Oct 16 2014

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Posted on October 16, 2014 by admin

I’m not just talking a stack of trial sizes either! Here’s what’s on offer!

Bepanthen Win GIVEAWAY: Win a bundle of Bepanthen products (CD: 17/11/2014)

Bottle of Bepanthen Stretch Mark Cream
Bepanthen Nappy Rash Cream
Bepanthen Baby Moisturiser
Bepanthen Baby Bib
Bepanthen Cuddly Toy
Bepanthen Baby Sun Cream

That’s one awesome luxury bundle for your little one (with a much sought-after gift for mum too!).

This is a staggeringly generous gift as offered by the lovely folks at Bepanthen HQ as part of their recent launch of the Bepanthen Stretch Mark Cream. I reviewed this cream recently and have continued to use it on my tummy post-birth. Like most mums, I suffered from body confidence issues following the birth of Heidi. I won’t lie - It hasn’t faded my current marks BUT given I’m losing weight (a major cause of the pesky little buggers), it has stopped new ones appearing. Read my full review HERE.

Bepanthen Stretch Marks GIVEAWAY: Win a bundle of Bepanthen products (CD: 17/11/2014)

In fact, stretch marks have been cited as one of the worst aspects of being pregnant by a third (28%) of mums – with almost one in five (18%) admitting that stretch marks have made them feel depressed, and a further 31% of women saying that stretch marks have caused them to lose confidence in their bodies, according to research by baby skincare experts, Bayer HealthCare, makers of Bepanthen Stretch Mark Cream^®.

When asked about stretch mark prevention:

Over a quarter (26%) of mums wish that they had done more to help prevent stretch marks while they were expecting
Almost half (46%) would recommend using a stretch mark cream to a pregnant friend
One in four women (24%) admit that they didn’t think to take any action to help prevent stretch marks as it didn’t occur to them

So what’s so good about it…

Extract of Centella Asiatica which encourages the production of collagen
Provitamin B5 and glycerine which are proven to nourish the skin to improve elasticity
Pure Olive Oil and skin lipids to moisturiser and act as a barrier to external influences
Hypoallergenic and free from colours and preservatives

It’s pretty revolutionary in this sense. Centella Asiatica is fairly new on the skincare scene and does have a whole host of benefits. Owing to its ingredients, this product is more prevention than cure. During phases of rapid growth it nourishes your skin and delivers and burst of vitamins to help boost skin elasticity. Your skin stays super hydrated and poised to deal with skin stretching and fluctuation.

Mums-to-be should look for a stretch mark cream that can actually help strengthen the skin before stretch marks appear – rather than just trying to remedy the situation afterwards. Look for a product that not only moisturises the skin – but one that can encourage collagen production, as a lack of this is a known root cause of stretch marks. Looking after your bump when pregnant is also a great opportunity to ensure that you are bonding with your baby before the birth. Dr Faye Kennedy (GP & mum of two who has produced a number of online videos giving advice in pregnancy for mums-to-be)

The cream itself is incredibly mild (as you would expect) making it ideal for sensitive skin and for use during periods of hormonal ‘excitement’ (a.k.a. pregnancy). It smells pleasant, rubs in easy and keeps your skin really hydrated - much like an oil rather than a serum. Better yet, it has been recommended by a massive 96% of mums-to-be during a product trial on Netmums!

Enough about the Stretchmark Cream - most of you will be here as you’ve been enticed by the GIVEAWAY…

Bepanthen is a household name most of us mums here in the UK are all too aware of. Many of us will smear Bepanthen Nappy Rash Cream all over our babies bums when irritation flares. But their wider range will be unfamiliar to many. They’re experts in baby skin care and want to spread the word!

Okay the bib is a gimmick but a cot-safe snuggly toy, and a whole host of other other scrummy goodies for your little one should appeal. You can never have enough SPF suncream, baby moisturiser and bum cream after-all! AND you’ll also win the Stretchmark Cream worth £24.99! Entry is via rafflecopter so good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

T&C’s – a.k.a – the boring bit!

Only 1 option is mandatory (leave me a comment) – the rest only improve your chances of winning so just complete as many as you feel like
UK entrants only – you must be over 18 too (sorry)
The winner will be contacted by email and must respond within 1 week of having been emailed (I’ll try all known avenues to contact them) or a new winner will be drawn
When the giveaway is closed, Rafflecopter will select the winner completely at random
The winners name will be published on this site

Win competitions at ThePrizeFinder.com

Sep 16 2014

The Spoiled Mama Tummy Butter Review: From Effortless Skin

Posted on September 16, 2014 by admin

I’m a firm believer in looking after my own skin, and my families. Heidi and Dexter are therefore spoilt with daily massages, and have their own bathroom cabinet overflowing with organic treatments. And… don’t tell him I’ve grassed him up , but I’ll often catch Craig nicking my face creams in the mornings too.

As the largest organ in the body, and the biggest defense any of us have against allergens and other air-born nasties, our skin needs constant nourishment to keep it in tip top shape (… and let’s face it, no one wants saggy knees, and a wobbly tummy). Sadly, having a baby plays absolute havoc with your skin and most of us (still) yummy mummies have a war wound or two to show for the experience.

I actually don’t mind my stretchmarks as I don’t see them as ugly. Most are already a nice shade of silver and I got away with just a couple of tiger stripes throughout both pregnancies. That said, if there’s a miracle product that can stop them multiplying as I shift the baby weight, that’s fine by me! And it just so happens, I’ve found an amazing one…

The Spoiled Mama Tummy Butter for Stretch Marks (Available at Effortless Skin)

008 The Spoiled Mama Tummy Butter Review: From Effortless Skin

100% natural, and made from the finest organic ingredients available, this butter is the perfect solution for preventing or fading existing stretchmarks. Pure cocoa butter, organic Rosehip oil, organic Tamanu, and Kukui Nut oils have been combined to make a butter rich in Vitamin A and E, and high amounts of essential fatty acids. Together they promote collagen and elastin levels to increase cell regeneration. This results in firmer skin with greater elasticity.

This is pretty hard to fault to be honest. I love smothering my scars with this every morning and am happy to report that no new ones have come out to play since doing so.

The best way to describe the scent is Terry’s Chocolate Orange. This was a bit of a shock as I was expecting something far more cocoa buttery. It’s not unpleasant, far from it. It quickly fades to leave a light and almost odourless fragrance which makes it ideal for everyday use (basically you won’t be getting up anyone’s nose on the bus!).

Spoiled Mama Tummy The Spoiled Mama Tummy Butter Review: From Effortless Skin

Applying the tummy butter was a cinch. It’s very easy to rub in and leaves your skin feeling amazingly soft. I’d say it takes a little while longer to absorb than other stretchmark creams I’ve used, but this is actually quite reassuring. It gives you a sense that the cream is doing its thing and delivering plenty of moisture where it’s needed. As it’s not quick to dry, I’d therefore recommend it for cheeky massages if you can get your other half in the mood.

In fact, massaging in the butter is key to its success. For much the same reasons as body-brushing, light circular motions will bring blood flow to the surface and this will help aid in stretch mark prevention. My mum always told me to massage towards the heart also. This promotes venous blood return back to the heart so that it may get re-oxygenated - thus improving results.

Getting skincare right and ensuring you’re using high quality products that are tailored to each part of your body is something I usually rave about; what you use on your arms and legs, will rarely be ideal for your breasts or your tummy. The fact some areas of your skin are more prone to stretching, less exposed to the elements, and more likely to sweat, are all different factors to take into consideration when selecting which product suits which body part best. This butter however, is a bit of an all-rounder.

It’ll lock in moisture all day and leave your skin incredibly hydrated (without any of the greasiness we’ve come to expect from rich creams). I can’t tell you how chuffed I am with it.

At £31 for a 4oz tub, it’s not cheap. Compared to other stretchmark solutions, it’s in the Ivory League in terms of price. But I’d happily pay this for what is essentially a gold star product. It’s a MUST-HAVE for any woman, regardless if she’s in the throes of pregnancy or not.

The only thing I’d have liked to have seen, is a prettier pot. For a premium organic product, the packaging is a little naff. I’d have liked to have seen real glass, more robust labeling (mine is peeling away) and a lid shield to save the cream slipping when laid on its side. Moot points I’m sure, but it’s the least I’d expect from a Rolls Royce brand. I’ll leave this in The Spoiled Mama’s capable hands.

To find out more, you can pop across to The Spoiled Mama’s website (US). To purchase, best prices can be found on effortlessskin.com, where there are also tons more luxury skincare products to get giddy over. You can also connect with Effortless Skin on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for offers, tips and beauty news.

Aug 21 2014

Bepanthen Stretch Mark Cream Review

Posted on August 21, 2014 by admin

We’re all familiar with Bepanthen as sore bum and nappy rash experts. Now they have an entirely different offering, a stretch mark cream for use both before and after pregnancy. Okay, I can’t comment on their preventative powers, but I can tell you if they’ve reduced the look of my stretch marks after 4 weeks use.

Bepanthen Stretch Marks Bepanthen Stretch Mark Cream Review

What is it?

Bepanthen Stretch Mark Cream is developed with the latest scientific knowledge and the needs of mums-to-be in mind. Unlike other stretch mark creams, Bepanthen comprises a unique formula which works to strengthen and support the skin before the first signs of stretch marks appear - thus reducing the risk of occurrence.

Contains:

Extract of Centella Asiatica which encourages the production of collagen
Provitamin B5 and glycerine which are proven to nourish the skin to improve elasticity
Pure Olive Oil and skin lipids to moisturiser and act as a barrier to external influences
Hypoallergenic and free from colours and preservatives

The lowdown before the cream…

Two babies have taken their toll. Okay, the stretchmarks aren’t disastrous (and they certainly don’t make my Craig think twice) but they might signal the end of my bikini-clad days.

Stretch Marks Bepanthen Stretch Mark Cream Review

Initial thoughts…

Before trialling this, I’ve been a big fan of Bio-Oil. It does the job, sinks in easily and eases my conscience that I’m at least trying to cover up the road-map my babies have left. I wouldn’t go so far as to pretend it works, who knows if it prevents marks you haven’t got yet, and they’re all still very much there (if a little lighter).

I have to admit that the pursuit of a scar-free tummy doesn’t consume me. I think my Craig is sensible enough to realise that the odd scar I’m sporting is because I’ve given him the best gifts on earth, more so, it could be a damn sight worse! I would like to look like Kelly Brook, but life just gets in the way.

So I used it on the odd few marks that my babies have left; twice a day (as recommended) on my tummy, my breasts and my thighs.

042 Bepanthen Stretch Mark Cream Review

And?….

Oh dear. I soooo wanted to bring you a success story!

I’m not suggesting this cream has zero benefit.I actually like the smell (although have read online that some find it unpleasant), and it does offer fabulous hydration throughout the day. It has an almost silky texture and rubs in incredibly easily.

Within minutes it dries to a matt finish and leaves the skin feeling tighter and firmer. I haven’t had any new stretchmarks since using it which could indicate it’s doing its thing, or just that I’ve finally reached the pinnacle of physical fitness and have stopped growing (that’s a joke if ever there was one!).

I also really like the bottle design which features “bag in a bottle” technology. The action of pumping squeezes the bag inside the hard exterior case so you can access every last drop of cream. Well done Bepanthen - more companies should embrace this technology so we’re not so wasteful and get the most out of our purchases. I won’t bore you with all the lengths I’ve gone to to get the last bits of foundation out of my bottles.

Bottle Bepanthen Stretch Mark Cream Review

Usually £24.99, it’s now reduced to £16.66 at Boots. If we compare this to other well regarded stretch mark lotions and potions, you can see that stretch marks are big business and Bepanthen’s offering is competitively priced :

Bio Oil (200ml) RRP £19.99

Clarins Stretch Mark Control (200mls) RRP £37.00

Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter (125mls) RRP £23.50

Various Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Remedies RRP from £3.00 -£9.00

Weleda Pregnancy Oil (100mls) RRP £15.00

TEN Stretch Mark Prevention & Reduction Cream (200ml) RRP £35.00

In fairness I’d buy the product again if I were to go on and procreate some more, but for now I’ll be sticking to Bio-Oil in a fairly half-arsed attempt to fade out my current tiger stripes. That said, it’s certainly been well received by others and was recommended by a massive 96% of mums-to-be during a product trial on Netmums.

To find out more about the entire range of Bepanthen products, head on over to Bepanthen.co.uk.