Can Caffeine Cure Crows Feet?

Caffeine has the effect of stimulating blood circulation which speeds up the flow of blood in the capillaries around the eye. This can reduce the appearance of dark circles and make skin appear brighter and fresher. Caffeine also contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties (like all antioxidants) so applying a topical skincare product to your skin that has caffeine in it will protect your skin from free radical damage.

I can't do without my morning cup (or five) of coffee and don't wake up until I've had my morning caffeine fix. Now coffee is being hailed as the latest miracle beauty ingredient to banish wrinkles, crow's feet, dark circles and puffy eye bags. Can caffeine wake up your skin too?


Priori skincare is one of the pioneers of using natural coffee ingredients and have created a whole skincare range based on natural coffeeberry. CoffeeBerry® extract is the most potent form of natural antioxidants of any fruit, vegetable or tea so far tested by ORAC method (endorsed by USDA) – with a minimum ORAC value of 15,000 – its 3x more potent than green tea! Because of the unique composition of potent polyphenol antioxidants CoffeeBerry® extract delivers superb anti-aging benefits including a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and a dramatic reduction and evening of irregular skin tones.

The benefits of Priori Coffeeberry Natureceuticals:
• Decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Evens skin tones, reduces the appearance of pigmentation
• Brightens the look of the skin
• Deeply replenishes skin moisturisation
• Helps cleanse the skin of impurities

Try Priori Coffeeberry Radiance Eye Serum A 99.2% Natural, light serum designed specifically for the delicate eye area to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Radiance Eye Serum contains only natural ingredients including CoffeeBerry - natures most potent botanical that can minimise the signs of premature aging. This ingredient is thought to be natures most powerful antioxidant in the fight against free radicals. Its safety and effectiveness has been clinically proved in its reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Let us know what you think, can caffeine cure crows feet?

Pigmentation Products

When I looked in the mirror this morning I noticed a small dark spot on my cheek.  Thankfully, because of the job I do, I knew straight away that it was pigmentation. But why does this happen?  Pigmentation often appears with age, overexposure to the sun, after pregnancy or due to hereditary skin type and can appear as dark spots, liver spots, excessive freckling or patches of skin discolouration.

So what can I use to treat this? We have a wide range of products to help with pigmentation here at The Cosmetic Practice.

The main chemicals used to treat pigmentation are Hydroquinine and Kojic Acid.  Hydroquinine is a strong inhibitor of melanin production, which means that it prevents the skin from making the substance responsible for skin colour. Hydroquinone does not bleach the skin but lightens it, and can only disrupt the synthesis and production of melanin hyperpigmentation.  Although there have been concerns over the use of hydroquinine, research when it comes to topical application indicates negative reactions are minor or a result of using extremely high concentrations.

There are natural alternatives to Hydroquinine such as Bearberry extract, licorice extract and Mulberry.  Alternatively, Kojic acid (a by-product in the fermentation process of malting rice for use in the manufacturing of sake, the Japanese rice wine) alone or in combination with glycolic acid has shown good results due to its inhibitory action on tyrosinase.

I am going to use Neostrata HQ Skin lightening gel which combines hydroquinine and kojic acid but if you are sensitive to hydroqinine you could use the pigment lightening gel instead.

Remember: It is imperative that you use a good sunscreen or avoid the sun when using these products to minimize the risk of sun sensitivity or sunburn.

One Life- One Skin

Today I'd like to share the excellent Skintech Range with you. Skintech is a brand that belongs to Skin Rebirth S.L., A Spanish company founded in 1996 with the aim of offering adapted solutions to skin problems in both a reliable and efficient way.

Skintech believe that because we only have one life and one skin, the performance and the reliability of Skin Tech products must be maximal, whatever the skin type. The terms ”Advanced Skin Technologies” perfectly reflect the spirit which inspires the Skin Tech team. Being always on the point of a research breakthrough and always offering more performing products has allowed Skin Tech to be recognized in every continent.

Here at The Cosmetic Practice we love The Skintech Range because they offer a range of creams targeted to specific skin concerns.

For post treatment use or pigmentation concerns try Blending/Bleaching Cream. This is a hydroquinine free cream which gives skin a healthier appearance and reduces hyper-pigmentation.

For aging, mature skin try the Anti-Ageing cream with DHEA-PHYTO which protects against free-radicals and gives the skin a renewed, youthful appearance.

We love the Vitamin E moisturiser, a moisturising and antioxidant cream for the most sensitive skin. It is very fluid and penetrates without leaving a trace. Thanks to its long term moisturising action, it has a real anti-wrinkle effect. Protects against external abrasions, anti free-radical effect due to to vitamin E and is very active especially after lasers, peelings or skin abrasions.

With further products suitable for combination and blemish prone skin, Skintech really has thought about everyone.

For more information and to check out the full Skintech range click here. If you would like a free skincare consultation don't hesitate to contact us for advice on what will suit your skin type.

Summer Haircare

Whether you are getting ready for your summer holiday abroad, going to a festival or just staying close to home, the summer sun (hopefully!) can be very damaging to your hair.

Hot temperatures and associated humidity can damage the hair's cuticle resulting in dry, drab, split, brittle or frizzy hair and ragged ends. Whether your hair is already stressed and dry, or in excellent condition the sun can have the same effect.

So what can you do to prevent this?

Wear a Hat: If you know you are going to be out in the sun for some time, wear a hat. Hats were big on the catwalk for summer 2011 with small brim hats such as trilby's and larger floppy brimmed hats very popular. Johji Mamamoto used neutral colours in creams and sun kissed browns and Marc Jacobs opted for bright colours in orange and yellow.

Use a Conditioner: If you don't want to wear a hat, use a good leave in conditioner with added sunscreen to protect your hair and condition at the same time.

Limit the heat: Avoid using hot styling tools such as hair dryers and curling tongs as these will dry your hair out even further. If you need to dry your hair use the cool setting. If you absolutely must use a tool (I'm lost without straighteners!!!) use a leave in conditioner before using the tools on your hair.

Hydrate: Hydrate your hair from the inside out: drink plenty of water for more healthy hair.

Cool Down: Avoid taking hot showers or washing your hair in hot water. Use warm or cool water instead, the heat can dry out and/or damage your hair and skin.

Go Natural: Don't use hair products with formaldehyde or alcohol in it which dry out hair, try to use natural products that are gentler on your hair.

Less is More: Try washing your hair less, washing the hair can strip it of essential oils and dry it out further. Use a dry shampoo and make sure you condition your hair daily. To give your hair a complete treat try Jan Marini Hair Revitalising Conditioner which conditions and gives hair renewed body and bounce.

Today is The Summer Solstice

Today is the summer solstice which marks the beginning of the Summer! (All I can see out of the window is typically British dull, grey skies but hopefully we are due some sunshine soon!)

The summer solstice is a major celestial event and marks the longest day and shortest night of the year. The sun reaches its highest position in the sky on the day of the summer solstice which is also referred to as Midsummer. The word solstice derives from Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). Although the Summer Solstice is celebrated the whole day it is actually a specific time of the day and today it is at 17.19.

Worldwide, interpretation of the event has varied among cultures, but most have held a recognition of sign of the fertility, involving holidays, festivals, gatherings, rituals or other celebrations around that time. Thousands still gather at Stonehenge to welcome the sunrise and celebrate Mother Earth on this day.

This also marks the start of the holiday and festival season. It's easy to neglect Facial skincare when you are busy enjoying yourself out and about in the sunshine. We are all getting better at regularly applying sunscreen to our bodies and products such as heliocare capsules make it even easier (see my previous blog about heliocare). But we sometimes forget our faces.

The sun is extremely aging to your skin without proper protection and one of the biggest contributors to fine lines and wrinkles. That's why I swear by a good day moisturiser with SPF protection. I have normal to dry skin and love Neostrata Daytime Protection Cream with SPF 15 protection.

If you have more oily skin you might like to try Exuviance Multi-Protective Day Fluid which is also SPF15. With it's broad spectrum sunscreen it enhances skin renewal and helps protect from further damage.

Over the next few days I will be blogging about lots of summer events such as festival fashion and summer hair care so keep checking back and Happy Summer Solstice everyone.

A Day At The Races!

Yesterday was Ladies Day at Royal Ascot and with several Ladies Race Day events coming up, We thought we've give you some hints and tips to look your best!

What to Wear

1.) Make sure you read the dress code: Certain sections have strict dress requirements and may turn you away if you are not dressed appropriately.

2.) Consider the Weather: Be prepared with an umbrella or a shawl. The weather is so unpredictable at the moment with bright sunshine one minute and showers the next, don't get caught out as this could spoil your day (and your hair!)

3.) As the main races take place in June or July, wear light summery clothes. Fabulous flowery dresses, Prints, light pastels or for the most daring amongst us - bright neons are all on trend.

4.) Consider you shoes - wear new shoes in, keep away from the highest, strappiest heels and opt for kitten heels or wedges as you will be on your feet all day.

5.) Headwear! Hats give a real sense of occasion, but if you don't feel comfortable in a hat, opt for a fascinator. There are some fantastic alternatives to hats out there at the moment.

Minimal Make Up

Avoid heavy make up as on hot summer days, this will be too thick and may run. Opt instead for a light, natural look. Use a tinted moisturiser or a light, natural foundation as a base. We love Jane Iredale Dream Tint, which is a light tinted mosituriser with SPF15 for UV protection. Dream Tint creates a soft-focus effect that minimizes the look of large pores and fine lines and is perfect for a natural look.


Use a conditioning lip colour such as gloMinerals Lip Plumper which contains an antioxidant blend of vitamins A, C, E and green tea extract and conditioning ingredients such as safflower seed oil. Lips appear plumper and fuller and it protects lips from harsh environmental factors.


Avoid glittery, heavy eyeshadows and emphasise eyes with Jane Iredale Purelash Extender and Conditioner and Longest Lash Mascara to make your eyes pop.

Add your favourite blusher to get a healthy glow. Here at The Cosmetic Practice we love Susan Posnick ColorMe - A delightfully easy-to-apply face colour for cheeks, eyes, and anywhere else you desire lush blush. This travel-friendly makeup comes in a petite self-dispensing pot with an attached puff and mirror for easy application.

The Cosmetic Practice girls are going to the Races at Newcastle on the 25th June so keep an eye out for some photos. We'll be following these tips to turn heads. So take my advice and follow these steps to look your best and you'll be the top filly of the day.

The New Wonder Product!

If you read the Daily Mail you may have seen an article yesterday in the Life & Style section titled "Beauty's All In One", If you missed it Click Here to read the article in full.

This article talks all about a new wonder product called the BB Cream. The initials stand for Blemish Balm and is set to be this years biggest beauty trend. Contrary to the name, it is not merely a spot treatment but is set to be the answer to all of your skincare problems in one. It brightens the skin in the same way that a primer does, covers blemishes like a concealer, evens out the complexion like a lightweight foundation, has an SPF so protects against UV rays and has hydrating properties of a moisturiser.

The Korean skincare market is leading the way and has been selling BB creams since 2005 but they are now set to hit the UK market with many UK skincare companies set to launch their own versions of BB creams.

Here at The Cosmetic Practice we like to be ahead of the game and are happy to bring you the fabulous Cell Fusion C Derma Blemish Balm.

Direct from Korea, Cell Fusion C uses Cell Membrane Structure and nanotechnology to bring you the best in skincare.

CMS is a skin care line that stands for Cell Membrane Structure with products that help to provide barrier that keeps irritants out and moisture in by using nanotechnology.

CMS restores healthy skin barrier functions and enhances anti oxidant defense against photo-aging and free radical damage by delivering ingredients that mimic the intercellular lipid layers of the skin.

CMS uses nanotechnology and dual liposome techniques that have been clinically proven to effectively deliver active ingredients deep into the skin without chemical preservatives, mineral oil, fragrances and artificial dyes.

The Derma Blemish Balm is a multi-tasking tinted moisturiser that helps to reduce hyper-pigmentation, minimize fine lines and protect against harmful UV rays. Arbutin, a strong tyrosinase inhibitor along with SPF 21 protection reduces and prevents age spots, freckles and skin discolouration. Infused with adenosine, it provides anti-aging benefits as well as a flawless complexion.

So get ahead of the crowd and Check it Out, Cell Fusion Derma Blemish Balm - here at The Cosmetic Practice!

Easy Does It Day

Did you know that today is "Easy Does It Day"

As we can't be lying on a beautiful beach in Barbados - Today here at The Cosmetic Practice we are going to take it easy with some serious pampering!

Starting with an aromatic, detoxifying soak in Taer Icelandic Glacier bath Oil. This is a highly concentrated blend of essential oils which dissolves into an opulent, milky bath. The divine scent fills the air and the ingredients combat migraines, fatigue and stress. I absolutey love the smell of this bath oil and it does help with the headaches I regularly suffer from.

Next moisturise all over with Exuviance Essential Multi Hydrating hand and Body Lotion. Exuviance is one of our newer ranges and is proving extremely popular with our clients with some fantastic feedback. The treatment-rich Hydrating Hand and Body Lotion is formulated with a patented Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) to enhance cell turnover and help strengthen the skin's protective barrier. Light exfoliants slough off dry, dull skin to reveal skin's luminosity while Gluconolactone and Pro-Vitamins A and E provide triple-antioxidant protection. I find this gives me long-lasting moisturization and my skin is firmer and glowing. And at only £17.00 it gives exceptional value for money.

Finally, give your face a treat with a face mask. I love Skinceuticals Clarifying Clay Masque, This is suitable for any skin types and does not dry out the skin. It decongests pores, lifts impurities and heals and calms the skin whilst exfoliating dead skin cells.

So Take It Easy Today (or any day!), relax and pamper yourself, You deserve it and you'll feel much better afterwards.

Focus On Fathers

Sunday 19th June 2011 is Father's Day - the hallmark celebration honouring Fathers and celebrating the influence of Fathers in society, fatherhood and the paternal bond. In many countries it is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday in June and on other days elsewhere.

Although Father's Day was initially introduced in 1910 it was met with laughter and scepticism compared to Mother's Day it has gradually been accepted into modern day culture. It typically involves family activities, gift giving and special dinners.

Here at The Cosmetic Practice we have a wide selection of gift ideas which your Father would love. The Skinn range is especially designed for men and includes some fantastic products such as Total Shave, Fatigue Rescue and a great Skinn Kit bag for Men. As a special offer to our valued clients, we are offering 10% off the Skinn range especially for Fathers Day.


Quote FATHER11 when placing your order to benefit from this fantastic discount!

Skinn are Cosmeceuticals developed exclusively for men. High performance scientific skincare which targets mens skin to deliver visible results, allowing perfect shaving results to be achieved without irritation or burn, leaving the skin soft and smooth without residue.

So treat your dad this Fathers Day and save money at the same time!

Improve Your Mood

Ever had one of those days where you feel that someone has really got in in for you?

Feeling a bit blue and don't know why?



There are lots of things you can do to improve your mood and here are just a few:

1.) SMILE - when you put a smile on your face you soon start to feel happier

2.) EXERCISE - While exercise helps keep you fit and healthy, It also improves your mood. When you exercise endorphins are released and these are feel good, "happy" hormones. The best time to exercise is early on as this can energise you and improve your mood for the whole day ahead.

3.) BREATHE DEEPLY - People who suffer from depression are often shallow breathers. Meditation and deep breathing can cause the release of certain neurotransmitters in the brain which are associated with happy, calm feelings and reduced levels of stress.

4.) LISTEN TO MUSIC - Listening to music that you like can affect the pleasure centre of the brain (the hypothalamus) and instantly put you in a good mood. I love listening to some uplifting music first thing in the morning as it sets my mood for the whole day.

5.) CHANGE YOUR DIET - Avoid fast foods as they are mainly made up of sugary, simple carbohydrates. While you may experience an initial sugar rush and improved mood this soon deteriorates as your blood sugar drops and this can result in feeling tired, lethargic, irritable and in a bad mood.

6.) BUY YOURSELF A GIFT - My favourite! A study showed that women who treat themselves now and again reported feeling less anxious, so buy yourself some flowers, perfume or some lovely face cream to give yourself a pamper and improve your mood at the same time.

fabulous Foundation

Do you struggle to find a foundation that you are truly happy with? I did and had tried many different foundations before I discovered Lycogel breathable camouflage foundation. It is one of our best sellers here at The Cosmetic Practice and I can understand why!

Lycogel was originally formulated to be used directly after cosmetic procedures to camouflage the signs of intervention and promote a speedier and more comfortable recovery. Other products designed for post procedure use tend to be clear, petroleum based products which are only designed to stop the skin from drying out. Unlike these other products, lycogel provides exceptional coverage plus healing. Feedback from clients using Lycogel was extremely positive and it was found that clients were continuing to use Lycogel long after the healing process had finished due to it's exceptional finish and anti-ageing benefits.

Also people with sensitive skin types such as Acne, Rosacea and Eczema, who typically cannot tolerate traditional make-up, discovered the comfort and confidence Breathable Camouflage and Breathable Concealer offered them. Since then the benefits of the unique formula have been discovered by many around the world and found suitable for use as an everyday, skin improving camouflage.

There are two products in the Lycogel range: Breathable Camouflage Foundation - Besides being the first truly breathable makeup that enhances the skin’s appearance and condition, this triple-silica-gel based foundation contains Lycogel Complex, a patented formula proven to increase oxygen and stimulate younger-looking skin.

Lycogel produces a light, velvety second-skin effect, virtually erasing lines and wrinkles while soothing and protecting the skin, concealing acne, rosacea and other sensitive skin conditions. Breathable Camouflage is water resistant for up to 90 minutes of swimming, transfer resistant and will keep your face protected with non-paraben SPF 30.

It is also available as a Breathable Concealer which provides breathable and concentrated coverage to virtually erase imperfections.

The concealer effectively reduces redness, inflammation and puffiness, while firming the skin around the delicate eye area. While smoothing skin texture, covering dark circles, age spots and blemishes, it also increases your collagen level.

It can even be used to cover scars, birthmarks and tattoos.With SPF 30 your skin with be protected from sun damage.

Your skin looks healthier – Because it is healthier.

Lycogel is safe to use immediately:

• After Laser Procedures
• After Botox and Dermal Filler Injections
• After Chemical Peels
• Post Cosmetic Surgery, Scar Revision, Tattoo Removal and Vascular Treatments
• With Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis and Rosacea
• On Scarred or Burned skin

However, It is also great as an everyday foundation! So try Lycogel and achieve the flawless complexion you've been dreaming about!