Chin Up Mask & Pedicure at Roseberry

Everyone needs a little pampering every now and then so when me and my mum were invited to discover a new treatment mask and a pedicure at Roseberry in Valletta, we agreed to go.

We had the appointment fixed late in the afternoon which was perfect to unwind after a long day at Roseberry's Champagne Nail Bar while we got to experience a new cosmetic treatment - the Chin Up Mask. I looked up some information about Chin Up before we went in for the appointment and was a little sceptic that it gives instant results but nonetheless, I was still curious to see if it would work on us.

Chin Up masks available in 3 different pack sizes for home use + a professional sized pack

What is Chin Up?

Chin Up is marketed as the 30 minute non-surgical face lift and as the name implies, it claims to improve the appearance of double chin after just 30 minutes by lifting and firming the jawline for a more contoured look. It promises instant results, which addresses the end user's need for instant gratification from a product. Read on to learn more about our experience!

Following a through explanation of the treatment, Nataliya, started by measuring our jawline and chin. Mum's measurements were 17cm for the chin ight above the neck and 23cm for the jawline while mine were 16cm for the chin and 21cm for the jawline.

She then proceeded to apply the sheet mask just under the lips and all the way down along the chin. Subsequently she secured the mask with the Chin Up slimming band and we just had to wait 30 minutes to see the results. Redness and a little tingling may occur but luckily neither me nor my mum experienced it. I must admit I felt very strange with the band around my chin - it almost felt as if I had some kind of chin surgery and I had to wear the band to keep the dressing in place 😛

What helps Chin Up exert it's action in such a short time? Well, it boils down to a special combination of ingredients - 5 top cosmetic ingredients, 10 fruit extracts and Chin Up's own patented Skintronics Serum. Co-Enzyme Q10, Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid have been praised for their skin restoring properties many times before and their benefits has been confirmed time and time again. On the other hand we have Skintronics Serum and Corum 9235 which work hand in hand to facilitate absorption of the treatment serum and promote chin fat loss.

While the mask was working it's magic, we were each treated to a pedicure by Brenda, a beauty therapist at Roseberry. It was a nice relaxing experience which included a much needed leg massage, foot filing and finished off with perfect nail polish application. I chose a gorgeous darkish coral colour from Orly while mum went for a classic red shade.

Results

Once the time was up, we took off the band and Nataliya measured us again - to find that my mum actually lost 1cm from each area (going down to 16cm and 22cm) and I lost 1cm from my chin (going down to 20cm). In my case, there was no difference in the size of my jaw line. All that was left to do was massage the remaining serum into the skin and we were good to go!

It is recommended to combine the Chin Up mask treatment with another express treatment as we did if you're doing it in a professional establishment; alternatively, if you are going to apply it yourself at home, you can either relax for 30 minutes or get on with your day!

So you see, sometimes, even if a treatment looks too good to be true, it can still work as promised! Are you tempted to try it yet?

Both the Chin Up Masks and Pedicures were offered to me and my mum by Paloma Cosmetics and Roseberry for free.

This did not affect my review of the treatments - all opinions are true and honest.

LVL Lash Treatment at Nouveau Lashes Malta

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to try the LVL Lash Treatment which is done locally at Nouveau Lashes Malta in Santa Venera. I was curious about this treatment from the get-go as it promised a mascara-look on my natural lashes. Curious to find out what it's about yourselves? Just keep on reading!

First things first, Bojana from Nouveau Lashes explained with a contagious smile, that a patch test needed to be done before the actual appointment to make sure I wasn't allergic to any of the products used during the treatment. I scheduled this appointment for last Friday which lasted around 15 minutes, during which Bojana briefly explained the procedure and what the treatment actually is before proceeding to the actual patch test. I learned that it is basically a keratin (the same protein all our hairs and nails are made out of) treatment for your lashes to boost them and make them look longer and more volumised - practically a mascara look that lasts 2 months or more depending on how much you take care of your lashes following treatment.

Products used for patch test prior to treatment

For the patch test, a generous drop of each of the Bonding agent, Lifting Balm, Volumising Fix and Moisturising Serum was applied on a plaster which was in turn applied to my upper arm. I was asked to leave it on for 24 hours and if I experienced any itching, redness or rash, I was to advise the salon. I managed to keep the plaster for a little longer than 24 hours and luckily, it turns out I am not allergic to any of the substances so we could go on with my treatment, yayy!

I had my treatment appointment yesterday at the Nouveau Lashes Malta salon in Santa Venera. Since I was a little early we had some time to take some pictures of my lashes before treatment. Following this, I was greeted with another equally joyful smile from Erica, my lash technician for the day, who guided me to the treatment room.

The room is very spacious and welcoming - soothing music a comfy couch and a squeaky clean environment! Erica took her time in explaining every step of the way as we went along with the treatment which lasted a little over an hour. Here's an overview of the steps taken during treatment:

1. To start off, Erica applied a gel patch under my lower lashes on both eyes to get them out of the way since the treatment is carried on with the client's eyes closed. The treatment is carried on bare lashes so make sure to not wear mascara to your appointment.

2. Next, a shield was applied onto my eyelid against which the upper lashes are curled with the Bonding Agent.

3. Subsequently, the Lifting Balm was applied to my upper lashes (this smells very similar to the keratin hair treatment) and it was left to act for 12 minutes. I almost fell asleep during this time - the only thing that had me fight off drifting into a deep sleep was the fact that I had to keep alert to know what was going on for the sake of this post.

An overview of LVL Lash Treatment procedure - picture courtesy of Nouveau Lashes

4. Next it was time for the Volumising Fix to work it's magic and this takes 6 minutes which were followed by another 6 minutes with the lash tint.

5. Finally, my lashes were treated to a Moisturising Serum and combed to perfection in an upward motion before the shields were carefully taken off.

When I finally got to see the end result, I was overwhelmed with how good my lashes looked! I didn't feel any pain or experience discomfort and almost slept throughout the treatment session - definitely worth it! See the results for yourselves in the pictures below:

I was instructed to avoid wetting or washing my lashes for 24 hours until they were completely dry from the Moisturising Serum and I was also asked to sleep on my back to avoid altering the curl during my sleep.

As for after care, Nouveau Lashes suggest an appropriate serum which can be applied to the lashes every night to help condition them and make the treatment last longer. I was given a comb at the end of the treatment to use every night to help maintain the shape of the lashes. Lastly, mascara is optional though don't really need to use any following the treatment!

The tools used during LVL Lash Treatment

LVL Lash Treatment costs €55 and will last your for two months or even longer if you take good care of your lashes and it done at Nouveau Lashes salon in Santa Venera. The salon also offers professional training in the technique for aspiring lash technicians. For more information, get in touch on their Facebook page.

The LVL Lash Treatment was offered to me free of charge. All opinions are my own and are in no way influenced by Nouveau Lashes Malta.

My Laser Hair Removal Experience at CHIC Med-Aesthetic Clinics

Today's post is a little different from what you're used to on this blog as I will be relaying my own personal experience with Laser Hair Removal (LHR).

I'm sure you have all heard about this revolutionary hair removal method to get rid of unwanted body hair. LHR has been in practice for some years now and I have been intrigued by it from the very beginning. Those who know me really well know how much I hate excess body hair and I am on the verge of obsession to always make sure there is no hair where there is not supposed to be any!  

After doing my homework and looking up information about LHR and clinics that offer this service locally, I have finally decided to go for it and get rid of the hair on my back. I am very self conscious of it even though the hairs are really fine and as much as I love summer, I dreaded the thought of baring all in a bathing suit.

At this point, you might be asking 'couldn't you have waxed it?' Well yes and no. I did have my back waxed a couple of times when I was going to wear open back or strapless dresses to special occasions but waxing can actually make the hairs harsher so I tried to avoid such sartorial picks in the first place.

The main reason why I kept holding back from having LHR was for fear of getting burnt or developing an allergic reaction as I had heard of similar experiences before. However, through reading articles and actually asking people who had it done already about their experiences, I finally took the plunge to try it myself. 2014 is proving to be a year of many changes for me in general so why not include LHR in the mix? I settled to have it done professionally at CHIC Med-Aesthetic Clinics at Skyparks Business Centre, near our international airport.

First Appointment ~ The Consultation

I booked a consultation and patch test to start with and when the day came, I have to admit I had mixed feelings about it all. However, upon reaching the clinic, the modern, opulent, clean and chic (no pun intended) ambiance really made me feel at ease. The super friendly receptionist made things even better and after she inputted my details in their computer database, I waited for my turn comfortably on a lush leather sofa in front of a flat-screen TV and I also had access to free Wi-Fi.

CHIC Med-Aesthetic Clinic Reception Area

Subsequently I was called into the treatment room (well on time) to meet my doctor and start the consultation. The doctor was very nice and welcoming and the treatment room décor complements the rest of the clinic which is all very professional, cosy and private. All this definitely helped me formulate an excellent first impression.

The treatment room

During the consultation, Dr. Casingena Garcia took her time to explain in detail what the procedure entails, possible side effects and what was expected of me prior to and after treatment. She also explained how LHR works and why I would need multiple treatments to ultimately get rid of all the hair. She also noted my personal details as well as relevant medical history and I was asked to sign a Treatment Consent Form. Again, I have to point out that all was carried out professionally. 

Hair growth phases - image sourced on the internet

Next came the patch test. I was asked to lay on my side and wear the protective glasses. Eventually, the doctor shaved a small area on my lower back and treated it with the laser machine. I felt no pain and I didn't develop any reaction or redness whatsoever. My skin felt really smooth afterwards. I decided to let two days pass before I book the actual treatment to make sure my skin didn't develop any reaction. Luckily all went well and I phoned to book an appointment for the week after.

The Actual Treatment

On the morning of the treatment, I asked mum to shave my back as was asked of me, then subsequently I headed out to the clinic. The treatment was held in the same room where I had my consultation and it lasted for 15 minutes. Overall, it was virtually pain free though I could feel a little stinging which only lasted a few seconds in certain areas. However, the redness subsided quickly and the application of Aloe Vera gel helped soothe it immediately. You can tell the treatment worked because of the smell of burnt hair...or rather the hair follicle. 

How LHR works - image sourced on the internet

I decided to opt for the Silver Laser Card instead of paying for treatment each time as it offers better value for money. Also to note is that the consultation fee is refunded on booking your first service at the clinic and you also qualify for 1 hour free parking.

Overall, I am very satisfied with the service I was given and I will keep you posted with how things progress after my next appointment which is due in April. I also highly recommend CHIC Med-Aesthetic Clinics for the professional services and cutting-edge technology. 

For more information about the services offered by the clinic, please check out their website and Facebook page. 

Images courtesy of CHIC Med-Aesthetic Clinics Facebook page unless otherwise stated

Review | Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot

Apart from those blessed with naturally clear skin, who doesn't want a fast-acting skin clearing product to combat spots without leaving marks? Ladies, I have BIG news for I have found such a miracle product! Enter Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot. 

I have had my eyes on this product for far too long but I was scared to try it because I have had an allergic reaction to a Vichy product in the past. However, seeing it featured in Glamour's October issue, I was once more very tempted to try it, hence I went to my nearest pharmacy and bought this miracle worker.

It comes in a carton box with information about the product in various languages, the English translation of which is included on an insert in the box. The actual packaging is a very simple white plastic tube that contains 15mL of product. The green cap comes off just by unscrewing it and you are greeted with a silver coloured angled applicator through which the product comes out.   

The product is actually a clear gel-like ointment that you apply morning and evening to the affected area via the silver applicator which feels very cool and refreshing on the skin. However, I prefer to use clean fingers to apply it so as not to contaminate the applicator (hence the product) as a pimple is essentially an infection.
 

It feels nice on the skin and it acts like a plaster by forming an invisible film to protect and insulate the affected area hence preventing it from worsening. The product has what Vichy call 'Plaster Technology' because it acts just like a plaster with the added benefit of it being anti-bacterial. It contains Hyaluronic acid (found in the vast majority of acne-targeting products) as well as Salicylic Acid and highly dosed LHA to act against imperfection-causing bacteria. The product is dermatologically tested, suitable for sensitive skin (always a big plus for me), paraben free and non-comedogenic.

I have been using Normaderm Hyaluspot ever since on break-outs and I can confirm that it acts really rapidly because spots only last 2 or 3 days on my skin and they clear up without leaving any nasty marks as opposed to before where they took 5 to 7 days to heal completely and still, marks would take longer. I noticed that the redness subsides as well and the spot only diminishes in size. To really test the product out, I have also applied it on a little scar that was gradually fading away and I did see an improvement in the rate it is fading. On a side note, I have never developed an allergic reaction while using the product.

Since the product has a light texture, I even like to apply it under makeup (if I am wearing any), however, I always make sure to use just a little, otherwise it will flake over time and we all know concealer and foundation laden dry skin bits are not a good look!

To sum up, this product is a must-have to anyone who struggles with breakouts and acne scars. The results will be worth it!

Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot is available in leading pharmacies and retails for €13.50 for 15mL of product. 

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 | Joico K-PAK REVITALUXE Bio-Advanced Restorative Treatment

We all know how the story goes...sun, heat styling, loads of products...all this takes its toll on our locks and it's good to treat our hair to a repair treatment of some sort. With my hair being oily, I hate loading it with products as it will turn greasy faster than you can say, well, greasy hair of course! Having said that, I use heat styling tools and a heat protector spray almost everyday so I still need to restore and help my hair repair from time to time.

 

Thank God Joico K-PAK REVITALUXE Bio-Advanced Restorative Treatment came to my rescue in a very conveniently sized 50ml tube. The actual product smells really nice; pretty much like a hairdressing salon if you know what I mean. The texture is neither too thick, nor too runny...I'd say it is similar to hair conditioner, only slightly thicker.

 

 

 

Basically, what this claims to do is to 'complete restoration and hydration to dry, damaged hair. Instantly leaves hair stronger, softer and more moisturised.' I already said I have greasy hair, and I wash it every other day and I like to apply this Joico K-PAK REVITALUXE Bio-Advanced Restorative Treatment instead of conditioner every three washes, to restore my hair. Although highly moisturising, it doesn't make my hair go greasy earlier or anything. However, I really do like the way my hair looks and feels after using this product as it leaves my hair considerably more manageable.

 

I would recommend this to anyone basically because it's such a good product! I'm not sure about the price and any other available sizes though as mine came for free with a Joico shampoo and conditioner set.

 

Joico is a salon exclusive brand and can be found in selected salons around Malta.

 

Review: Angel Professional Water Element Nourishing Cream

Angel Professional Water Element Nourishing Cream was one of my prizes for winning a local competition earlier this year by supplying a new slogan for Angel Hair Care Products in Malta. I got a €20 voucher to spend on products and I got this cream (€8) along with a shampoo and conditioner for oily hair (€6.50 each).

However, the first time I got the chance to try this product was on holiday last summer in Corfu (how I wish I'm still there!). I was given some complimentary sample sachets of the cream when I visited the Malta Trade Fair and took them with me abroad.

This is what it says on the jar:

'Enriched with extract of NMF from ocean organisms, it keeps the hair nourished and moisturized. Derived from several kinds of natural plant piths, it accelerates cell recovery and prevents hair cells from oxidizing, leaving the hair shiny and healthy'

It is suggested that you use the product as a conditioner after shampooing but to leave it act for 10 - 15 minutes with the hair covered with a warm towel or shower cap.

I found it impractical to wait with the product on my hair for a quarter of an hour after shampooing especially if I'm taking a shower which is what I do everyday (I only take a long bath for special occasions or after stressful days to unwind). Also, when I used it as a conditioner after shampooing, I found that I started getting mild dandruff.

Not to let the product go to waste, I found a way to use it without compromising my scalp's health :)

What I do is I comb an appropriate amount into my hair from roots to tips and tuck my hair into a plastic shower cap (generates heat and aids the product in penetrating my hair) before showering and leave it for 15 minutes. I then rinse it thoroughly with warm water, shampoo as usual, condition my hair for 2 minutes and rinse with cold water; blow-drying and styling follows. The result? Soft, shiny, manageable hair that smells devine!! (they are called Angel after all!)... without a trace of dandruff! So it definitely lives up to its description. I find this treatment particularly good after a day at the beach and also whenever my hair needs a shine boost. On average I do this twice a month.

The product comes in 500g(16.6 fL. oz.) format so it is good value for money. It feels like a cream should and have a particularly nice smell. It is manufactured by Dancoly Cosmetique, France