Review | Polaar Ice Pure & Ice Source Skin Care

What can kill summer heat and keep skin hydrated with a fresh feeling? Polaar Ice Pure and Ice Source Skin Care of course!

 

I was introduced to French skin care brand Polaar last month during a fun event at the brand's local representatives' (Ta' Xbiex Perfumery) premises. You can read all about what went down and made the event a unique one here.

 

Polaar is all about selecting the best natural ingredients from the Arctic and Antarctic flora to deliver the best possible skin care in an ethical manner. The principle is simple but in my opinion makes a lot of sense - the flora that lives in the harsh conditions of the north and south poles has adapted itself to survive such environments successfully, hence, they are very good candidates for the answer to beautifying skin care.

 

At the end of the event, all attendees were each given a very generous goodie bag that mostly contained products from the Ice Pure range, the latest line by Polaar, which was the main attraction on the evening. I couldn't resist keeping the products for when I finish my current skin care products and I used them straight away when I got home that day! I liked them so much that I decided to treat my skin to them on weekends to make them last while at the same time use up the other products so I can fully switch to Polaar - it's good to switch brands every once in a while as your skin tends to get used to certain products.

 

 

Today I will be reviewing the Ice Pure Arctic Cotton Micellar Water, Ice Pure Arctic Cotton Gentle Scrub and Ice Source Moisturising Gel. The other product shown in the picture is the Icy Magic eye roll-on which I will review in a separate post.

 

As you can tell, the packaging is very minimal and clean - truly reminiscent of the origin of the main ingredients of the products. To be honest, I like it when skin care products have minimal use of flashy colours and such as I think it conveys the image of a clean and as pure as possible product. In fact, all Polaar products are free from parabens, mineral oils and alcohol.

 

Ice Pure Arctic Cotton Micellar Water

 

The first product I will be reviewing is in actual fact the Micellar Water, one of three products comprising the Ice Pure range (there's also a scrub which I shall be reviewing next and a cleanser which I don't have). The products in the Ice Pure range are dubbed as pre-treatment skin care products designed to prepare the skin for application of further treatments.

 

I have a very generous 50ml sample format right now but the actual product comes in a 150ml format with a handy pump dispenser that you just put a cotton disc on and gently press downward to get the product out - very practical don't you think!

 

The product is basically a fresh, lightly scented micellar water that also incorporates a toner. It is designed to be used on the face, eyes and lips to remove makeup and excess sebum without drying out the skin. In fact, my skin doesn't feel taut after using this and it removes all traces of makeup effectively without unnecessary tugging at delicate areas such as the eyes. In the case of waterproof mascara, however, you will need to use a makeup remover to effectively take off any remaining product. It is recommended not to rinse the product off but instead, lightly dry your skin on a towel.

 

The active ingredient in the Ice Pure range is Arctic Cotton which makes the line especially suitable for the most sensitive of skins. It also nourishes the skin cells and provides adequate hydration. The Ice Pure Micellar Water also exhibits detoxifying and soothing properties on your skin.

 

For more information on the mode of action of micellar waters, click here.

 

Ice Pure Arctic Cotton Gentle Scrub

 

Next comes my favourite product! I love all sort of scrubs...face scrubs, body scrubs, hand scrubs...I feel much cleaner after I use one but on my face I have to limit myself to using a scrub just once a week to avoid over stimulation of sebum production. The good news for those with drier ski types is that this scrub is recommended for use twice weekly.

 

The Scrub has the same fresh scent as the Micellar Water and its texture is very fine indeed. Even the exfoliating particles are very fine to suit sensitive skins, which is ultimately the targeted skin type with this range. Again, Artic Cotton is the main active ingredient and it is very beneficial to soothe, hydrate and nourish the skin especially considering the fact that the scrub also has a mechanical peeling action. The peeling and polishing actions serve to remove dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, more even complexion.

 

 

 

In fact, I have noticed that my skin looks much better when I use this scrub rather then when I use my current one. It is softer and more luminous. In my opinion, if you try something out of this range, make it this scrub!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ice Source Moisturising Gel

 

The last product for this post is the Ice Source Moisturising Gel. The Polaar Ice Source range is all about hydration and it is composed of a range of moisturisers to suit different needs. The active ingredient in this case is Encapsulated Glacier Water which is extracted from a natural, pollution-free environment to guarantee its purity. The Glacier Water is encapsulated in liposomes (tiny bubbles/vesicles made out of the same 'material' as a cell membrane) to optimise penetration into the skin for long-lasting hydration and to reinforce the skin's suppleness and softness.

 

The Ice Source Moisturising Gel is very lightly scented with a delicately light gel texture that makes this product the ideal moisturising agent for oily and combination skins. It also mattifies the skin while deeply hydrating it and can be used as a makeup base.

 

Again, my personal experience with this product has been a positive one as my skin remains shine free for a good number of hours and my makeup remains intact for a whole day.

 

I would recommend you trying out this brand, they have a full range of products for skin and body care as well as a sun care range and a whole range specifically tailored for men, the biggest I have ever seen to be honest. I have already treated my father to some skin care from them and even though he is not a fanatic, I can tell he loves the products for he is using them consistently!

 

For more information about Polaar products, kindly check out the Facebook page or the Polaar website.

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Tag | Liebster Award

So a few weeks back I was tagged by the lovely Maya from Blue Jeans and Red Lipstick and more recently I was tagged again by the gorgeous Allyson from Smashing Darling to do the Liebster Award Tag.

 

I haven't done a tag post in ages and since I have finally found some time for myself (been too busy enjoying summer so I definitely can't complain), here are my answers!

But first, let me take a selfie  here are the rules:

• You have to link back to the person that nominated you.
• You must answer all 11 questions given to you by the person who nominated you.
• After completing these questions you must nominate 11 bloggers with under 200 followers and give them 11 questions of your choice.
• You must not nominate the person who nominated you.
• You must let your nominees know that they have been nominated and provide a link for them to your post so that they can learn about it.

 

 

Maya's Questions

How long have you been blogging?

 

This June has actually marked my fourth year of blogging. I feel my hobby has been very rewarding indeed...through it I found a love for writing and also got to be part of an ever-growing community of fantastic people with interests similar to mine :)

 

Is there one international blogger whose style you admire most, or aspire to be like?

 

Chiara Ferragni of The Blonde Salad is definitely one to watch. She's got style, she's got class and everything in between.

 

What are your top three summer essentials?

 

Hmm...kind of tricky to just limit myself to three products but that's got to be waterproof mascara, Max Factor Face Finity All Day Primer and Lierac Paris Sunific Preparateur Tan Starter Serum.

 

Naked face or naked nails?

 

Again, trick question to ask to a beauty blogger/nail technician but I think I'll go with naked face. I go bare faced or put on just some concealer most of the time but I very rarely have naked nails.

 

What are you reading at the moment? Or the last book you read!

 

Inferno by Dan Brown. Very good book that's hard to put down if you're into that kind of literature.

 

What’s your most recent beauty or fashion related purchase?

 

Heh where do I start?? So beauty wise, the last thing I bought was a Max Factor lipstick in the shade 655 Lilac Wine and fashion wise, the last purchases were from River Island.

 

How do you feel about fashion or beauty trends? A definite must, or more like guidelines that you might incorporate into your own style if you like them?

 

Trends come and go both beauty and fashion wise but it's nice to keep up with them and see which ones suit your personal style and discover ways of how you can adapt them to your liking :)

 

One thing you’re planning to do this summer?

 

Lots of weekend getaways and maybe a skydive trip to Sicily.

 

Are you strict with yourself when it comes to scheduling your blogging, or do you prefer to blog as inspiration hits you?

 

I like to keep my blog as a hobby and consequently, I prefer to blog from time to time. Sometimes I draft three or four posts and schedule them to be published across the week. Other times, I just write a post for that day. It also depends on how much time I have on my hands.

 

One tip or trick you’ve learnt that helps you with your blogging?

 

I'm kind of a perfectionist so I always make sure to re-read my posts before publishing. Good use of the language you are writing in is a must in my opinion. Also, it is always helpful to include good pictures of whatever you are writing about.

 

If you had an unlimited budget, where would you love to travel to?

 

Going round Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, etc would be a good place to start. Or else I would be a super luxurious yacht and go all around the world starting at Capri, Portofino, Monte Carlo.... a girl can dream right ;)

 

 

Allyson's Questions

 

What's your absolute favourite nail polish colour?

 

Another tricky question. Kind of hard to choose between 200+ polishes but I'd go for OPI Witch is Which? - a gorgeous mix of silver glitter that is easy to wear alone or layered over other polishes.

 

Would you ever consider doing YouTube videos? If you already do, what are your goals?

 

For the moment, YouTube videos are not on my agenda but I won't say it's a definite no.

 

Earrings or necklaces?

 

Earrings! I have well over 50 pairs in my collection and I never leave the house without a pair on.

 

What is your dream Job?

 

Something that has to do with fashion and beauty magazines would suit me just fine :)

 

Worst beauty/makeup product ever tried?

 

I don't like thrashing products as what doesn't work for me might work for someone else but if I really had to pick one product I'd choose MUA Lip Boom in LMK. While I love the colour, I hate how it fades to just a thin line at the rim of my lips after only a couple of hours and the glitter in the gloss part is too chunky for my liking. I do like the sweet smell though.

 

If you had to describe yourself as an animal, what would it be?

 

A cat. I love cuddles :)

 

What are your strengths?

 

I like to think of myself as a good leader and I am also a good listener. Hope that didn't sound like I'm bragging :/

 

What makes you nostalgic?

 

Catching up with old friends and looking at photographs makes me relieve the day in question but I am quite happy to be where I am right now :)

 

What is your most loved possession?

 

It has to be my Chevrolet Spark :) I worked hard to buy it and it's my first car :)

 

What was the last gift you got?

 

The cutest Me to You teddy bear and a very original card to go with it from my boyfriend :)

 

If you could change your name what would that be?

 

I quite like my name but if I had to change it, I would have loved if my parents named me after Audrey Hepburn.

 

 

Now, here are my 11 questions and bloggers I nominate for this award:

 

1. If you were to time travel, which era would you choose and why?

2. What is your favourite summer drink?

3. Do you prefer stamping nail art over hand painted nail art?

4. Skirts or trousers?

5. Do you prefer statement eyes or bold lips?

6. If you had to have dinner with three persons (dead or alive) who would they be and why?

7. What is the most expensive thing you have ever bought for yourself?

8. Which fashion trend are you most excited about this summer?

9. If you had to pick one thing that blogging has taught you, what would that be?

10. What is your all time favourite perfume?

11. If you had to splurge on a designer evening gown, which designer would you pick?

 

I nominate:

 

Martina from All Things Fabulous

Stavroula from Drugstore & Bargain Lover

Natalie from Natalie's Beauty Land

Charlene from A Cosmetic Affair

Misha from Enigmatic Rambles

Jessica from Kellina's Thoughts

Davina from Lady With No Name

Jasmine from Babacroc

Dyna from Makeup by Dyna

Steph from Think.Love.Makeup

Elle from Beauty She Wrote

Looking forward for your answers :)

Review | Max Factor Face Finity All Day Primer

Summer makeup calls for fresh skin and minimal use of products especially if you live in places where the heat is too much to bear, like we do here in Malta. However, with most weddings and special occasions taking place during the hot summer months, we still need to look our best and sometimes we cannot help not to wear a full face of makeup.

 

To prevent makeup melt down, a primer is a must and luckily, Max Factor have introduced the Face Finity All Day Primer with SPF 20. I say luckily because I have found this primer to be much lighter than the usual silicon primer I use and it has always given me impressive results. Furthermore, SPF 20 is a good factor to wear on your face all year round, not just in summer.

 

 

The primer is luxuriously packaged in a 30ml transparent glass bottle with a matching plastic cap and a black and gold pump dispenser. I always like it when the packaging is see-through as I can tell when the product is about to finish. The pump dispenser is also a good idea as you can control the amount of product that comes out. What's more? The pump even closes if you turn it to the left to prevent accidental loss of product.

 

Now on to the actual product. The primer is presented as a white, light-weight fluid that easily seeps through the skin to offer a uniform canvas on which to apply makeup and being a primer, it also serves to extend the wear of foundation. It dries to a transparent, satin smooth finish and bears no scent whatsoever.

What I really like about this primer apart from the light-weight formula, is that even in the scorching summer heat we get in Malta, my makeup stays put all day. Moreover, it never irritated or broke out my skin.

Max Factor Face Finity All Day Primer is available from authorised pharmacies and outlets and retails for around €17. For more information, please check out the Max Factor Malta Facebook page.

 

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Review | Lierac Paris Sunific Preparateur Tan Starter Serum

Summer: drinks get colder, water gets warmer. Hair gets lighter, skin gets darker...and, hold on... I have a product to share with you for an even deeper tan!

I was introduced to Lierac Paris Sunfic Preparateur Tan Starter Serum last month during an event which launched the Lierac Sunific Range. The range comprises a number of products aimed at promoting a healthy tan and ultimately preserving it. Apart from sun protection creams, they even offer products to help prepare the skin for sun tanning.

 

Primers are all the rage as of late - there's face primers, eye primers, lip primers and now there's even tanning primers such as the Tan Starter Serum from French luxury skin care brand Lierac. Event attendees were given a full sized sample of this Tan Starter Serum to try and after using it consistently for over four weeks, here are my thoughts on it.

The packaging, albeit simple is very convenient and I love its golden brown colour - it has beautifully tanned skin written all over it! The dispenser is actually a pump which is always ideal with this type of products and the cap closes securely over it.

 

The serum itself bears a light orange colour and it smells divinely of sweet oranges which are in effect one of the key active ingredients in the product. The concoction of red orange citroflavonoids, carrot and jasmine extracts, fruit AHA's, Monoi oil, Shea butter and a trio of tan enhancers (achiote oil, apricot kernel and vegetable glycerine) promotes a uniform tan at a cellular level.

 

 

The product is suitable for use on the face and body and is recommended in conjunction with your usual regular care products. It is advised to use a product with a good SPF factor since the serum doesn't offer such protection - it is only meant to promote and maintain a tan.

 

I have been using this serum consistently for over four weeks now and my skin tans better and even if I skip the beach for a prolonged time, the tan is still maintained. The formula is quickly and easily absorbed into the skin and I like how it leaves a shimmery glow behind.  

 

I am honestly in love with this product and it has definitely become a summer staple!

For stockist information, kindly check out the Lierac Malta Facebook page.

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Monthly Favourites | June

This June I was lucky enough to be introduced to some new products and consequently some of them made the cut to be featured in this month's favourites. Old favourites are also included to let's get right into it!

 

First up, some random body and hair care products courtesy of Joico, Lierac and La Roche Posay. Summer is here and for me that calls for wavy hair over poker straight hair. Thanks to Joico Power Whip mousse I can achieve beach wave style hair effortlessly and it doesn't weigh the hair down. A definite summer must-have. Lierac Sunific Tan Starter Serum and La Roche Posay Anthelios XL Dry-Touch Gel Cream are also must have product for summer. The former preps the skin for an even and deeper sun tan while the other protects the face from the sun's rays and is specifically tailored for combination skins.

 

Also from Lierac, is the Mesolift Serum which is probably my favourite product from the luxury French skin care brand. It is the perfect pick-me-up for the skin especially at the end of the day to make it look plump and nourished.

 

Earlier in June, I was invited to this unique event where I discovered another French skin care brand for the first time. I am referring to Polaar and their Ice Pure and Ice Source ranges which the hosts were generous enough to give us in a goodie bag to try out for ourselves. I couldn't resist till I use up my current skin care products and I gave the products a go for a week. My skin feels fresh after each use and the Arctic Cotton Gentle Scrub is one product to look out for. The Icy Magic eye contour roll-on is another miracle product especially for people who suffer from puffiness and dark circles around the eye area. I instantly liked this brand and when Mum asked me for a good skin care line for Dad, I suggested Polaar and off we went to buy him some goodies to pamper his skin with!

 

Moving on to makeup, I have two face products up first - The Body Shop All In One BB Cream in Shade 01 which is an old favourite and Max Factor Facefinity All Day Primer which is a new discovery. Summer is all about minimal and light makeup and both of these products fit the bill nicely. The BB Cream is an all rounder...perfect for quicker application of product while the primer is very lightweight and helps makeup last longer.

 

 

I was given the primer in a goodie bag (discover more products below) as part of a collaboration to help launch the Max Factor Malta #selfeye competition on Facebook and I fell in love with it immediately! Check out the full information about the competition here and submit your entry!

More Max Factor favourite products have been the Excess Volume Mascara which is nothing like I have seen before - the volumising part gives lashes an extra boost while the dark lacquer part really makes them stand out more. On the other hand, when I fancy a more natural look, I tend to reach for the La Roche Posay Respectissime Volumising Mascara. The Max Factor Wild Eyeshadow Pencil in Shade 30 combines the texture of a gel liner and a cream eyeshadow for a truly unique product. Being pearly white, I like to use it to enhance colours and highlight the corners of my eyes.

 



The last eye products are all brown hued. Catrice Long Lasting Eye Liner Pen in 070 Puddle of Mudd is a common occurrence and I tend to favour it over black in the summer for a more natural look. The Essence eyebrow mascara and pencil have been my favourite combination for making my brows look more polished and full.

Lastly, I have this Max Factor lipstick in the shade 655 Lilac Wine which really impressed me with its pigmentation and lasting power. I highly recommend this one!