Imago Skincare Review

Skincare is never an easy review to do, it takes time to see if your skin has benefitted from the products. I always tell clients that I shall happily do a review but it won’t be anytime soon. To get a true reflection of how the skincare has worked for you you must give it a chance and stick with it.

It’s not often you can instantly know your skin is going to love a skincare range but that is exactly what happened when I started to use Imago Skincare. My skin loved it and it really did not take long until I noticed my oiliness had reduced and my skin appeared brighter and smoother. I took to my group to tell the members how I loved this brand and I was not alone. Many women rave about it which is a testimonial to how good it actually is. It is all handmade and natural so no nasties in any of the products which is a bonus.

This is what Pauline, the creator of these products has to say

I started making skincare several years ago after attending training courses in Forres, Scotland with Kolbjorn Borseth, director of Aromantic skincare. Ever since the training, I have been working towards creating my range of products containing the best ingredients to nourish and care for your skin . The products were designed for specific skin types or needs and are formulated with ingredients to obtain the desired results. I have been known to spend 3 years trying to get a product right. I believe that I have a natural ability to choose ingredients that make the best possible product.

As a qualified aromatherapist, I use well selected essential oils to fragrance my skincare and the oils are specifically chosen to enhance their effectiveness. The products have a holistic aspect in that the essential oils have therapeutic effects, such as stress relief or enhanced sleep. I have been using my products as a therapist for several years and have received very positive responses from my clients, who often comment that they cannot believe the difference to their skin! I am now ready to move into the wholesale market so that other therapists, and their clients, can access the products.

Imago handmade and bespoke products have been in development since 2004. My products are derived from plant and marine sources!

Out of all the products I tried, there is a ”hero” and that has to be the marine active complex, a little goes a very long way. It feeds and plumps the skin and the effects are unreal, giving you a healthy glowing complexion. Apply it like you would a serum, one pump before your moisturiser. It was actually created as an anti ageing night treatment but fans of the product have been using it through the day too. Read on if you like the science…

The following are just four out of fifteen ingredients used in this product.  Eco Marine Algae Extract – Tests showed the capacity to stimulate cellular proliferation which significantly increased collagen synthesis by 19.3% using a 2% concentration in only 24 hours compared to an untreated control sample. Even when used at 0.5% there is a gradual increase collagen synthesis of 17% after 72 hours compared to untreated samples. EcoCert approved ethanol is used to make an extraction of Cylindrotheca fusiformis which is an oceanic marine algae. Because of the risk of pollution in the seas, the producer grows the microalgae in a purpose-built eco facility. This not only guarantees the purity of the algae but also means that the eco-balance of the oceans are not disturbed by uncontrolled harvesting. The algae give off gases that are harvested to heat the facility and it is powered by solar panels to give a low carbon footprint. Argan Oil – alpha-tocopherols, carotene, phytosterols and Omega 6 fatty acids. Pumpkin Seed Oil – high zinc content, an excellent lifting oil for dry, mature and damaged skin. high in vitamins A, beta-carotene, B2, B3, potassium, magnesium. It is also high in omega 9, 6 and 3. Said to contain high quantities of vitamin A, beta-carotene, and vitamins B2 and B3 Pomegranate Seed Oil – Contains Vitamins A, B D and E, also contains Punicic Acid which is known as Omega 5. This rare essential fatty acid is abundant in Pomegranate Seed Oil and this oil is the only known botanical source. Omega 5 has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is a good antioxidant. It tackles free radicals so delays skin ageing making the oil very regenerative and even helps to stimulate collagen production. Studies show that it provides protection from sun damage. Do not consider this to be an oil with high SPF because it is not but studies suggest that if sun damage has already occurred pomegranate seed oil can help to diminish that damage. Pomegranate Extract – help to regulate cell turnover and give the cell time to divide normally and form completely. Arctic Cranberry Extract – provides Essential Fatty Acids and Tocotrienols, offering a three-in-one kit for nourishing, moisturising and protecting the skin in the most natural way.

15 ml bottle – £12

Another great product was the Sooth and Purify green clay mask, it’s rejuvenating, healing, and pore tightening in action – great for shrinking large pores and removing impurities. It contains Herbal Extract of Wild Pansy and Chickweed, which has a synergistic effect and is cleansing, soothing and helpful for spot prone skin. Contains a special formula of 3 plant extracts from the South American Rain Forests which has been proven to show significant improvement to spot prone skin.  Comes with a separate pot of green clay to mix with the mask. Green Clay is detoxifying due to its unique blend of minerals. (copper, dolomite, manganese, silica, copper, zinc, phosphorous, magnesium and calcium). 

50ml – £12 and includes a 20ml pot of Green Clay

The zesty lime exfoliator was fresh and left skin silky smooth removing dead skin cells. It has Bamboo exfoliant (no plastics to pollute our seas) and coconut butter.  Formulated with Lavender water and Castor oil and Jojoba oil to really get rid of all impurities, revealing beautiful, healthy and glowing skin all ready for the application of the marine complex and firm and nourish moisturiser.

60ml – £10

Large open pores are an issue for me so Pauline gave me the pore tightening solution to help reduce these pores and control that oil. I did feel this helped tighten everything up.

100ml £15

The balancing calendula cleanser was another firm favourite. This again helps target problem skin, oiliness and open pores. Your make up literally melts away using this cleanser. Its so creamy and rich and your skin feels gorgeous after use. I like to remove it with water but you can just remove with cotton wool too.

100ml £13

Finally, I used the firm and nourish Moisturiser

Hyaluronic acid has skin rejuvenation properties – it’s nicknamed the fountain of youth.  Produced by the body but reduces as we get older.  Cucumber extract – contains a host of ingredients to support the skin at a cellular level.  Pumpkin Seed Oil -Firms the skin, Lupine Peptides – contains adaptogens to restore suppleness and glow to the skin.  Vitamin A -skin regenerating.   (these are just a few of the skin nourishing and anti – ageing ingredients in this product.)

50ml £16

To order any of these products you can visit :

Link for 10% discount: Tried and Tested 

Website: www.imagonaturalskincare.co.uk

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/shotleybridgeimagoskincare

 

 

 

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Comcit Facial at The Powder Room Washington

I speak about this salon regularly on my facebook group.

If you have not yet visited ask yourself why!. It is beautiful and the treatments delivered are top quality with such friendly experienced staff. Check out some of these pictures of the salon itself before I continue with the blog about my recent treatment.

Last week I visited The Powder Room Washington to have a Comcit facial. This facial is a favourite with all the celebrities at the minute and there is no doubt why. It is one of the best facials currently on the market, with a prescription to suit all skin types, each with different results. The press is all over this facial and you need to try it to believe all the hype, you won’t be disappointed!

Comcit elite the is most exciting skin rejuvenation system yet.

You can choose between

MICRODERMABRASION
Flawless skin in an instant, this treatment offers a safe, controlled method of skin exfoliation and allows superficial peeling of the stratum corneum, reducing its thickness through mechanical abrasion of dead skin cells .this also stimulates new cell regeneration which results in firmer and fresher complexion. super – buffing facial achieves an instant lift. £55.00

H20 GLOW red carpet ready
This is crystal clears most intense hydration treatment yet, giving red carpet ready results. The h20 glow facial delivers freezing cold oxygen throughout the epidermis to nourish and invigorate skin cells, while the comcit micro channelling roller allows hyaluronic acid to reach deeper dermal layers via microchannels; plumping and re-balancing the skin from inside out .the result is brighter, fresher, hydrated skin that glows with a youthful radiance. £75.00

FROZEN FACIAL (the one I had)
The most effective and advanced skin rejuvenation treatment yet, tackling lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation .enjoy a full cleanse and gentle exfoliation followed by our groundbreaking comcit elite treatment, using cryo oxygenated micro channelling rollers to infuse the skin with a potent active infusion serum, tailor-made to tackle the individual’s concerns.
stimulates collagen production while plumping and firming the skin. Treatment is finished with the application crystal clear facemask providing an extra hit of hydration, a truly remarkable treatment. £85.00

It is recommended a course of 6 treatments 1 every 2 weeks. Then one every 1 – 2 months

I had the frozen facial and it was amazing. You can literally go make up free for weeks after having this facial. Your skin also gets better day by day. I have a series of pictures where my skin is literally glowing off the results. This facial was great for getting my skin ready for a special theatre show I was involved in this week. My skin is plumper, more hydrated and dewy. Check out the results!

                BEFORE                                                                       AFTER

                      

AFTER OVER A FEW DAYS (all makeup free)

I honestly can not recommend this facial enough. Do you have a special event or is your skin dull or tired looking?. This will be just the pick up you need. Maybe you have some skin problems that this could help with. I took a picture of the dirty grey crystals that were left behind after my facial, this is all dead skin. the crystals start off white as you can see in the picture.

The salon has recently been renovated too. I love Joannes style, it’s every girl’s dream. It’s so beautiful! Just look at this flower wall and the treatment room where I had my treatment.

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Anyone who would like to book a facial can do so by contacting the salon by telephone: 0191 417 9036

?NOT YOUR ORDINARY FACIAL?

 

 

 

 

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Clarins Red Room – House Of Fraser

After having the worlds worst cold I needed a little TLC. I knew exactly where to go for a pick me up that is not only great value but a great indulgent luxury treatment. Having been before I knew I would be well looked after.

Did you know Clarins in House of Fraser, Metro Centre offers a RED ROOM treatment? It is a 45 minute facial within a private treatment room. It is amazing and a facial that you wont experience anywhere else as Clarins staff are uniquely trained.

Clarins is the leading Number 1 in skincare so I would expect you to be shocked if I told you that you can get a 45 minute facial for £15 and that the £15 was then redeemable against any purchase made at the time of your appointment, making you facial FREE!!! Yes that’s right FREE!!! You cant even get a Facial with budget products in a salon for that price ladies.

I am a big fan of Clarins and this facial is a great way to try products and find favorites. Katherine is very informative and so passionate about the brand. Katherine first asked about my current skin care regime and asked what I was currently using, she then studied my skin to help her pick the products that would be right for me. Katherine ran through every product she used and the benefits. I particularly like the mask and the serum. The facial was so relaxing with an added bonus of some neck and arm massage. My skin feels amazing!

After the treatment you are offered ”a hint of colour” make over. Great if you have some shopping to do or are going out that evening, although it is just a mini make over but a nice chance to experience Clarins make up also. I opted out on this today as I was only planning on going home and wanted the full benefits of the facial products all night.

I will definitely be returning again and again for this facial, it is my port of call for a ”pick me up”. Katherine and the girls are very kind and very professional, a credit to Clarins!!

If you feel you would like to try this amazing £15 facial deal then I’d urge you to book asap. Last time I blogged this deal got booked up very very quickly.

To Book call House of Fraser Metro Centre Clarins counter on : 0191 493 2424 ext 7954

Lisa Clarke Guthrie's photo.
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CLARINS SKIN BOOSTERS

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Hail Clarins for these skin boosters!. Have you ever felt your skin needed a boost? Is your skin dull, fatigued and lacks radiance? – you need energy boost. Is your skin weakened by certain lifestyle or environmental factors, red, dry and uncomfortable? – you need repair boost. Is your skin congested, effected by pollution or overindulging? – you need detox boost. How amazing that you can use your normal moisturiser but just add these wonder drops to give you the boost you need. I have all 3 and use them accordingly when my skin needs that that extra boost. I work long hours managing a practice, blogging and filming and it all takes its toll on my skin. Depending on my needs I just reach for these drops and add them to my evening and morning moisturiser and they are a life saver! What you waiting for? get yourself to the Clarins counter and give your skin a boost!!

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CLARINS TONIC BODY BALM

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”Wake me up before you go go”!!! This Clarins body balm is invigorating and uplifting. This is my favorite scent out of the Clarins range, so much so that all my Clarins body products are ordered in this same scent to layer the fragrance. I even have the perfume!!!. Certain essential oils can either help you sleep or help you wake up and this for me is a perfect morning balm to liven the senses and help you wake. Smooth on after Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate and your skin is left soft, toned and smelling delicious.

”Change your tone! This refreshing body balm treatment—with a firming blend of Ginseng and Apple Seed Oil—soothes dryness, improves vitality and promotes the appearance of toned, supple-looking skin. This soft body balm refreshes the senses with the aromatic essences of Geranium, Rosewood, Mint and Rosemary and the non-oily texture delivers a satin-fresh finish. Smooth on after Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate and Tonic Body Treatment Oil for a professional, at-home spa treat.”

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Decléor 1000 Grain Body Exfoliator

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WOW, this morning I used this Decleor 1000 Grain Body Scrub and it was amazing!! Not all products make it on to the Tried and Tested Blog, only the best and this is another firm favorite of mine. It has the strangest consistency of a gel exfoliator  that melts into an oil and then turns into a milk and even though it is ”1000 grain”, was not abrasive at all. Decleor seem to have a knack of making me mesmerised with their consistency, feel and texture of their products. It has the most up lifting fragrance within the essential oils that had me energised and ready for the day ahead. Shaving after rinsing this exfoliator was a dream. Not sure if it was the oil, but the hubby’s razor (shhhh) just glided and I was left with a real smooth close shave. My skin felt and smelt amazing and was prepped and ready to lather in another amazing product …review to follow.

”This indulgent scrub helps provide skin a velvety-smooth finish, as if transformed. Enriched with Grapefruit Essential Oil, which gives it a sparkling, invigorating fragrance, and a combination of Pearl Sugar, Argan Shell and Orange Peel with Fruit Acids (Grape, Pineapple and Passion Fruit). Our innovative gel turns into an oil during massage for easy application, and then turns into a milk upon contact with water for quick rinsing. Skin is left feeling softer, smoother and refined.”

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Decléor Hydra Floral Hydrating Active Lotion

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Where do I start?. When I was introduced to this NEW moisturiser I was skeptical to say the least. A moisturiser that is the consistency of water…naaaa!!!! We all know the brand Decleor and we know they are a firm favorite in the skincare and spa industry but I wasn’t convinced with this new product. Now we all know I suffer from oily skin so I have to make sure skincare matches my skin type as anything too heavy just melts off and I end up looking like a wax work literally so sometimes I even avoid moisturiser when applying my foundation for a night out!!!. I never suffer from acne but I do suffer from open pores. The first time I picked this up to try  I nearly used it as a micellar water and had to remind myself that is is actually a moisturiser. I shook out a few drops on the palms of my hands, rubbed them together and patted into my face. Instantly on my hands you could feel this was not water. It was silky and light and smelt amazing as all Decleor products do. My skin drank it up with no residue left so my make up went on beautifully. My skin felt hydrated but without the moisturiser after feel but with a luminous glow. A big hit with Mrs T&T.

”Pollution and emotional stress can accentuate skin dehydration. Combining the freshness of a cosmetic water with the hydration power of a cream, this active lotion offers skin continuous hydration. Enriched with Moringa Olifeira extract providing protection against pollution particles, it reveals a beautiful skin texture. Skin feels plumped, with dehydration lines appearing smoothed. Skin glows and feels fresh.

Apply 2-3 drops into your hands (no cotton pad needed) and massage into a cleansed face and neck.Use as either a moisturiser after the Aromessence or as a moisture booster for your usual cream by using this beforehand.”

 

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Clarins Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate

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Love this bath tonic from Clarins. it really helps me unwind in the bath after a long day or use in the shower on a morning and its invigorating! Its so concentrated only a little is needed. The smell off the essential oils is out of this world, its like a spa in a bottle!! Top Tip: Hide from the kids and give them Mr Matey !!!

”This concentrated cleansing treatment activates with the heat of a warm bath or shower—releasing the invigorating, aromatic virtues of Rosemary, Mint and Geranium. Extracts of Gentian and Pine cleanse and refine. Lightweight lather is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.”

Pop into House of Fraser to buy and nab a few sample freebies or buy online here 

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CLARINS EXFOLIATING BODY SCRUB

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I have been using this body exfoliator for about a month now and I have to say I love it! It makes my skin feel so silky smooth and is not harsh. It Refines and softens body skin by removing impurities and dead surface skin cells. An essential first step in any successful body care programme because it helps facilitate product absorption thereby enhancing product performance. Skin is more resistant, firmer and soft to the touch. This combined with my Kiehls creme de corps makes my legs summer ready

”The essential first step to achieving a firm, youthful-looking body: the Exfoliating Body scrub. This refreshing, moisturising and exfoliating treatment (with smoothing Natural Bamboo Powders and a hint of ginger) ‘rubs away’ rough, flaky surface cells and impurities, giving skin a sleek new start. Also, prepares skin for the treatment that follows”.

Pop in to House of Fraser and see any of the girls who will be happy to give you a sample to try if you mention Tried and Tested

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CLINIQUE GIFT LAUNCH – HOUSE OF FRASER INTU METRO CENTRE

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What a great evening I had last night at the Clinique gift launch in House of Fraser Intu Metro Centre. There was gift bags, nibbles, sparkle and make – up demos. As you can see I stuck to water and I loved the branded bottles although I didn’t lay off the cakes and had far too many. Clinique is very well know for skin care but has really become a rival in the cosmetics now too. As you all know I am a huge fan of their beyond perfecting foundation and concealer  and their chubby highlighting stick . The girls are lovely and full of knowledge about the brand. Now is a great time to buy from Clinique as they are currently on ”gift” which means if you buy two or more products, one being skincare or foundation you get this pictured gift completely FREE. Included in the gift is a mixture of skincare and cosmetics, including a handbag size of my favorite foundation which will be matched to suit. What you waiting for girls, stock up on your favorite products or give Clinique a try!. I can recommend the girls in House of Fraser to help you find the perfect products to suit. Gift runs from 5/5/16 to 21/5/16.

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