essentially has the same information as that printed on the actual product as well as ingredients. At the time I purchased the product, they were also giving a sample sized (75mL, full size is 250mL) anti-cellulite scrub for free to complement the treatment.

I chose the Intensive Treatment for Deep & Visible Cellulite because I do have just a little cellulite showing at the very top of my thighs without the need to pinch the skin and this is more suited for that kind of cellulite.

 

The cream has a very nice and refreshing almost minty smell and it is very nice to work with and massage it into the skin. It has a green colour but it doesn't leave any residue on your skin. I tend to massage it in vigorous upwards circular motions for 5 minutes on each thigh and I like that it doesn't feel sticky and is rapidly absorbed into the skin. I didn't experience any tingling or stinging whatsoever while using the product unlike other brands I have tried and I didn't develop any allergic reactions or redness.

 

I applied it morning and evening for two weeks straight and my skin had already assumed a more toned appearance and cellulite was less visible. As a follow up, I continued to apply the cream once daily with the same massage movements and my skin looked more or less the same as when I last applied the cream for the initial two weeks. The treatment is based on a 20% concentrate of CEL-CONCEPT which according to clinical tests targets adipose cells (fat cells) and stimulates reduction of excess fat accumulation and prevents deposit of new fat.

I think that overall, this treatment really works and I am willing to continue applying it if my thighs still look as they are now but I have also committed myself to make healthier food choices and introduce a regular exercise routine in my life.

As for the scrub, like I already said, I was given it for free with the treatment and I have been applying it twice a week in the same massaging motion as the cream before I showered. The smell is the same as for the treatment cream and despite not being big, the natural pumice granules are abrasive enough. Scrubs help the skin renew faster as they remove dead skin cells but since this particular one is also targeted towards battling the visible signs of cellulite, it contains caffeine and Escin (a horse chestnut extract) which are both well known for their anti-cellulite properties in stimulating fat disposal and drainage of lymphatic tissues respectively.

 

To conclude, I would recommend both of these products to anyone who wishes to banish cellulite and is willing to apply them as directed to achieve the full benefits of the product. Check out the full information on the Pupa Milano website to see which treatment is best suited to your needs.

Pupa Milano Intensive Treatment for Deep & Visible Cellulite retails for €28 and can be found in leading pharmacies and supermarkets across Malta & Gozo. Scrub given free until stocks lasts.

Review | Wjcon Body Draining Oil

As you know, last month I had the opportunity to try the Italian make-up brand Wjcon after they opened their first store outside Italy right here in Malta.  One of the products which intrigued me at the bloggers' night was this Body Draining Oil that helps to eliminate fluids retained by our bodies.

The oil comes in a pink spray bottle that holds 200mL of product. I am actually a bit disappointed with the packaging as the cap doesn't close tightly at all and some product leaked through; but other than that, I like the spray nozzle and the fact that the bottle is transparent so I can see exactly how much product is left in the bottle.

The oil feels very silky to touch and is rapidly absorbed by the skin. I like to use this oil as a means of a massage for my thighs right after I shower as that is where I experience water retention. I take my time to massage the oil in circular motions towards the heart to improve circulation and boost the body's fluid and toxin eliminating mechanisms.

 

I usually employ 5 minutes on each thigh and I have been using the oil religiously every day since I got it; that's approximately two weeks and I have already seen a difference in the way my skin looks and feels. Having said that, I am also keeping a regular toning exercise routine as the oil is only intended for cosmetic use.

 

I have to admit that the oil does a very good job in helping the body get rid of excess fluids as I have to reach for the toilette soon after I massage it in! It contains 4 kinds of oils, namely, sweet almond, olive, macadamia and sesame, all of which are known for their beneficial actions to helps the body flush out toxins as well as nurture the skin, leaving it soft and supple. Lemon, lavender and rosemary essential oils are also part of this concoction and we all know that they aid the fight against cellulite. In fact, I would describe the scent as rosemary based with a hint or citrus and olive oil. The combination of oils and the massage movements help to re-activate the superficial micro-circulation, thus busting surface cellulite. 

I would recommend this oil to anyone who has started to notice the very first signs of cellulite or simply for anyone wanting a good massage oil that will last a long time. 

Wjcon Body Draining Oil retails for €14.50 and is available for sale in the brand's shop in Naxxar Road, Birkirkara or from any of their stores across Italy.