REVIEW: Dental Care with REGENERATE NR5- Worth the Hype?!

Shine Bright Like a Diamond!

#RegenerateYourSmile

One of our best accessories is often the most ignored and taken for granted – our smile.

Our smile is often the first welcoming and friendly sign we give to people and the wider the better! First impressions count for a lot and especially so when working in the beauty industry and networking at events like Fashion Week

I attended the official re-launch of Regenerate products in Ireland in May and since June, I have been trialling *Regenerate Toothpaste with Nr5™ in a bid to undo some of the damage from enamel erosion as well as the damage I have done to the gum surrounding a tooth which has left the dentine surrounding it exposed. This particular dentine problem arose during an overly zealous tooth brushing session recently, much to the dismay of myself and my Dentist…who marvelled at the fact that I was being too clean with my brushing!

 

What is Tooth Enamel?

Tooth enamel is the outer coating of the tooth and despite it’s hardness it gets eroded daily by acid attacks from food and drink.

At the re-launch of Regenerate Enamel Science NR5™ Toothpaste guests were told how to spot if their tooth enamel is wearing thin, by checking the bottom of our teeth and examining if the bottom is becoming a little more transparent then the rest of our teeth. Most of us in attendance had signs of enamel erosion…

How Does Enamel Become Eroded?

Tooth enamel erosion frequently goes unnoticed and happens to everyone of all ages, making teeth increasingly vulnerable. It can occur from enamel exposure to acidic food and drinks such as carbonated drinks like lemonade, cola, vegetable juices and smoothies and fruit waters such as lemon water. It is best to consume these liquids through a straw to curtail the exposure of acid to the tooth enamel.

The Claims:

Regenerate Enamel Science NR5 builds up, essentially “regenerating” the enamel surrounding teeth and makes it stronger protecting against tooth decay and loss.
According to the team behind Regenerate Enamel Science “80% of common tooth problems are caused by enamel erosion and acid attacks“.

9 years of research inspired by bone repair technology have lead to the development of the exclusive and clinically proven NR5™ technology.

 

With every use active NR-5 ingredients combine to form a fresh supply of enamel minerals. These wrap and integrate onto teeth helping to regenerate enamel and reverse the erosion process helping to keep teeth strong and healthy.

It is the first system that can regenerate enamel mineral, with the same mineral that tooth enamel is made from, helping to regenerate enamel by restoring its mineral content and micro hardness .

The Review:

Like I said above, I had an overzealous tooth cleaning session rushing out the door one morning and brushed too hard resulting in a slight exposure of dentine to one of my teeth. I realised I had done something wrong when the incident took place however the soreness subsided after a day or two and I got on with things making a note to visit the dentist – noticing in the mirror that my gum looked a little more in an upward position to its usual appearance.

I went about the start of my day and headed out for my daily walk…(I add at this point, that this was in the middle of winter in frigid conditions). Mid-way through my walk and really pounding the pavement I began to breathe deeper through my mouth as I was feeling the workout – once I inhaled the icy cold air within it went directly to the area of sensitivity surrounding my tooth where the dentine had become exposed! I winced with the pain and thought “that’s weird!”. I hadn’t realised that it was the spot that had been sore whilst brushing a dew days before! I continued my walk but had to reduce the speed as the same thing kept happening with every breath – and similiar pain arising upon consumption of cold drinks or ice-cream.

Since using Regenerate Enamel Science NR5 religiously morning and night I have noticed a significant difference in the reduction of sensitivity particularly in the “exposed” area. I have also noticed significant whitening of my teeth has occured and that the tip of the bottom of some of my teeth, that were slightly transparent are less so now after prolonged use. I used a pea-sized amount daily morning and evening (before events and the like also) and the product lasted me about 3 months used in this way.

 Major Performance Points right there!

My Experience – from Performance Points to Pleasure of Use:

☆ Significant lessening of sensitivity to the area where dentine is exposed.
☆ Whitened teeth quickly
☆ Gentle formula – pleasing crystallised appearance, no burning sensation.
☆ Pleasant, mild yet effective minty taste and scent.
☆ Decent sized tube (considering the price) – lasted 3 months using pea-sized amount.

Worth the Money?

The Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆/☆

I would say that if I saw it on the shelf I would probably scoff at the price however having tried the product, I have experienced the benefits and having been to the re-launch I now have an understanding of the science and research that goes into this product to back up the immense claims.

I give it 4/5 stars only de-ducting points for the price point which may make it unattainable for some folk. Performance-wise I found it to be stellar.

Upon trialling, Regenerate Enamel NR5 is in my opinion, definitely worth the money if you suffer from any of the issues I have mentioned in this post and if it within your price point. It has definitely earned it’s four star rating!

Would I purchase again?

Definitely,  for the reasons above. The price would have me considering my budget with every purchase however as at €13.99 it is approximately double the price of other household names in toothpaste (which I can understand given the research), that claim to do something similiar…it is definitely a results based, considered purchase!

There is also a Regenerate Enamel Science NR5 Boosting Serum Kit™ that you can use alongside the toothpaste for double the performance, however I wanted to trial the toothpaste alone to see results from  its solo performance as a lot of people may decide to only opt for the toothpaste option in the Regenerate Enamel Science family!

The Boosting Serum rings in at €39.99 a considerable hike in price form the toothpaste but the claims are that it lasts three months, used once a week for three days with a heightend performance power through dual usage of products.

I hope to report back on the performance power of this product once I incorporate it into my routine.

{A close up of the crystallised appearance of Regenerate Enamel NR5 Toothpaste – I found the appearance very pleasing, coupled with the gentle whitening effect I felt the toothpaste really performed the way the scientists claimed it would.}

There you have it, thoroughly tried and tested – Regenerate Enamel Science NR5 toothpaste comes ‘GlamForce Approved and Recommended‘.

Thank yous go to Unilever Prestige and Avila Lipsett for the invitation to the incredible Regenerate event and Press Samples to trial.

Have any of you tried Regenerate Enamel Science NR5 Toothpaste? Do you think you will?Let me know!

Regenerate products are available in most Boots stores.

I hope you enjoyed this Review/Beauty Chat style post guys and thanks for stopping by!

Gail. Xx
Photography: © Gail O’Connor.
This post contains PR Samples marked with * however all thoughts and views are 100% my own as always!

REVIEW: Champagne Pop BECCA X Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector.

Light Up Your Life with Becca Cosmetics X Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop Highlight!

The power house of highlight, Australian cosmetics giant BECCA Cosmetics and the Queen of Highlight Jaclyn Hill, have joined forces and produced a stellar, must have product for any self respecting highlight lover!

The Introductions:

Becca Cosmetics are renowned for their highlighters in particular, in the make-up realm – Opal and Moonstone Shimmering Skin Perfectors and the much hyped Backlight Priming Filter. Their eye-shadow palettes are also exquisite…the list of must-haves/lust haves goes on and on.

If you don’t know who Jaclyn Hill is (have you been living under a rock?) allow me to introduce you! Jaclyn Hill is one of the biggest make-up artists and personalities in the beauty game on YouTube. Uber talented, funny, articulate, pretty and not afraid to take the mick out of herself, she has certainly earned her place at the top of her game. In fact, having watched Jaclyn the last two years, I think if we ever met, we’d be instant friends – we could bond over our love of highlighters and dance parties for starters!

The Packaging:

Champagne Pop comes in an eye-catching rose gold, box complete with plastic protective strip across the product sporting the Jaclyn Hill name – the original Becca packaging encases the actual product.

Tried and Tested: The Results.

With the Queen of Contour Kim Kardashian having declared contouring as dead (well at least heavy contouring) strobing is fast becoming the “illuminating contour” method of choice for the masses and this new highlight from Becca and Jaclyn Hill collab is perfect for strobing or adding just a touch of highlight on the daily. Originally brought out as a limited edition powder highlight, Champagne Pop is now thankfully a permanent fixture and should win awards! I bought into the hype surrounding this highlight collab when it was a Limited Edition and it’s safe to say, it’s everything I expected and bought into as a consumer and more. In fact, for me it’s a dual usage product and well worth the investment –  as detailed below.

The Highlights: (pun totally intended.)

From texture, longevity to overall performance.

● Finely milled, buttery formula that is long-lasting on wearing and in sheer volume of product within the compact.
●Sheer, yet highly build-able highlight. A little goes a long way!
●Skin glows and glistens – no chunky glitter particles.
●Natural champagne shade to suit most skin tones.
● Ideal for minimal daily use on cheekbones, for strobing, dusting all over face and décolleté and inner corner highlight of the eye…
● I even like it as an eye shadow or dusted on my pins to highlight the shin bone with a tan!

*Top Tip: remember to blend out to avoid looking like you’re sweaty mess/ disco ball effect.

● Travel friendly the compact is lightweight, with durable packaging, complete with an internal, good sized mirror.

Cons:

Not a massive deal but, the powder can become somewhat messy and have fall-out within the compact, something to be aware of, in case it gets on clothes during application  – this definitely would not put me off investing in it.

Seal of Approval?

One hundred percent yes. A touch of Champagne Pop makes every day an occasion for me, bringing a sparkle to my eyes (as well as my face), such is my delight in this product. This gem of a product is a permanent fixture in my make-up arsenal and I can’t be without…a back-up is definitely in order! This marketing opportunity is hands down one of the best collaborative projects between brand and influencer in recent times in the beauty industry, in my opinion! This offering is simply stellar.

Any other Highlight Lovers out there? What’s your favourite highlighter? Have any of you tried Champagne Pop?
I’d love to know!

Tweet me: @DublinGail/Tag me on Instagram: @littlegforce or leave your faves in the comments section below!

I hope you enjoyed this Review and Beauty Chat guys!

As usual, thanks for stopping by and here’s to a fab new week.

P.S. Remember: Champagne Pop is now a permanent fixture in the BECCA Cosmetics line (thanks to the powers that be!)and is available on spackenk.com or sephora.com 

Gail. Xx
Photography: © Gail O’Connor.

VIP Morning with Peter Mark: Re-Launch of NIOXIN Thickening Hair Products.

Thicker Hair and Breakfast in Style:

I was recently kindly invited to attend a VIP morning for the Re-Launch of NIOXIN Hair Products in Peter Mark where I would experience the full NIOXIN in-salon experience in my quest to return to my luscious locks. I had wanted to try NIOXIN since speaking with a Beauty Editor of a popular Irish magazine at a launch, about her amazingly thick hair and subsequently her experience with NIOXIN. I was reminded of this rumoured “miracle” hair product when my stylist mentioned it to me and hence I was delighted to receive the invitation from one of my favourite salons and where I had my very first job, Peter Mark! I remember it well…

The Event: VIP Morning: Re-Launch of NIOXIN with Peter Mark hair salon.

The Location: Dundrum Town Centre.

The Date: April 2016.

Upon arrival at the salon, I was warmly greeted by my stylist and offered an array of breakfast delights and refreshments from orange juice and warm freshly baked pastries such as croissants to sausage rolls and fruit, as was my mom who accompanied me (a mother-daughter day was on the cards), fascinated at the prospect of what treatment I was attending the salon for!

I was then whisked off to my seat to begin my Nioxin experience…

The Consultation:

A hair consultation followed with my stylist and a Senior consultant of Wella (NIOXIN is under the Wella haircare umbrella) and a hair health check ensued using the latest technology to check hair density, growth, sebum excretion amounts (natural oils in the hair), hair follicle health and overall hair health. I had previously had a similar hair health check with a haircare company and knew my hair was healthy, however I wasn’t sure why after a lengthy illness a while back, it wasn’t growing back as thick or strong as it once had been.

As it turns out the hair that frames my face is particularly weak and grows a certain amount and then breaks therefore keeping hair thickness and growth in the area to a minimum…that’s where NIOXIN comes in!

What is NIOXIN Dermabrasion?

A Facial for the Scalp – How it Works:

The NIOXON Demabrasion Treatment is an anti-aging treatment for the scalp to help regenerate and revitalise the scalps skin through an exfoliation process, just like a facial for the scalp!

Suitable for men and women and those with colour treated hair the dermabraison treatment gently exfoliates, removing build up around the hair follicles and the claims are that it helps skin surface regeneration by up to 34% compared to untreated skin. NIOXIN treatments and products are recommended for those with alopecia, thinning/fine hair in order to promote healthy, stronger and thicker hair growth.

The Process:

Designed to revitalise the scalp and prevent hair damage the NIOXIN Dermabrasion Treatment is applied to the hair and has a revitalising, zingy mint scent. The scalp tingles with the  active concoction of ingredients and signals that the treatment has gone to work on restoring the hair to it’s natural and former glory.

The Application:

Applied to dry hair in a grid pattern and massaged into hair for one minute.

Left on the hair for ten minutes and then rinsed well.

Followed by the recommended NIOXIN 3 Part System.

Hair was then styled as usual and re-examined once more: with sebum levels, scalp and hair surface and follicle condition all re-examined after the treatment.

{Hair health is re-examined after the NIOXIN Dermabrasion Treatment.}

{Images are so in depth that they show minute in-grown hairs in the scalp – too many of these and the scalp is congested.}

{An example of a NIOXIN Three Part System.}

{My finished look – complete with boho blow dry.}

The Feedback:

I had a  lovely morning getting to grips with learning about these NIOXON products and in-salon treatments on offer in Peter Mark salons and I highly recommend trying NIOXIN products if you have thin/fine/thinning hair that’s in need of some nourishment and TLC perhaps after illness or having a baby or simply over-styling. Hair feels instantly strengthened, conditioned and thicker after one treatment. Scalp feels nourished and uber clean – all in all one is left with the perfect foundation for regeneration of hair growth! .

Have any of you tried NIOXIN treatment or products before? If so how did you like the products/treatment?

I was also to my surprise, kindly gifted a bottle of the NIOXIN Dia Boost Thickening Treatment with HTX before I left my consultation and I will be reporting back with my experience and review of this product soon.

Thank you goes to Peter Mark Dundrum Town Centre for this invitation to attend the NIOXIN VIP morning and experience these incredible treatments and products the gift and also to my wonderful stylist Emma, whose talented and capable hands I always feel comfortable in!

Thanks for stopping by guys!

Gail. x

Photography : © Gail O’Connor.
Not sponsored.

REVIEW: The Body Shop’s Spa of the World range – Quick and Easy Tips for Glowing Skin!

The Summer Skin Reveal:

Whether you’re feeling the effects of tired, stressed, sluggish winter skin, or starting that tanning routine in time for summer – the quest for glowing skin is upon us!

The *Dead Sea Salt Scrub and the Polynesian Monoi Radiance Oil for Hair and Body, part of The Spa of the World range from The Body Shop, will get skin in tip top shape for summer.

#TheBeautyEvent -THE Beauty Event You NEED to Know About at House of Fraser!

The Event: The Launch of House of Fraser’s #TheBeautyEvent.
*EXTENDED until this Sunday April 10th!

Recently I was kindly invited to attend an exclusive and intimate Beauty Blogger Evening, courtesy of House of Fraser, Dundrum.

The Location: Café Zest at House of Fraser, Dundrum.

Upon arrival, my fellow bloggers and I were greeted with Elderflower cordial and a selection of miniature cakes, all beautifully presented.

The event was an invitation to discover the latest and newest releases in makeup for the launch of #TheBeautyEventat House of Fraser.

With a host of representatives attending from YSL, Dior, Chanel, Urban Decay and Aveda amongst other beauty brands, we were treated to an evening of learning, sneaky peeks, first impressions and shopping!

EXCLUSIVE! Launch of: The Body Shop NEW Beauty Products and Sneak Peek!

The Event:

The Body Shop Double Whammy Launch of their NEW beauty products from: The Spa of the World range and a sneaky peek at The Oils of the World range.

The Date:
Thursday 20th August 2015.

The Location:

The Body Shop store on Grafton Street, Dublin.

I have long had an affinity with The Body Shop’s offerings from my teenage obsession with Dewberry and White Musk perfumes (who remembers those beauts?), their mint lip balm, lip-liner in Beechwood and creamy Body Butters to my current faves the original Honey Bronzer, their Grapefruit, Coconut and Mojito Range, Chamomile Cleansing Oil and various Body Butters (still a staple).

Hence, having received an invitation to a very special double launch of the latest and greatest additions to The Body Shop’s repertoire, I excitedly accepted said invite, like a kid in a candy beauty store!

The event itself was cleverly laid out to imitate an actual spa experience, with complimentary henna tattooing, head massages and other treatments as well as plenty of samples of the new ranges to sniff, fawn over, indulge ourselves in and subsequently covet.

In keeping with the theme of the launch the event had a world journeys vibe to it with lanterns and oriental pictures adorning the space, accompanied by savoury, spiced popcorn, strawberries and cream and Prosecco to feast upon!

Spa of the World Range:

A different Spa Ritual for your every need – Relaxing, Revitalising & Blissful.

Relaxing Ritual:

In Need of Some “ME” Time?

Calm and restore the senses with a Relaxing Ritual.

This Japanese Camellia Cream smells incredible! One of my “must-haves” from the range.

The Packaging:

The packaging from this latest release – brown container and rose gold labelling is appealing as it is practical, minimal and spa-like, reinforcing the core message of the campaign to:

Turn your Bathroom into a Spathroom! – The Body Shop

Revitalising Ritual:

Feeling Low? Need an energy boost?

Invigorate the senses with this rejuvenating and energising collection. Perfect for that morning “wake me up” shower or any-time you feel you need a lift in spirits!

Blissful Ritual:

When you just have to have the ultimate, luxurious pampering session…Reach for this!
I am currently obsessed with the Polynesian Monoi Radiance Oil (smells phenomenal guys!) which I received in my goodie bag, keep an eye on the blog for a review very soon!

Another gem of this range is the Hawaiian Kukui Body Cream:

I was thrilled to be gifted with this delight and will report back soon on performance and expectations!

And the Sneak Peek?

The Oils of Life Range: – A new skincare range with a combination of 3 Precious Seed Oils – Black Cumin Seed Oil from Egypt, Camellia Seed Oil from China and Rose-hip Seed Oil from Chile fused together to create a stunningly crafted collection.

The oil fusion in this range is über reminiscent of every spa experience I’ve had, you know the drill, the heady mix of oils specifically picked to allow the user to become re-invigorated or unwind. This range is your spa experience – bottled!

Truly a welcome addition to The Body Shop – an at home spa experience in every bottle and brought to you by a high street beauty store! Mind. Blown.

*Available in mid September!

New Blushers: Watermelon Sorbet? Yes please!

The Mingling:

The After Party:

From a relaxed spa experience to an impromptu dinner and drinks with my blogger buds, the evening had taken on the ultimate girls night vibe to it! Perfect ending to a busy day…

I hope you enjoyed this informative Beauty Chat style of post everyone!

Have you tried anything NEW from The Body Shop? And if you pick up anything from the new ranges, do let me know!

A massive thank you goes to The Body Shop and its staff and Revolve PR, for their invitation and generous hospitality and everyone else involved in the event presentation.

Until next time, I’ll love ya & leave ya!

Gail. Xx

Photography: © Gail O’Connor.
SHOP the products: The Body Shop.

The BEST NEW Monthly Beauty Box? Sephora’s LATEST Cosmetic Service!

Play! With Sephora:

Sephora, the mecca of every beauty and make-up lover, is making waves – not only is it finally offering a monthly subscription box service (eek!) but is also headed down under!

Although predominantly associated with trips to the States to indulge in some Sephora goodness, Sephora is actually a French make-up store. Founded in Paris in 1970 by Dominique Mandonnaud, it has become synonymous with must-have cosmetics from all of our favourite brands. Sephora’s own brand is gaining traction with it’s make-up brushes being a particular favourite within the make-up and beauty blogging community. It’s parent organisation is powerhouse, Louis Vuitton.

All Eyes on Sephora: The Best Beauty Box?

This move into the Subscription Box service is a genius business move for the company and I think it is set to create quite a stir within that market, with many competitors sitting up to take note. The company are joining the market at the right time before it reaches saturation.

If Sephora continue as they mean to go on and remain true to their subscription box offerings of high end products, the company has significant potential to gain market share and give competitors a real run for their money. That would be great news for us make-up lovers!

The Subscription Box:

If you’re like me and haven’t popped your Sephora cherry yet, this may be the perfect way to get your mitts on some of the fabulousness that every beauty lover that goes to America, and hits up a Sephora store, goes on about!

This new offering from Sephora known as “Play!” is set to rival it’s competitors and based on the contents of the first box, may nudge its competitors to up their beauty box game! I love the name of the box personally, as it conjures up images of getting to “Play” with make-up!

The $10 a month subscription charge, puts it on par with Birchbox, Glossy Box and other established and successful, subscription box competitors however, Sephora may already have a little edge over their competitors trading on the power and instant recognisability of their brand, notoriety as a beauty lovers paradise and the loyal consumer base they have accumulated!

What to expect?

Five deluxe sized products ranging from make-up to skincare to haircare each month, differing in brands with each box. Each box will be themed and as Sephora is famed for, some amazing samples thrown in for good measure! A few bonus features will be included also such as Spotify playlists.

The First Box:

Rumoured to contain products from:

Marc Jacobs

Ole Henricksen

Sephora’s Own Brand

GlamGlow

Bumble and Bumble

It is worth noting that although we may be able to access some of these brands already in our countries, Sephora is known to have some products from brand lines that we don’t have access to yet. Hence, the subscription box could prove to be a gem of discovery for the beauty lover!

The service is being tested at the moment and is set to launch in September (only a few short weeks ladies!) in the U.S cities of Boston, Cincinnatti and Columbus Ohio. It will roll out in full in 2016.

Making Waves in Melbourne!

In other Sephora news…

The make-up giant is set to open another store in Melbourne Australia just in time for Christmas!

My Australian readers and the Irish diaspora down under may be particularly delighted with this news, however I am aware at how pricey make-up is to purchase in Australia which brings me back to the subscription box – it might be an option for you to get your Sephora on at a lower price point?!

With a store already located in Sydney, this new store will open in Melbourne’s CBD.

Now we just need to get a store in Dublin! (Hint, Hint!)

Is the Play! By Sephora Beauty Subscription Box The BEST? Only time will tell…

Tell me, would you subscribe or consider subscribing to this latest subscription box? I’d love to know!

I hope you found this beauty info post useful guys!
Thanks for stopping by.

Gail. Xx

SHOP Sephora

Image: Sephora.

Sources; Time, The New Daily.