April Faves ft EcoTools, Isa Dora, Clinique, L'occitane, L'oreal, Image, NYX, Origins, Roger & Gallet & TopShop!

Hello, May! It's a seriously exciting month ahead, beauty blog wise with upcoming trips, conferences & campaigns but before we say goodbye to April how's about we chat beauty favourites? Hmmmm?

1. Eco Tools Face & Body Sculpting Brush: $11.99 HERE  ($6.99 with code RLL469)

2. Isa Dora Bronzing Powder: €25.95 HERE

This pair are a match made in sculpting heaven. The Eco Tools Body Sculpting brush is densely packed, staggeringly soft, seriously affordable & one of my ultimate faves. It literally feels like brushing your face (& bod) with the softest fur. Cruelty free and adept at any manner of sculpting you might need, I can't recommend it enough. 

Hand in hand with that bamboo beauty goes Isa Dora's Ha-YOOGE Brozing Powder. That pic doesn't go this Goliath of a product justice. We're talking a pan the size of a roundy face.. or a small hub cap. Finely milled but richly pigmented, this bronzer hasn't been far from reach for the entire month. The ginormous mirror really doesn't hurt either. 

3. Clinique Turnaround Revitalizing Instant Facial: €43.01 HERE

I'm all about instant skincare, especially when it can deliver results. This revitalizing facial cream from Clinique does just that. 100% fragrance free, this pale blue mask is gritty to the touch thanks to the inclusion of "Diatomaceous Earth" (powdered sedimentary rock) for a manual exfoliant effect. 

Applied all over your visage, you leave for 5 minutes (it'll dry to a clay) and let the ingredients do their bizz. Salicylic acid - which provides the chemical exfoliant leads the ingredient list, alongside rice bran, clary, caffeine and chestnut, all designed to rev up skin cell turnover and soothe your new skin surface. It's recommended to use 2-3 times a week, though it's a little spendy for me to use in that way - I am LOVING it for a skin pick me up before a night on the tiles or a big event. 

4. L'Occitane's Amande Velvet Balm: €49 HERE

I simply can't say enough good things about this newest Amande addition to the L'Occitane line. You can see my full review of the Youthful Duo HERE but, even without the silky skin precursor of the serum, this Velvet Balm is an absolute beaut. More powdery & feminine in scent than it's Almond predecessor, this has rightfully toppled Kiehls Creme de Corps from my body skincare HG list. You gotta try it. 

5. L'Oreal Elvive Nutri Gloss Crystal Sparkling Shampoo & Conditioner: €5.09 Pharmacies

We got the press pack for these new Elvive lovelies two weeks ago, you see that line on the bottom of the bottle? That's how much is left. All three of us have taken a literal shine to this affordable tress newbie. It promises 48 hour sealed in shine and boy does it deliver. Aaron is sporting a purple undercut, I'm blonde and Adam is mousey brown, all three mops are in better condition than they've been in the longest time. I had mad love for Elvive's Fibrology, still do, but this salon perfect shine enabler may just have beaten it to the top of my recommended list! 

6. Image Skincare's Iluma Intense Brightening Exfoliating Powder: €38 HERE

This luxurious polishing powder gently cleanses and exfoliates and reminds me more than a little of its Dermalogica counterpart. The difference here is the immediacy with which you see results. I mean IMMEDIATELY. The ultrasoft micro-exfoliating blend removes debris and oil from pores while providing long-term hydration and anti-aging benefits. 

The ingredients contain a new generation of natural botanicals (which smell AMAZE by the by), enzymes and antioxidants to help skin reach a new level of radiance. To up your face mask game you can combine this powder with your mask of choice, following the instructions on the mask. Light aircraft will be drawn to the beacon that is your visage having used this. In the very best possible way. It's LOVE. 

7. NYX Pore Filler: €15.99 HERE

If you're a Porefessional fan but not so much of its pricetag then you're gonna wanna listen up. NYX have pretty much blown it out of the water with their new Pore Filler. Talc free, oil free, and chock full of vitamin E to smoothe & enhance your skin, this makes your kisser the ideal canvas for painting. I've been so impressed with this tinted primer that I've even worn it solo and forgone the slap altogether. It doesn't block pores like the name might suggest but instead gives a beautifully dewy finish to the skin, with or without your full face on. It's a win. 

8. Origins Clean Energy Gentle Cleansing Oil: 

€28 HERE

Even the most cursory of CherrySue searches will reveal my love for high end skincare brand Origins and not without cause. I have yet to be led astray or overpromised on products that didn't deliver. The Clean Energy Gentle Cleansing Oil is no different. 

Bereft at the end of my Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel last month I returned to an old favourite that had been wrongly set aside and my skin has been thanking me profusely for it. Olive Oil, Sunflower, Sesame and Safflower Oils remove every scrap of makeup & the build up of the days grime. Kukui Nut Oil and Macadamia Oil help retain moisture. Vitamin E soothes the skin as the oils do their work and the delicate scents of grapefruit, orange & lemon make this oil an absolute joy to use. If you're considering an oil cleanser (and you really should) I can't recommend this one more. 

9. Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Eau de Parfum: €49.50 M&S & Large Pharmacies Nationwide

If THIS POST last year about the Fleur de Figuier Nourishing Oil wasn't enough to tell you about my fig feelz then the audible squeal when I opened the press pack containing the first R&G EDP of the same scent would be! Dogs cowered for miles around, truly. 

The fig here is more candied than previous edits so your initial hit is sweetness, almost immediately though it dries down. Patchouli, woody notes, fig leaf & musk round out the scent to be one of the most intense, all encompassing fig fragrances that I've ever adored. If fig is your bag, and quite frankly, why wouldn't it be? You need to smell this, yesterday. 

10. TopShop GlowStick in Play Up: £10 HERE 

As soon as I saw this Duracellalike GlowStick peeping out from the edge of the minimalist TopShop beauty stand I knew I'd have to have it. You see I've been loving their Prism highlighting stick for nigh on four years now - REALLY and only now is it coming to an end. Not only is Play Up the ideal replacement but a recent Smashbox event tells me it's the highlighting way to go - bearing an uncanny likeness to their upcoming LA Lights Lip & Cheek multiples SEE HERE. 

So far it's been absolute love, the sturdy packaging means I can chuck Play Up in my mála & add a little highlight to bring me from desk to event with ease of an eve. Just one swipe gives a creamy peachy brightening effect that has garnered more than a few compliments. Oh, TopShop, if you would just lower your comparison prices for Irish lasses & maybe stock our shelves a little more we could be the very best of besties. I know we could! 

Tell us, what was floating your beauty boat in the month of April? #bbloggers do of course pop in a link to your roundups should you have one in the comments. 

Happy May one & all!

Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum - Quarter Life Crisis Averted?

Yep, Origins are one of my favourite high-end skincare brands but in the case of serums for your #QuarterLifeCrisis, I know when I'm bate. Instead of  using the serum myself, because, let's face it, I'm slightly older than the target market *coughs* and that'd be cray, I've enlisted the help of not only one of the funniest, wise beyond her years gals but also the creative genius behind one of my favourite blogs John, It's Only Makeup. Could Lorraine's face get any fancier? Let's find out: 

Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum, €42, is the new kid on the new block. Skin care ranges for millennials are being improved, expanded and launched at a rate of knots. Keep reading - if you look away now, you'll look back to find this page has been replaced by a pot of a twenty-something's face cream. Business is booming.

Reserve judgement for a second. I was sceptical when the hype reached me, and almost wrote it off as another underarm brightening cream marketing fail (or win, if creating problems where there aren't any lines your pockets). After research and a good aul think, I'm on board. There's the teen market, which is blemish-busting gels and light lotions. Follow on from that, and you're onto anti-aging creams. Now, there's a handy middle ground for skin that isn't in the throws of puberty but still suffers with growing pains.

Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum is my favourite newbie. It's different to most serums that I've tried, in that it quickly soaks in and leave a velvety finish. I'm thinking that's intentional and done with fickle young adults in mind; a more comfortable, less slippery consistency is a great base for makeup, especially when you want to get it all done without faffing around too much. 

That finish ties in with its blurring tech - there's a dose of algae oil to reduce the appearance of pores. It's subtlety tinted in pale peach, which I think is where the radiance boost comes from. Both of these effects are temporary and purely cosmetic. You'll wash your glow and little pores down the drain when you remove this, but it's nice while it lasts and, again, a welcome enhancer under your foundation.

Long term skincare benefits are geared mostly toward skin with texture issues, the odd spot and general shine. It's got salicylic acid and chestnut seed extract, which purify and reduce inflammation without stripping away too much moisture. The drier areas of my face are coping just fine with this, and the oilier areas are being kept in check.

If you're starting to invest in skin care, make having a look at this a priority.

You'll pick up Origins Renewal Serum in all large Debenhams & Boots stores or online HERE. And you'll see more of Lorraine's whip smart reviews HERE. 

Tell us, are you in the market for millennial skincare? 

First Look: Dr Andrew Weil for Origins - Mega Mushroom Skincare

You remember when I instagrammed that embargoed Origins envelope way back in June? Well, fittingly enough, it was mushroomy goodness that had to be kept in the dark. Dr Weil's mushroomy goodness to be precise and I've been trialling it since then so that I could bring ye a review as soon as the embargo lifted. I'm grand like that. 

Dr Weil for Origins Mega Mushroom Skin Calming Face Mask - €47

Designed for sensitive skin, this Mega Mushroom Skin Calming mask aims to reduce redness, itchiness and flare ups caused by everyday stresses. Regular use promises to build up resilience to outside stressors and pollutants using naturally derived ingredients and a trio of stress busting, anti-oxidant laden mushrooms. 

Based on the teachings of Pysychodermatology, that's internal stress and worry affecting our skin to you and I, the Mega-Mushroom collection is designed with internal and external calm in mind. 

I try very hard not to be one of those people constantly bemoaning their lot, because, quite frankly, who doesn't have a hard time now and again but for the past several weeks this skin calming mask has been working wonders on my stress related breakouts. 

Rich and creamy with a comforting herbal scent, I've been slathering my face twice a week and trying to take ten minutes just to breathe. When my hiatus is up I wipe the excess off with Shiseido cotton pads (I only say the name because you need them in your life) and go about my business. 

It could be the ten minutes of mindfulness, it could be the strong anti-oxidant ingredients or it could be that Origins and Dr Weil are seriously onto something with Psychodermatology but my skin has never felt as calmed in times of stress as it has this past few weeks.  

Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Eye Serum - €54.50

Formulated with Dr Weil's signature Mega-Mushroom blend (that's Hypsizygus ulmarius, Cordyceps and Reishi Mushrooms with Ginger, Turmeric, Holy Basil and Grape Seed Extract) this comforting, light weight serum absorbs beautifully into the eye area. 

I felt a slight tingle on the first couple of applications but I'm putting that down to the inclusion of ginger in its make up. Rather than reducing puffiness, I've found that this serum brings back a suppleness to my eye area, something sadly lacking when I'm losing sleep. 

The result is a lighter under eye area and less need for brighteners and concealers, now that's a money saving, bag busting win, right? 

There are seven facial creams, lotions and serums in this Dr Weil for Origins edit released this month. I'd urge you to speak nicely to an Origins counter gal (some of the nicest in the business by the by) to nab yourself a sample or two and get to loving the mushroom as much as I do. 

Are you a sensitive skinned gal? Do you hold sway with the notion that our skin is affected by our mindset? 

Lemme know!

Mother's Day Gift Guides - Whatever Your Budget - Under €20 - Under €50 - Under €100

I know a lot of you clever peeps will be well set for Mothering Sunday this week, - for those of you that aren't yet? You know it's Mother's Day this week, right? Should you be in possession of a Mother (Mother in Law/God Mother/Awesome Aunt) you might want to read on. 

I've put together a couple of ideas, whatever your budget, to show your Mamito that you love her. Of course love doesn't cost a penny and she will, most probably tell you - 'Arragh, you shouldn't have!!' but she will be grateful and you will be the favourite child. True story. 

We've spoken about or reviewed pretty much every product here before, so if you're unsure about an ingredient or different stockist just leave me a comment and we'll sort you and your Momma out. Rest your reading eyes and feast 'em upon your best buys for every budget: 

What say we? 

Of course all your Momma really wants is to spend some time with you, even if that's just bending your ear on a 30 minute phonecall home or even better a lunch somewhere swish. 

These are preeeety nice sweeteners too though, right? 

Tell us, have you bought your Mother's Day Gift yet? 

Are you a Momma yourself and looking forward to the day? 

To the Comments!

Origins Gloomaway - Does Exactly What it Says on the Tube

I make no secret of my love for luxe beauty brand Origins, their high performance skincare, their natural ingredients and their research proven by science. Above all else though, Origins are a brand that for me simply work. My cheeky January sale purchase of their Gloomaway set has only reinforced that opinion. 

Having found my taste for savoury shower ablutions with Origins Incredible Spreadable and Ginger Burst last year, when I saw both Gloomaway Shower/Bath and Body Souffle with the description 'Let lively grapefruit create a sense of optimism and contentment as your whole being is nurtured in silky-softness' for just €17 on Boots.ie - I knew it had to be mine. 

My first impression of Gloomaway is just how soft a citrus fragrance it really is. I get more juicy tangerines than grapefruit and that really isn't a bad thing. This duo are my go to stash for showers first thing in the morning and even when I'm just feeling a bit meh throughout the day. 

While not lathering up as much as I would have wished, the grapefruit body wash more than makes up for it with the wonderful fresh scent and the soft sheen it leaves on my skin before I even use the velvety soft and subtly scented body souffle. These are the true power couple of my bathroom right now - even if I've said nowt to the lads about them being hidden behind the cistern. 

Admittedly, we're talking pretty pennies to buy yourself some Origins (see here) but right now, if you're quick, the last of the Christmas sale stock is not only on shelves in Arnott's Dublin at incredible value but also in several of the larger Boots stores. 

I'm advising to not only stock up for yourself but to think about birthday gifts for loved ones throughout the year too. IMAGINE the gratitude for a gift this nice. You could be looking at free babysitting, dog walking AND enjoying freshly scented friends - it's selfish really. 

What wakes you up in the morning shower wise? (careful now)

Origins Incredible Spreadable and Ginger Burst Review - Spice Up Your Life!

I may have found out just why the gingerbread man was running just as fast as he could, I'm fairly certain he'd gotten a sniff of Origins Incredible Spreadable and Ginger Burst for the spiciest, warmest shower that he'd gladly give his gumdrop buttons to repeat. I'm with you Gingy, I'm with you all the way. 

July Favourites ft BodyShop, Zaija, L'Oreal, Molton Brown, Origins & Extra (Seriously)

July was a mixed bag, beauty wise and some of my faves took me quite by surprise:

1. Chock full of Community Fair Trade camomile, the BodyShop Sumptuous Cleansing Butter (€14.95) melts from it's semi solid state to a soft, oily balm and melts the layers of make up straight off with just a little warm water. My skin feels fresh, clean and comforted every time I use this. You'll want a seperate cleanser for waterproof mascara but for every day? This is beaut. 

2. Advertised as a men's body wash, Molton Brown's Bracing Silverbirch (300ml €22) has been staple in my shower this month. Spicy, wooden, incense laden and (admittedly) masculine, it's an ideal wake me up shower treat and I've gone through 3 minis already - the question is, will I shell out for the full size? The answer is Hell Yesh!

3. Ziaja Cocoa Body Butter (€4.99) was always going to be a winner 'round here with his luscious chocolatey scent but the effects of the Vitamin E and Omega 6 on our skin as been pretty brilliant. I'm loving it for a quick moisture fix post shower and can feel the softening effects for up to two days afterward. For a fiver? That's a win. 

4. L'Oreal's Skin Perfection Radiance Revealing Exoliator (€6.09) is a favourite on Adam's behalf. Claimed from the communal shower collection, this is the first scrub that's actually made a notable difference to his teenage visage. The soap free formulation means no more tight kisser for him and less worry for me. Thank you, L'Oreal. (Psst, it's €4.06 in Boots right now!)

5. Origins Drink Up Hydrating Lip Balm (€15.30) is every bit as juicy as a Juicy Tube with none of the gloop. With Aloe Vera, Apricot Kernel and Avocado Oils this tinted balm is nourishing on the lips and tastes ever so slightly of Murray Mints. Such was my love for the Pink Guava press sample that I've already sprung for the brighter Cherry Pop. It's lush. 

6. Lastly and by no means least(ly) one of my biggest July obseshes HAS to be Extra's new Bubblemint flavour gum (60c!). Tasting just like Hubba Bubba this whitening gum has not only kept sugar cravings at bay but has also kept me from saying things in the heat of the moment when there's been serious Jimmie Rustling going on. It's about as close to a life saviour as a pack of gum can be...

So tell Moi, are you a fan of any of the above? What's been floating your goat this past month? Hmm?

May Favourites ft L'Oreal, Pixy, Real Techniques, Glam Glow, Body Shop, Smashbox, Garnier, Origins & Tinchy Stryder(!) (Pic Heavy)

Can you believe May is over? Nope, me either! Time for a little looksie at what's been making my life easier and stuff I be lovin' this past month. There's some doozies. 

GLOWING BODY BUTTER €12.99

First up, I was convinced that I'd been duped when Pixy's Glowing Body Butter landed on my mat. The whipped light & fluffy mousse of cocoa and shea butters feels like air in the tin and most pleasingly, on the skin. With Coconut, Vitamin E and Sweet Almond oils to sweeten this beaut my skin has never looked brighter. 

Keep an eye out as Pixy's Glowing Body Butter will have pride of place in an upcoming feature where you can have a closer look. 

Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Cream €62

Boasting brand new Rasberry Plant Stem Cell Technology, Origins Plantscripstions Anti Aging Cream has rocketed to the top of my visage creams of choice this past month. 

The thick and ridiculously moisturising cream plumps my skin more than any other and I detected a noticeable decline in my skins brightness when I forgot this little gem on a weekend away. 

So impressed am I with this new face love that I've featured it in my first beauty column for the Fingal Raven magazine (more deets on that very soon). 

L'Oreal Fresh Dust Dry Shampoo - €11.85

 'Dust, anybody? no? DUST' honestly, Marjorie Dawes goes through my head every single time I pick up L'Oreal's Fresh Dust dry shampoo and that's been hella lot this past month. 

The only dry shampoo to cure my bereavement at not being able to find Batiste's Gold Shimmer ANYWHERE, this version is actually worth the extra sheckles for lack of build up and continual shine (not the greasy kind) when I'm using it. I'll be definitely repurchasing in the next day or so. 

Real Techniques Duo Fiber Face Brush (Set of three €19.99) (or €11.38 from iHerb.com)

I never was a big user of setting or finishing powder, preferring instead to set my visage with a spray of Thermal Spring Water instead. Those times have changed thanks to Real Techniques. 

I'm all about this Duo Fiber Face Brush since purchase last month and the air brushed effect I can achieve with Smashbox's Halo Finishing Powder. 

I'm a complete convert & wouldn't be without it now. 

Smashbox Halo Highlighting Wand €32

I mentioned this pen of wonder in a recent Instagram pic as one of my go to products when I want to look less dead in 5 minutes when I'm flying from work straight into town. 

With a design similar to Touch Éclat but with a wider brush and some form of witchcraft in it's pearlescent pinky highlighting cream, this highlighting wand is certainly aptly named. 

Garnier Perfect Blur €15

I'm all about speed when it comes to make up so when Garnier promised instant results with their 5 Sec Perfect Blur I was all over it, if a little dubious at the same time. 

I needn't have doubted 'em though as Perfect blur does 'sactly what it says on the tube. 

My face appears smoother even without make up on top and this here tube has replaced my beloved Smashbox Photo Finish primer for evening jaunts out. Unheard of!

Body Shop Brazil Nut Dry Oil €15

I can't get enough of this wonderful stuff! Body Shop's newest (returning) dry oil  is brazil nut and I can't describe the vanilla/chocolate/deliciousness of it's scent. It reminds me of warm candy floss without the sickly sweetness. 

I'm using this dry oil on my bod, on my cuticles, to tame flyaway hairs and even to remove makeup in a pinch. It's truly, truly wonderbar! 

Glam Glow Super Mud Clearing Treatment €45

I've reviewed this little pot of mucky goodness here  but couldn't let May faves go by without an enormous shout out for Glam Glow Super Mud Clearing Treatment. 

Not only has it vastly improved the brightness & tightness of my visage but as an on the spot treatment it has saved my skin (literally) from 3 mini Mt Vesuvius' already! 

Astonishing stuff. 

Tinchy Stryder in Ear Headphones €49 (on sale for €29 in Curry's) 

Last but by no means least one of my favourite additions to my collection of schtuff this month has to be these weenchy teenchy headphones. 

Noise cancelling and ridiculously comfortable to wear (even for a small lug holed user like me) these in ear headphones are stupidly good for pumping out the choons. 

So much so that I've even done extra laps in the park at lunchtime just to continue to listen. 

Now that's good! 

Wheweeee, that was a long post - tell me, what's been tickling your pickle this past month, eh? 

Origins Night Time Routine ft Clean Energy, Plantscriptions, Night a Mins & Modern Friction

I've been building up my Origins collection over the past 6 months or so being a newbie to the brand, well that and they're hardly high street prices. Said collection was boosted a little when Debenhams chose me to join their Beauty Panel as an Origins reviewer (Cha-Ching!) Thing with this high performance, natural skincare brand though that each product is worth every red cent I've spent on them. And then some. 

When me oul' Segosha Karen handed over Clean Energy as my Crimbo gift this year there was an audible squee as I knew I wouldn't have bought it for myself for another while yet. It was then that I decided to use Origins exclusively as my night time routine and, truthfully, my kisser has never looked better. 

Origins Clean Energy: €24

My first step of an evening is the heavenly scented (that's grapefruit, orange & lemon to you and I) Clean Energy. A hybrid oil made with Olive, Sunflower, Sesame and Safflower oils, it can be used either directly on the skin to break down the days war paint or, my preference, with a couple of drops of warm water to change it into an emulsifying cleanser and washed off with a cotton face cloth (Penney's 3 for €2.50 how are ya?)

Clean Energy is an actual joy to use, in the past I've digressed and used wipes at night, too knackered to fully cleanse or, worse, have slept in the slap but since using this oil I no longer feel the nightly ritual is a chore. I Thank you kindly Girl with the Bits of Lovely!

Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum: €79.30

There's no getting away from it 80 squid is a huge outlay for a serum but Plantscription
Anti-aging serum with Anogeissus (An-oh-GEE-sus)(Seriously) isn't the best seller on the Origins site for nothing.

Once I've patted my skin dry after Clean energy I use two small pumps of this serum and gently press it into my skin, careful not to drag and concentrating on the eye and mouth area. My skin is definitely plumped and (laughter) lines seem less pronounced. 

High Potency Night a Mins: €43.50

 I have to hold my hand up and admit that this Mineral-enriched oil-free renewal cream didn't hugely impress me first time round. While it's beautifully soft and quenching on the skin, it just didn't wow me enough to stay loyal. That was until I teamed it up with the others. 

With Vitamins C, E & H, this slightly citrussy scented cream works to resurface the skin and helps bring back radiance to dull, tired fizzogs. As part of this routine Night-A-Mins is packing a punch that I hadn't seen before. 

Plantscription Anti-Aging Eye Treatment: €45

Promising to repair 4 major signs of eye aging, Plantscription Anti-Aging Eye Treatment is the most hydrating eye cream I've had the pleasure to use. 

I like to think that my Crow's feet aren't even a size 3 but this moisture rich cream has helped shrink 'em even further. Whether it's just the extra plumpness in the area or actual cellular changes is unclear but my súils are very, very happy. 

Origins Modern Friction: €44

Lastly, once a week I use the stunning, natural Modern Friction. I've waxed lyrical about this warming scrub here and also mentioned the price might be off putting. The fact is though that now this tube is almost done, I've every intention to replace this once the last squeeze is gone. 

As I'd mentioned this is my new nightly routine and genuinely my skin hasn't felt or looked as good in a very long time. While the prices may seem a little spendy, there is only the smallest amount of each product is needed and if you're pretty much guaranteed fantastic results it really is worth the outlay. 

ALSO, if you're liking the look of anything here, I'd suggest high tailing it to Debenhams while the Blue Cross sale is still on. There's not only fantastic deals to be had but the lovely sales assistants are hugely helpful with advice and very generous with samples. 

Are you an Origins fan already? Anything else from the brand you think I should check out? 

Origins Plantscriptions Anti-aging Serum

Origins Plantscriptions Anti-aging Serum has been on my lust list since I first learned of this new range from the brand. With a constant rotation of serum and anti-aging products to trial though, I could never justify the wrinkle inducing €63 payout. That's why a huge Thanks goes to Debenhams for allowing me to take part in their VIP Panel to review several products from the range. 

As with the rest of the Plantscriptions products, the serums key wonder ingredient is Anogeissus ( say it with meh 'An-Oh-Gay-Sis'), it's a tree from the Republic of Ghana don't you know that's been used for years in the treatment of wounds. Only natural that it would have kick ass effects in beauty and skin cell regeneration then wouldn't you say? 

Origins recommend that you use this serum twice daily for optimum results, which I did for the first fortnight and the official trial but I've found that I don't actually need that much. Of course I'm codding myself on that, at a youthful 34, I don't have a huge need for so much product but the truth is I do have 'some' laughter lines making their appearance and the reason I've cut down on use is because I really don't want to finish this product any time soon. Saying that, with reduced usage I'm still finding delightful results. 

Using the serum in the morning before my regular moisturiser I'm finding that my skin is slightly more taut than usual but not uncomfortably so, which immediately reduces the look of fine lines around my eyes. My skin tone is noticeably more even before I even begin to apply foundation, which has meant that I've gotten away with just a BB cream these past few days when time was tight in the mornings. 

One other advantage of using this serum has been the change on my décolletage, I have slight sun damage i.e minimal fine lines but they're a lot less noticeable now. They weren't a huge deal in the first place but I can see that as being a huge plus should the fine skin on your chest be a problem area (I'm looking at you Deirdre Barlow). 

Once more Origins have blown me away with a product, they're not cheap by any stretch of the imagination or the purse strings but Origins Plantscriptions Anti-aging Serum is one that will definitely be on my gift list for Elder Cherry come Christmas time and it's pretty much guaranteed to be on my self gift list too. 

Have you tried any of the Plantscriptions range? 

Psst: Just a heads up, the girls

on the Origins counters in Debenhams

are probably some of the nicest SAs 

I've met & are hugely generous with samples

and advice. Do drop by should you fancy 

a trial run of any of their products before 

purchase.