Murad Facial – House of Fraser Intu Metro Centre

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Today I was invited to try a Murad facial at its treatment room located in House Of Fraser, Intu Metro Centre, Gateshead.

Murad is an American skincare brand that was founded in 1989 by dermatologist Dr Howard Murad. The products are all based on using the best of science to get measurable results and there are prescriptive ranges designed for anti-ageing, blemish control, environmental protection, deeper wrinkles, discolouration and dark spots and a range specifically for men. I was particularly excited by the anti-aging blemish range because now at 35 I realise how important it is to look after your skin (better late than never I suppose).

I arrived at the Murad counter and was greeted by Sarah who asked me to fill in a medical form. I already knew I was having the AHA Rapid Exfoliator Anti-Ageing Facial which is a glycolic peel which gives incredible anti-ageing results, for healthier and younger-looking skin.

Sarah led me to the treatment room which presents itself with dark walls and dim lighting, giving me an instant relaxed feel. I removed my top, took down my bra straps and got comfy under the thick quilt on the bed.

After cleansing my skin, Sarah then prepped my skin with salicylic acid and then applied a glycolic peel along with a lip balm to protect the lips. She warned me that it may tingle and checked to make sure my skin felt OK while the active ingredients started work. Different people’s skin reacts in different ways; on a scale of 1 to 10 from normal to painful I was at a 1, there was virtually no tingle even. While the peel was working I was treated to a arm and hand massage.

After removing the peel, next up was the clarifying mask. It was very cool and calming. The mask was left for around 5 minutes. After Sarah removed the mask she applied a top layer of cream and my treatment was complete.

Murad is a prescription facial prescribed to treat a number of different skin problems. Please don’t book in with Murad if you are wanting a full on relaxing facial. Murad facials are done with the consultant wearing gloves to protect their hands as they do numerous facials per day and the acid would not be kind to their skin if they were to expose their hands to every treatment. Murad also don’t use the hot towels etc you would come to expect from a relaxing facial either. Do not let this put you off, I was actually relaxed and the thought of having prescription skincare working on my skin to help claw back the years filled me with glee.

Check out the other facial treatments Murad offer also!!!

My first visit to Murad, where I discovered the youth cam can be found here

To book this facial call 0191 4938869

Facial Cost : £55

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KIEHLS ULTIMATE STRENGTH HAND SALVE

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I suffer dermatitis on my hands and the cold weather makes them so sore, dry and the skin cracks. The wonderful staff at Kiehls recommended I try this hand salve and I haven’t been disappointed. I use it several times a day and it is never far from me. It has a wonderful menthol eucalyptus smell which is perfect for men or women. Its is not greasy and the thick, rich cream melts in leaving hands feeling relieved and protected. If you suffer dry sore hands then this is a handbag must!!!

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REJUVENATED COLLAGEN SHOTS

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*Thanks to Dr Land I was given these collagen shots to try!. I’m always skeptical about these types of ”drinks” because a.) they usually taste like utter ”crap” and b.) you never seem to notice a difference when using them unlike a cream or lotion. Well let me tell you from the off, they certainly don’t taste like crap which is refreshing and they actually taste pleasant, like blackcurrant. I was having one shot before bed every night along side my normal skincare regime. I noticed my skin, hair and nails were in much better condition. I get very dry skin on my body as I wear a lot of self tan but this product really hydrated my skin from the inside out. I also suffer pains in my knees due to arthritis but this seemed to have eased the pain and the only thing I done differently was hit the shots. My hair was thicker and more shiny and my nails were growing like grass which is was a pain as I was back for a gel manicure more regular than normal . Since I stopped using the shots over a month ago my dry skin on my body has returned. I recommend to try this product if you have any  skin conditions or feel your skin needs a boost. This product has great online reviews and all the details can be found below. If you would like to purchase this product please order through Novellus Asthetics a stockist. Rejuvenated collagen shots are £40 for a months supply

 

Rejuvenated – Collagen Shots – 30 Servings

Drink your way to a more youthful and glowing complexion with Rejuvenated’s Collagen Shots!
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New anti-ageing collagen drink, formulated by an Olympic worthy development team, claims to smooth away wrinkles form the inside out!

One serving of Rejuvenated’s ‘Collagen Shots’ provides you with 10,000mgs of marine extract collagen – that’s equal to between 20 to 30 typical collagen tablets a day! The fruit flavored drink consists of 100% natural marine collagen and acai berry which helps reduce premature ageing for just £1 a day!

After the age of 25, the body begins to lose its ability to create new collagen, reducing by 1.5% a year and by the age of 45 collagen levels can have reduced by as much as 30%. The visible effects of this collagen reduction are the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and dry skin, which we know too well are associated directly with ageing. With statistics like this, is it is no wonder that no anti-aging system can be effective without an adequate supply of collagen!

True skin health starts deep within and supplementing collagen levels with Collagen Shots will improve elasticity and help to give a more youthful appearance.

10,000 mgs marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, acai berry super antioxidant, combined with vitamin B3, B5, C with zinc and copper.

Boost levels of peptide rich amino acids and improve the skin’s tone and texture with Collagen Shots active ingredients. Reduce the appearance of tell tale signs of ageing.

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Celebrity Makeup artist Daniel Sandler says:
“Taking care of your skin starts from within, and I’ve found Collagen Shots so effective in helping my skin appear smoother, younger and softer. I apply topical moisturisers every day, but use less than before as my skin is in such fantastic condition thanks to this miracle powder.”

Directions:
10 grams (10,000 mgs) of collagen per serving, take once per day (mild berry-flavour)

To get the best benefits from Collagen Shots take daily, ideally half an hour before going to sleep at night, this is when cells are renewing. Alternatively have on an empty stomach either first thing in the morning or before a meal.

Put one scoop in a glass and fill with 200 – 250ml of water (or preferred beverage), whisk with a fork, allow a minute for collagen to dissolve – whisk again and drink.
You could use a small blender or shaker for mixing.
Caution: Not suitable for people with fish or shell fish allergy

Ingredients:
Marine Collagen: Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and supports skin health and its elasticity, taking it as a drink is the perfect way to supplement diminishing levels as we get older. If you are deficient in iron or vitamin C you would take a supplement so this is the perfect way to improve your skin but take a look at the added benefits with our Super Hero Collagen Shots. Collagen contains many amino acids (proteins) and each one has it’s own fantastic benefits, read here for more information on the top 15.

Açaí Berry: A super food with over 19 amino acids itself, including essential fatty acids for skin health and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E. Açaí Berry was our antioxidant of choice as it has shown to be key in improving arterial health, allowing for better blood supply to skin cells. It is high in essential fatty acids ad antioxidant properties.

Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid (HA)has often been called the fountain of youth, it can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water and provides a cushion filler between the cells. Scientific studies have shown that Hyaluronic acid improves skin hydration and helps to stimulate the production of collagen. It has several other key properties, playing a key part in joint health, supporting the vitreous fluid in the eyes and helping in the reduction gum disease

Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Vitamin B3 is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and lipids in the body and is required to produce energy. Niacin actually reduces ‘bad’ cholesterol and triglycerides and increases ‘good’ cholesterol. It can help in the battle against heart disease.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid): Vitamin B5 is water soluble and is essential to synthesise coenzyme-A and helps to release energy from the food we eat. It is also key for production of red blood cells and affects hormones from the adrenal gland

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine, is required for balancing hormone changes in women, assisting the immune system and the growth of new cells. It helps in metabolism and with good skin health which is one of the reasons we included it in Collagen Shots and is known to help with depression and helps to balance sodium and potassium levels.

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid): Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that protects the body against oxidative stress. Vitamin C plays a significant role in the healing of wounds and helps to fight off infections. It is believed that vitamin C widens the arteries helping to prevent high blood pressure and heart disease. Good levels of the vitamin help to lower cholesterol levels and traditionally it was used to prevent scurvy. It is involved in the production of Collagen and in the effectiveness of Collagen Shots

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CREME DE LA MER

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* OK, so whats with the hype with this ”Miracle Broth”? Starting at £60 for 15ml it needs to be a miracle right?!!! Everyone has heard of Creme De La Mer as its a firm favorite with the celebrities, but is it really worth the very expensive price tag? All the reviews online say it is! It is literally raved about and you would find it hard to find a bad review to be honest. So whats the story behind the brand? ”When aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber was burned in a laboratory accident, he went on a crusade to restore his skin. ”What began as one man’s journey became a transformative experience that would be whispered about all over the world. Inspired by the renewing energies of the sea, Huber fermented nutrient-rich kelp with other natural ingredients. 12 years and 6,000 experiments later, his Miracle Broth™ was born – and Huber’s skin visibly restored. Word of Dr. Huber’s perfected formula spread, captivating new devotees. Their transformative journey was just beginning.”

I have been using this cream for 2 weeks and have already seen a dramatic difference in my skin. I have scarring on my face and large pores and even after just two weeks these seem visibly less noticeable. This cream claims to have the power to transform the look of skin in a short time and I did not think after just 2 weeks I would be able to review this product. Looking at all the positive reviews online, I see this cream works incredibly well for ladies with eczema, dry skin conditions or if you suffer from breakouts as it has its healing benefits. My skin seems plumper and redness is reduced. I chose only to use it on an evening as I already have oily skin and it is very rich, I feel the soft cream may be more suited to my skin type as it contains all the same powerful ingredients but is lighter. There is a specific way to use this cream, a little goes a long way and although expensive it will last you months. You must warm the cream for a few seconds between the fingers until it becomes translucent, then press gently into the skin. This product is available to buy online HERE

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CLINIQUE BEYOND PERFECTING FOUNDATION + CONCEALER

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*If you thought Clinique was just skincare think again. Clinique do some amazing cosmetics and this foundation is my new best friend. After using ”Estee Lauder double wear” for years, I wanted to try something different. Usually I would only wear a heavy coverage foundation on an evening but this feels so light on the skin which is surprising as the foundation covers amazingly well. It also suits my oily complexion and does not melt off or go shiny. A little goes a long way and is used as a concealer too. My only complaint would be the bottle, I hope the wand is bendy enough to scoop out any last foundation when i’m running out, however only time will tell. This foundation is available online here or Tried and Tested FB members pop into House of Fraser Intu Metro Centre get matched up and try a sample before you buy.

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VOTE FOR ME

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Hey Everyone,

So I’m up for an award eeeekkkk!!!! The Sun FM Most Stylish Blogger Award. First of all, Thank you to all my Tried and Tested crew for nominating me but now i need your VOTE!!! This Blog site has not been up and running long, however my blogging platform, that is hugely popular is my Facebook Group Tried and Tested FB so please take a look. I am not your average ”blogger” I never even considered myself a ”blogger”, that name was given to me. I work with local businesses trying and testing beauty products, treatments or health products. I then write about my experience, sending traffic and potential clients/customers back to that business!!! I am proud to have seen businesses grow thanks to Tried and Tested. I seek out special exclusive deals to all the Female members of the group so they are getting something back. I also allow my members to ”blog” themselves and share their favorite products with everyone. Tried and Tested seen huge media attention because it is different and champions local businesses. Here is a single article on Tried and Tested success Tried and Tested Article . Tried and Tested has only been going little over a year and has grown and grown. Thanks to Tried and Tested I landed myself a co-host role as the beauty/fashion guru on popular T.V. show Chatty Lasses. I am also a proud ambassador for the charity SKCIN . Unfortunately I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma (skin cancer) last year right in the middle of the Tried and Tested hype so I do all I can to raise awareness. I have just finished a show working with channel 5 to help raise awareness. I also work!!! Yep I have a ”proper” job as a practice manager of a dental surgery and I’m also a mum to two gorgeous boys. I think I’ve packed a lot in in a year and would love if you could spare a minute to give me a vote and fingers crossed I win!!!   VOTE LISA GUTHRIE HERE  Lisa xx

 

 

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MURAD HOUSE OF FRASER EXPERIENCE

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***DID YOU KNOW?***

Murad is an American doctorate brand developed by Dr. Murad himself in the late 80’s. Over at the Murad counter which is exclusive to House of Fraser in the Metrocentre Gateshead, the girls offer a complimentary service of a ‘youthcam’ which is a special camera that looks into the deeper layers of your skin. It allows you to see your hydration levels, pigmentation along many other concerns that you might have and advises you on the best way to treat it. They also offer 20 minute complimentary on-counter mini facials which allows you to try the products and see how they feel and work on your skin. I had a youthcam and mini facial experience with Sarah who is a skin specialist at Murad. Sarah is a lovely girl and really knows her stuff. My complimentary facial was so relaxing and I loved how the products made my skin feel (i can’t wait to do some product review over the coming weeks). The complimentary youth cam is a fantastic tool and very very interesting. This is great for all you ladies who really want to start looking after your skin and want to get the products that are right for you. Tried and Tested FB ladies pop in and have a try. Mention tried and tested and you will be well looked after ??? thanks so much Sarah for the Murad experience xx

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