PRODUCT REVIEW: PETER THOMAS ROTH GLYCOLIC CLEANSER, TONER AND MOISTURISER FROM SEPHORA - FOR A MORE RADIANT, BRIGHTER AND CLEARER SKIN

My skin has all days played up, and even today, where I should be focussing on anti-ageing, and fighting the lines, wrinkles and pigmentation, my breakouts are still another key skincare concern. Often finding skincare products that will target both anti-ageing and my breakouts can be difficult, but I recent years, I’ve discovered that using retinol as well as glycolic products seem to make a difference. I’ve put some products from Peter Thomas Roth’s Glycolic Solutions range to the test..

PRODUCT REVIEW: MEDIK8 BLEMISH AOX OIL-FREE ANTIOXIDANT SERUM

PRODUCT REVIEW: HOW TO TRANSFORM BLEMISH PRONE SKIN WITH ASPECT SKINCARE

Unfortunately I have always struggled with temperamental skin, ever since I was a teenager, I have suffered with bad breakouts, and while, as I've gotten older, I have learnt how to deal with it better, mainly through better more targeted skincare, ever so often it still has a bit of a 'hissy fit'. Lately I have had great success getting some bad breakouts under control again, thanks to Aspect Skincare, where I've put a whole skincare regimen to the test.. 

In case you are not familiar with Aspect, let me quickly tell you that it is an Australian brand that makes high-powered skincare products using pure and active ingredients based on medical science. The products are also free from pesticides, parabens and dyes, which is fantastic too!

Here's the products that I've been testing;

Aspect Purastat 5 Cleanser - used AM and PM
Aspect Exfol L 15 Exfoliating Night Serum - used PM
Aspect Extreme C 20 - used AM
Aspect Jungle Brew - used AM and PM
Aspect Stop Spot - used as required
Aspect Sheer Hydration - used AM and PM

Let's start with the cleanser, the Aspect Purastat 5 Cleanser. This is a very gentle foaming cleanser, that also has a slightly exfoliating effect on the skin due to the naturally occurring AHA's including L-lactic acid, bilberry, sugar cane, citric acid, wasabi root, olive leaf extract and white and green tea, all of which helps remove makeup and excess oil and impurities along with dead skin cells to keep the pores clean to prevent breakouts. It also contains 7 botanicals to and antioxidants to help add moisture to the skin, protect and strengthen the skin's natural defences while soothing and calming the skin.

The cleanser comes in a funky pump bottle and it is very concentrated so the tiniest amount is sufficient. It does a great job at removing my makeup (note it is not recommended for use eye makeup remover) - but that said, I do actually prefer to remove my makeup first with a basic makeup remover, and use this one as the second and more intense and in-depth cleanser to really get my skin and pores clean. And I love how it has quickly managed to balance my combination skin, clearly gently buffing away dead skin cells, yet without drying it out, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.

Then there's the Aspect Exfol L15, which is an skin resurfacing and exfoliating night serum that contains AHA's from L-Lactic Acid, Multifruit BSC, and Canadian Willowherb, to gently exfoliate and lift away any accumulation of dead and dull skin cells for a smoother, clearer, brighter and more healthy looking complexion.

This night serum is intended for especially those with impure, congested, dull and thickened skin, and thus perfect for my combination skin prone to breakouts. It is very gentle, and just a few drops before your usual night cream is all it takes for this serum to do its magic, as each morning I not only feel that my skin is a little softer and smoother, I've also found that it has also helped balance my skin out, reducing the oiliness in my skin, as well as my skin seems brighter and more even in its tone too.

The Aspect Extreme C 20 is an oil-soluble vitamin C serum that helps fight the many signs of ageing including texture, wrinkles, slackened skin and uneven skin tone, including redness and pigmentation. The serum contains a mix of vitamin C, corrective botanical extracts, and collagen amino peptides, along with energising extracts such as Canadian willowherb extract and wasabi extract

The actual serum is very light and is best applied in the morning after cleansing and before applying moisturiser, and after just a few uses I could start to se that my skin was starting to look more refined, softer and plumper, clearer and more refreshed and more brighter and glowing too - and even when I apply my makeup on top, my skin looks more dewy and radiant.

Then there's the Aspect Jungle Brew, and I must admit that when I first saw the name of the product, I did smile a little, and making me think of something like a beer brew or something. However instead this oil-free moisturisng serum designed for combination, oily or problematic skin has got its name from the trio of Amazonian extracts, which includes Acai, Andiroba and Copaiba Balsam, that help clarify the skin and regulate oil production, reduce the appearance of visible imperfections leaving the skin clearer, less shiny and simply healthier looking. It also helps detoxify, mattify and soothe the skin thanks to containing an advanced version of Vitamin C called Stay-C 50® that is shown to banish the look of imperfections with better efficiency than traditional chemical treatments, without the harsh side effects such as redness, dryness and irritation, along with botanical extracts, Canadian willow herb extract and wasabi extract that helps soothe and calm the skin.

The serum can be used AM and/or PM before moisturiser, or on its own without a moisturiser for those with particularly oily skin types, personally I've been using it with the Sheer Hydration on top . And I have to say that I am so impressed with this Jungle Brew, it truly is a magical brew, as already after a few days of using it, I could clearly see that my blemishes, including those stubborn ones I'd been fighting forever, were clearly reducing in size, looking less inflamed and healing up, leaving me with a skin that was much clearer and healthier looking, and unlike most other blemish products, without irritating or drying out my skin.

On the pesky spots, I did also use the Aspect Gold Stop Spot, which is a spot treatment designed to quickly and effectively target spots as they appear it contains among others niacinamide, salicylic acid (note that this means that this is not suitable for use for those who are pregnant or lactating!), and lemon tea tee oil and with ethanol, and aims to exfoliate the skin, soothe and mattify and dry out the breakouts without irritating the skin. This bottle is seriously tiny, but while it lacks in size, it still delivers a massive punch, and really does immediately go to fight those stubborn and problematic spots, to the point that I can literally feel and see it working within hours. And while sometimes it takes weeks for large breakouts to clear from my skin, with this little miracle worker, it is dramatically reduced, and again, without making my skin feel irritated, red or make it so dry it peels, as well as I also feel that the usual dark or red mark you usually get post-breakouts, is visibly reduced too. Unlike many other blemish treatments which often have a very strong chemical scent, this one has a lovely fresh citrus scent. My only gripe about this treatment is that that the treatment is a little runny, so you do have to be careful not to waste any product as you drip it out.

Finally, there's the Aspect Sheer Hydration Oil Free Moisturiser, an ultra-light oil-free non-comedogenic moisturiser, suitable for normal through to oily skin types. It helps add intense moisture to the skin, while soothing and mattifying the skin and improving the appearance of lines and wrinkles. That is just music to my ears. At the 'anti-ageing age group' with my breakout prone combination skin, I am always struggling finding anti-ageing products, as often they are simply too rich and heavy for my skin, quickly making my skin look and feel greasy, and make it congested. But this one is nothing short of amazing.

It contains a range of active ingredients from a form of hyaluronic acid to hydrate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 to improve the apperance of lines and wrinkles, Canadian willow herb to soothe, calm and mattify, oil soluble vitamin C to lighten and brighten the skin, and Tocopherol to add antioxidants.

The moisturiser comes in a cool push-down pump jar, that makes it easy and convenient to use, and I also love the gorgeous subtle citrus scent. But more importantly, I love how this light moisturiser absorbs immediately into my skin without any greasiness, leaving it not only silky soft and mattified, it also has the most gorgeous radiant glow, that immediately makes the skin look so much healthier. And after continued use, my love for this moisturiser is only strengthened, as I can see how much it is improving my skin, making it look fresher and plumper too. When I use it at night, I no longer wake in the morning with a skin that is greasy, and used during the day, it makes my makeup look so much better, and stay put so much longer without sliding off my face. I'll be sad when this moisturiser comes to an end, but luckily its quite concentrated and you only need about a pea sized amount for the whole face, so the jar will last quite a while.

Overall I am really impressed and have enjoyed using this skincare regimen from Aspect, as I can clearly both see and feel how these products are working in synergy and have made such a significant improvement to my blemish prone skin, helping clear up existing breakouts and acne, prevent breakouts from occurring in the first place and thereby make my skin look clearer, brighter and simply more glowing and healthy. Highly recommended!!

Aspect Purastat 5 Cleanser - RRP: $66 / 240ml
Aspect Exfol L 15 Exfoliating Serum - RRP: $99 / 30ml
Aspect Extreme C 20 - RRP: $129 / 30ml
Aspect Jungle Brew - RRP: $129 / 30ml
Aspect Stop Spot - RRP: $15.40 / 8ml
Aspect Sheer Hydration - RRP: $84 / 50g 

Available from Adore Beauty, Alive Skin and Hair, Soho Skincare, Skin Matrix, TK Skincare, Timeout Beauty, and select other stockists, check Aspect Skin Online to enquire

* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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PRODUCT REVIEW: CLINELLE SLEEPING MASK, CLEANSING GEL AND BLEMISH CLEAR

As a beauty blogger it is always exciting when new products and brands are launched, so when some products from the new Clinelle Hydra Calm range, landed on my desk, I couldn’t wait to try them.. 

The Clinelle Hydra Calm range promises to lock in moisture for up to 72 hours, while protecting all layers of the skin against environmental exposure which can lead to skin issues such as fine lines or dry and dull skin. The products are very affordable, and I love that they are made without any harmful ingredients that can irritate the skin, such as parabens, artificial colours and fragrance, mineral oil, alcohol and comedogenic ingredients, which means that the products are suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin.

The products among others contain; 

• Natural Hyaluronic acid to penetrate deeper into the skin to replenish and lock in moisture for 72 hours, and restore the unique water binding ability in the skin 
• Pure Swisse Thermal Spring Water, to infuse maximum hydration to the skin to revitalise the skin, and maintain a pH level of 5.5 (optimum skin health level) 
• Bio-calm complex to calm, restore, and strengthen the skin's defence system 

I put a selection of products to the test, including the Clinelle PureSwiss Hydra Calm Cleansing Gel. This cleanser is free from sulfates, so it is super gentle - yet it gives the skin a deep cleanse, removing impurities and the excess sebum to help minimise clogged pores, blackheads and breakouts, yet without stripping the skin from its natural moisture. It is also very effective at removing makeup, though it struggles with eye makeup, but then, most cleansers do, and I personally always use a specific eye makeup remover anyway, so I really don't mind. And afterwards my skin feels so clean, soft and smooth. It has a gorgeous floral scent, and I love that as it does not contain any artificial fragrance, it comes from the various flower extracts that ha been added.

Then there's the Clinelle Pure Swiss Hydra Calm Sleeping Mask, which is a cream gel that is to be applied at night onto cleansed skin, and left on overnight, and rinsed off the next morning.

The mask has a light gel consistency that transforms into water droplets when applied on skin, and it absorbs quickly into the skin without any greasiness. It has an immediate cooling effect on the skin, it promises to provide optimum hydration and brightening effects to the skin, so you'll wake with a rejuvenated and refreshed skin the next morning. I am actually surprised at its lightness, you can easily mistake this for a light gel day cream.

Intense masks are not usually ideas for combination skin prone to breakouts, such as mine - but the mask also promises to help minimise clogged pores, blackheads, and breakouts.

I've been using it a few times a week, and I am not sure I've actually seen any difference in the amount of breakouts that I've been getting since using this. But I can definitely confirm that my skin feels so lovely, soft and smooth the next morning, clearly enjoying the intense moisture. The mask comes in a gorgeous turquoise glass jar with a silver lid, and it has a lovely gentle floral scent.

Finally, there's the Clinelle Purifying Blemish Clear, which is an anti-blemish gel that promises to effectively clear blemishes by drying targeted skin area, while soothing the irritated skin at the same time. The Blemish Clear is a white cream that absorbs immediately into the skin, without any trace, so it is suitable for us under makeup too.

It contains among others salicylic acid, tea tree and other natural plant extracts such as lemon peel oil, licorice root extract, sesame seed extract, lavender oil, and thanks to these ingredients - unlike other blemish products, this one doesn't smell so chemical and harsh, but actually rather pleasant. I received this blemish treatment at the perfect time, with a few annoying and stubborn deep-set blemishes - but within just a few applications, they had clearly reduced in size, and without irritating my skin or drying it out. So a very effective treatment indeed.


Overall these are really lovely products, and at such affordable prices too. If I had to pick a fave, it would have to be the Sleeping Mask as it is so lovely and light, yet so refreshing too, and I will also have to vouch for the Blemish Clear as it is clearly a very efficient treatment.


Clinelle PureSwiss Hydra Calm Cleansing Gel - RRP: $9.99 / 100ml
Clinelle PureSwiss Hydra Calm Sleeping Mask - RRP: $19.99 / 60ml
Clinelle Hydra Calm Pure Swiss Blemish Clear - RRP: $14.99 / 15ml

Available from Beauty HQ and Priceline

* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


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PRODUCT REVIEW: BIODERMA SEBIUM

My skin has been really temperamental and hormonal lately, so when a selection of the products from the Bioderma Sebium range landed on my desk, I happily put them to the test..

The Bioderma Sebium range is a range of products targeted those with oily to combination skin, skin prone to acne. Breakouts and acne is not just something that occurs in puberty, adolescents do not have total control over acne either, and as in my case, blemishes continues to persist, even now where anti-ageing products would be more appropriate.

All the Bioderma Sebium products are patented with the Fluidactiv patent that helps reduce and purify sebum in order to reduce the clogging in the pores and eliminate blemishes on the long term.

For the past couple of weeks I have been using;

• Sébium H20 Micelle Solution
• Sébium Cleansing Foaming Gel
• Sébium Exfoliating Purifying Gel
• Sébium Global Purifying Cream
• Sébium Pore Refiner

The Bioderma Sébium H20 Micelle Solution is a micelle water, which I a makeup removing water specifically targeted for oily and combination skin. It is perfect for those who prefer a product that does not need to be rinsed off, but yet can still remove all traces of makeup, impurities including dirt and sebum, all while being super gentle on the skin, and not dry it out thanks to being PH balanced. In addition, it helps to regulate sebum quality and keep the pores from becoming clogged by purifying the skin ad limiting sebaceous secretion and this helping to clear up the skin. To use, you simple soap a cotton pad and gently wipe it over the face, and continue until the cotton pad is clean. I love that this one comes in a reversed pump bottle, which makes it even easier to use too. And absolute winner if you ask me, as it leaves my skin feeling clean, soft and fresh.

The Sébium Cleansing Foaming Gel is a foaming soap-free cleansing gel, which again cleanses the skin super gently from all impurities, while leaving the skin feeling clean deep down every pore. And again, it helps limit the formation of blemishes thanks to helping to regulate the sebum produced by the skin. I like splashing water in my face as I wash it, so I really like using this one, and have been using it as a second cleanse after removing my makeup, sometimes with my Clairsonic for added benefit.

The Bioderma Sébium Exfoliating Purifying Gel, which is an scrub that refines the skin texture, tightens pores and brightens the complexion while preventing the formation of blemishes. It is to be used once or twice a week, and I like to use it in the shower for a few moments. It contains gentle micro beads as well as gycolic and salicylic acid to help speed up the cell renewal and eliminate impurities.

Next is the Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner, which is corrective care for enlarged pores. It is to be used after cleansing, either alone or before your moisturiser. It can be used either all over the face, or just locally on the t-zone area depending on need, and it is designed to help correct the skin's appearance so the texture becomes finer, more regular and clearer, and pores become more tightened and less visible, thanks to containing agaric acid, a powerful astringent. At the same time, like the rest of the products in the range, it also helps regulate sebum to prevent pores becoming clogged up and the skin breaking out. I have been using on my t-zone during the day, and love how it immediately has a mattifying effect, which also means that it works perfectly under makeup too

Then there's the Bioderma Sébium Global Intensive Purifying Care, which is a cream that is intended for those with acne prone skin with severe blemishes, so again perfect for my skin's current state. The cream helps treat the cause and consequence of blemishes, and helps restore the sebum of healthy skin to prevent severe blemishes. It contains among others AHA to help clear skin from spots and blackheads as well as zinc gluconate and enoxolonto to soothe and reduce redness cause by inflammation. As well as clearing and purifying the skin, it also helps reduce the residual marks after breakouts. The cream is to be used morning and night, and it is quit light and absorbs quickly into the skin, and leaves it soft and hydrated. I also love that it works perfectly under makeup, and has the bonus of keeping my skin more matte so consequently my makeup stays looking nice for longer.

Overall I am really loving these products from Bioderma, as they so effective on my blemish prone skin, and yet are so gentle. I also love the fact that they are all free from parabens and AKN

When I started using these, my skin was going through a very bad patch, but I am convinced that using these helped get it back under control again. My skin is still not perfect, so I can see myself continuing to use these products, as well as there are several other products in the range I'm very keen on adding to the routine including the Global Cover, AI and the Serum.

Bioderma Sébium H20 Micelle Solution - RRP: $42.99 / 500mBioderma Sébium Cleansing Foaming Gel - RRP: $25.99 / 200mlBioderma Sébium Exfoliating Purifying Gel RRP: $26.99 / 200mlBioderma Sébium Global Purifying Cream - RRP: $29.99 / 30mlBioderma Sébium Pore Refine - RRP: $36.99 / 30ml

Bioderma is available from Adore Beauty, Priceline, RY and select pharmacies

*Some products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


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PRODUCT REVIEW: QSILICA NATURALLY CLEAR SKIN SUPPORT TABLETS, SKIN CLEANSER AND SPOT GEL

My skin has always played up and been prone to breakouts, even now that I am at the age where anti-ageing products should take up the shelf space in the bathroom. So when I was offered to put some products from the Qsilica Naturally Clear range to the test, I happily accepted.

I received the Qsilica Naturally Clear Skin Cleanser, Spot Gel along with the Skin Support tablets - however, as I am currently breastfeeding, and was advised not to take these tablets.

The Qsilica Naturally Clear range, is based on products which are made from naturally derived ingredients, including topical mineral silica, vitamins, essential fatty acids and antioxidants, and without the use of parabens, sulfates or petrolium based ingredients - all with the philosophy of promoting beauty and health inside and out.

Although I didn't try out the Skin Support Tablets, let me quickly tell you about them. Their purpose is to internally detoxify, cleanse and purify the blood, and contain a range of ingredients and nutrients, including vitamin A and zinc to help support a healthier hormone balance and protect the cells from free radical damage and oxidative stress. I would have love to try these, but that will sadly have to wait a little longer..

Then there's the Qsilica Naturally Clear Skin Cleanser, which helps cleanse, refresh and clarify the skin thanks to vitamin E, jojoba and mineral silica, which helps balance and tone the skin. This cleanser is to be used morning and night, by gently massaging it into damp skin, concentrating on the areas prone to breakouts and acne, before rinsing off with plenty of water. And afterwards the skin feels so clean, yet without feeling tight or dry, or stripped from essential oils, which many other cleansers targeted at problem skin do - on the contrary, this cleanser is very gentle, and is hence also suitable for even the most sensitive of skins. The blue gel cleanser has a lovely refreshing scent, which is kind of a mix between peppermint and lavender, and it also leaves a slight cooling sensation on the skin.

The Qsilica Naturally Clear Spot Gel, which is topical gel made from naturally derived ingredients including willow bark, salicylic acid, Canadian Willow herb, Mineral Silica and Tee Tree extract, as well as aloe vera to soothe, and cucumber to calm irritated and red skin. It is to be used morning and evening after cleansing the skin, on areas prone to breakouts, and blackheads by dotting a small amount onto the affected area, avoiding the sensitive eye area. The thick gel is easy to apply to the skin, and you only need the smallest amount. It absorbs quickly into the skin, and without either greasiness or without drying the skin out, so it is also perfect for use under makeup. The Spot Gel has a very subtle scent, which is a nice change from other topical blemish treatments which often have a very chemical scent.

So how did these products fare… overall I've really enjoyed using these products. I love how the Cleanser is so gentle on my skin, yet clearly gives my skin a very thorough clean. I've been using my regular makeup cleanser first to remove all my makeup, and then using it as my second cleanse, and sometimes with my Clairsonic too. My combination skin usually becomes a little oilier during the warmer months, and as a consequence also tends to break out more - but I am happy to say, that it actually feels like the oil production in my skin has somewhat normalised a little, as my skin does actually feel less greasy, and the few breakouts that I've had, haven't been as big. I also put that down to the Spot Gel which I've been using as soon as I've felt a pimple in its tracks, and I think that has not only helped reduce the size of breakouts, but also speed up the healing process. And without any flaking peeling skin afterwards.

So all in all I've actually really enjoyed using these products, and am quite impressed, and can see myself incorporating them into my skincare routine as I love the fact that they are so gentle. The products are very well priced too, so definitely worth a try if you are struggling with breakouts or acne.
Qsilica Naturally CLEAR Skin Support Tablets - RRP: $29.95 / 30 tablets (15 days supply)
Qsilica Naturally CLEAR Skin Cleanser - RRP: $24.95 / 100ml
Qsilica Naturally CLEAR Spot Gel - RRP: $17.95 / 25ml

Available from Priceline, select pharmacies and health food stores, and Qsilica Online* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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PRODUCT REVIEW: MESOESTETIC PURIFYING MOUSSE AND IMPERFECTION CONTROL

With combination skin prone to breakouts, cleansing and looking after my skin is the key to keeping it as healthy as possible - and a good cleaner is essential to keeping my skin as clean as possible, and should one of those pesky breakouts appear, a good blemish treatment is also vital. Lately I've been enjoying the Mesoestetic Purifying Mousse and the Imperfection Control.

The Mesoestetic Purifying Mousse is a cleansing mousse - actually it is a liquid, but when you pump it out of the bottle it comes out as a mousse - and it is designed to purify and cleanse blemish prone and seborrhoeic skin, so it's perfect for my combination skin when it is having one of those troublesome periods.

The cleanser is extremely light, yet this airy foam is packed with active ingredients such as;

• Urea to soothe irritation while moisturising and softening the skin.
• Chlorhexidine to inhibits the growth of micro-organisms.
• Enoxolone to reduce epidermal redness, inflammation and swelling.

In addition it also contains glucosides and refreshing agents that cleanse impurities from the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple.

It is best used morning and night to treat and remove excess sebum and impurities from the skin - and you simply wet the face and massage it into the skin with your fingers before rising it off with water. I am unsure it is any good at removing makeup, because to be honest, at night, i prefer to use my makeup removers, and then follow with this cleanser to give my skin a good clean, and ensure that it benefits from the active ingredients.

Often cleansers for oily and blemish prone skin are very harsh and drying on the skin, but not this cleanser - it is very gentle, and after use, my skin is left looking clean and refined and is soft, without any irritation or tightness.

When emergency strikes and blemishes pop up, which sadly they have for me a little more often lately, I think mainly due to immense stress in my life, I have been reaching for the Mesoestetic Imperfection Control.

This Imperfection control has been formulated for local treatment of emerging or rebellious blemish breakouts. The tiny tube contains among others;

• m.acne complex™, a unique combination of active substances selected specifically for their complementary ability to address the numerous factors that affect blemish-prone and seborrhoeic skins.
• Bexareintyl complex, a retinoid with chemoexfoliant and cellular renewing effects on the pilosebaceous follicle. It also has depigmenting properties that mitigate post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after acne lesions.
• Enoxolene, which reduces epidermal redness and swelling
• Salicylic acid and mandelic acid, which gives the skin deep cleansing renews blemish-prone and seborrhoeic skins.

The actual cream is white, yet goes on to the skin clear, although it does slightly help conceal and take some of the redness out of blemishes as well as it leaves the skin with a matte finish. Unlike other blemish treatments, it also has next to no scent, and doesn't have that stinging sensation on the skin. 

This Imperfection Control really has done wonders for a couple of stubborn pimples under the skin that I've been struggling to get rid of - after just a few applications they have significantly reduced in size and cleared up not long after. And all without irritating or drying out my skin. I also really like the concealing effect, which makes it perfect for using during the day under makeup too.


Mesoestetic Purifying Mousse - RRP: $58 / 150ml
Mesoestetic Imperfection Control - RRP: $78 / 15ml

Mesoestetic is available from Advanced Cosmeceuticals and select stockists

* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
 

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PRODUCT REVIEW: JURLIQUE PURIFYING MASK AND BLEMISH CREAM

You'll probably remember that I've previously declared my love for home-grown Aussie brand, Jurlique, in particular the Hydrating Rose Mist, the hand creams, sun creams and lip balms, so today I'm going to talk about the Purifying Mask and the Blemish Cream.

Recently my skin has gone a little bonkers. While I've always struggled with breakouts, in recent years I've managed to keep them under fairly good control. Until recently where a particularly stressful period in my life, made my skin flare up like it hasn't for a long time. I reached for several products, among those the Jurlique Purifying Mask and the Jurlique Blemish Cream.

Keeping my skin cleansed deep down every pore, is a vital step - including doing the weekly or twice weekly face mask to really draw out those impurities. The Jurlique Purifying Mask is a purifying and refining treatment mask designed specifically for oily skin. It gently exfoliates the skin while controlling and rebalancing oiliness and helps lift away and absorb impurities and excess sebum from the skin and pores.

The actual mask is a clay mask that contains potent botanical extracts including among others sesame seed oil, almonds and oat bran to exfoliate, and lift away the impurities while extracts of wheat bran, carrot root, green tea, grapeseed and tumeric helps protect the skin against environmental aggressors.

It is recommended to be used weekly and left on the skin, avoiding the eye area for approx 10. I do admit to using it twice a week for a few weeks, simply as my skin was so bad. And while I did not notice an immediate effect of the mask, I did after each use both seen and feel that my skin was incredibly soft and smooth, and pores appeared smaller. Often masks designed for oily skin really dry out the skin, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that it wasn't the case with this one from Jurlique. Since regularly using this mask, my skin has luckily almost cleared up again. As I've used countless of other products in the fight of the blemishes, it is naturally a little tricky to exactly say how this mask has performed. However, I am convinced that it has helped make my skin considerably less greasy, and consequently it has helped prevent my pores becoming clogged up and the blemishes appearing in the first place.

The mask has a lovely natural scent that you can only love, and I also really like knowing that it is made using the best organic ingredients without all the nasties! 

The Jurlique Blemish Cream is an acne-purifying treatment that contains botanicals and clay to help reduce the appearance of blemishes and redness, while soothing the skin at the same time as it helps rebalance oiliness and sebum in the skin.

The Blemish Cream can be used both during the day and night, but personally I find that it is best used during the day only, for the simple reason that it is slightly tinted, so it actually works as a kind of concealer at the same time. It is easy to blend, and helps even out the skin tone, and covering not only the actual blemish, but also any redness surrounding it. Unlike most other blemish creams I've tried, the Jurlique Blemish Cream doesn't irritate my skin or dry it out, yet still within a day or two of using it, blemished are usually either cleared up or at least significantly reduced in size. I also like that it doesn't have that typical strong chemical scent of most other blemish treatments, and I really like that this Blemish Cream not only covers up breakouts and blemishes, but helps treat them at the same time.

Overall, two fantastic products from Jurlique, that are definitely worth checking out if you too suffer with oily skin and breakouts.

Purifying Mask $80/100ml
Blemish Cream $35/15ml
Available from Jurlique

* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


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PRODUCT REVIEW: MEDIK8 BETA SKIN BALANCING MATTIFYING MOISTURISER AND BETA GEL

As may of you may know, the second part of 2015 was a particularly tough time for our little family. You just never in a million years imagine that your little baby can be that sick when you heart the doctors say the word 'life threatening'! Gulp. It's that sort of thing that you never think can happen to you, only the neighbour, so when it does, your world naturally comes crashing down. And my body's response to intense stress was to make the skin break out! 

Now, skin breakouts are not new to me. I've struggled with my skin since I was a teenager, and still to this day where I'm now so old that anti-ageing products are a must, my skin plays up. Over the years I've tried more or less all products under the sun, but haven't really had major success with any. The most successful one has been using a gentle cleanser with my Clairsonic twice a day. Except, this time, it just wasn't quite enough, so when I was offered to trial the Medik8 Beta Moisturise Skin Balancing Mattifying Moisturiser and the Beta Gel, I happily accepted... 

 

The Medik8 Beta Moisturise Skin Balancing Mattifying Moisturiser is a very light, non-greasy daily moisturiser with active ingredients to provide continuous hydration and anti-inflammatory properties whilst controlling shine and oil production, for a clearer and more blemish free skin. 

 

Some of the key ingredients in the moisturiser are; 

 

• Prebiotics/Probiotics - Prebiotics stimulate the growth of probiotic organisms. These can help balance the skin's bacteria levels and decrease blemish-causing bacteria and hence help prevent future breakouts.
• Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, - Helps to reduce sebum production, retains essential moisture, reduces redness and irritation and exhibits anti-inflammatory action, as well as assists with exfoliation and prevents pore blockages.
• Beta-Glucan - Assists in skin renewal, supports the skin's natural defence mechanisms
• Ethyl Linolete - Sebum regulator, anti-inflammatory
• Cinnamon Extract - Helps regulate sebum production and maintain bacteria proliferation. It also helps reduce acne lesions and promote a blemish-free complexion

 

The moisturiser is of course also free from parabens and is also fragrance free so it is also suitable for sensitive skin types.

 

The moisturiser is so light and absorbs instantly into the skin, leaving it feeling fresh and moisturised, and you can immediately both see and feel its mattifying effect, which on my skin lasts all day. This also means that it is perfect for using under makeup, as it simply makes my skin stay put all day, even without the use of a primer. And when use as a night cream, I also don't wake in the morning with the feeling that my skin is greasy, which is such a lovely change too. But of course, what's better is that the moisturiser works behind the scenes to help control the oil production in the skin and reduce both existing breakouts and prevent future ones.

 

 

Don't let the tiny tube of the Medk8 Beta Gel Blemish Gel fool you. It may be small, but it is jam-packed with blemish fighting active ingredients that promises quick results.

  

Some of the key ingredient in the Beta Gel are;

 

• Dioic Acid - helps reduce sebum production
• Azelaic Acid which is a deeply penetrating anti-inflammatory and has Comedolytic properties
• Salicylic Acid which helps clear blocked pores and prevents congested skin
• Niacinamide (vitamin E), which exhibits anti-inflammatory action to help reduce irritation and the appearance of redness.

 

The Beta Gel not only helps heal existing breakouts and prevent the formation of future blemishes thanks to the salicylic acid which clears blocked pores and removes dead surface skin. And , it also helps calm the redness and irritation that often come with blemishes too.

 

The Beta Gel promises to work fast, and believe me when I say that it does! When I apply it before going to bed at night, I can already see a significant difference the next morning. Blemishes are simply not only smaller in size, my skin also seems far less red and irritated. But it is not only the actual blemish that reduces and vanishes a lot quicker than normal, those annoying dark marks you always get after breakouts, also seem to be significantly smaller too.

 

I love that the gel can be used on both individual blemishes and on larger problem areas, and the clear gel absorbs super quick into the skin without leaving it feeling sticky or tacky. And I really like that I can also use it on top of my makeup during the day if needed, and no one would ever know! And unlike most (if not all) other blemish products I've previously used, this Beta Gel does not dry out the skin! At all!

 

As I've been using the Beta Moisturiser and the Beta Gel together, it is obviously difficult to distinguish some individual benefits, but that said, they obviously work perfectly together, and combined, they have in no time helped get my skin back to a more normal state, and consequently I wouldn't hesitate purchasing either product again.

 

The moisturiser is at $75 for a 50ml tube, I find, quite reasonably priced for such a high quality product, while I do feel that the Beta Gel is a tad pricey at $79.50 for a small 15ml tube. You obviously only use the tiniest bit to cover a blemish, but still! That said, it has made my blemishes fade a lot quicker than with any other blemish gel, and for that reason, I will without a doubt purchase it again when I run out!

 

Medik8 Beta Moisturise Skin Balancing Mattifying Moisturiser, RRP: $75/50ml

Medik8 Beta Gel Blemish Gel, RRP: $79.50/15ml

 

Available from: Active Skin, Adore Beauty and RY

* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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PRODUCT REVIEW: ASPECT EXFOL L15

I have always suffered with skin prone to breakouts, so when I was offered to trial a product that helps with a clearer skin with fewer visible imperfections, I happily accepted. Here are my thoughts on the Aspect Exfol L15*;

What They Say:

Superior skin resurfacing without the trauma! Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA's) are without question one of dermatology's greatest success stories. AHAs work their magic by accelerating the skin's natural cell renewal cycle, invisibly lifting away the excess accumulation of dull, devitalised surface skin cells, revealing a smoother, clearer, brighter, healthier-looking surface layer, with more refined-looking pores, and fewer visible imperfections.


RRP: $87.40 (30ml) – Available from Select Stockists, or call 1800 648 851 to enquire
What I Say:


I have been using this serum every night for several weeks now, and I have to say that I am impressed. My skin has just gone through a hormonal phase with lots of breakouts, and this serum is so gentle. It contains AHA including lactic acid that overnight help gently peel away dead skin cells, and unclog and refine the pores and leaving the skin less greasy and consequently less prone to breakouts, and at the same time it helps makes the skin look and feel smoother and more even toned. So I have not only noticed that I have less breakouts, but those I have had while using the serum, have vanished a lot faster. And as if that isn’t enough, but at the same time I have also noticed that both old acne scars and some fine lines look softer in appearance and pigmentation have visible reduced in size too, - and each morning when I wake, I feel my skin is more and more even and glowing.


You might think that all this would mean that the Exfol L 15 is terribly harsh on the skin, but that is not so, in fact it is very gentle and in spite of daily use, it has not left my skin red, irritated or sensitive.


I love the products from Aspect are so natural, containing no harsh chemicals including no parabens, SLS, petrochemicals, propylene glycol and artificial colours and fragrances.

The serum comes in a funky silver pump bottle with a twist top that reveals the pump, and the serum is quite thin so it only takes a little a lot to spread it over the face. At 87.40 for a 30ml bottle it is not exactly cheap, but on the other hand, as it is so concentrated there is sufficient in the bottle for nightly use for at least 2-3 months, and considering you cannot even get a facial at a salon under $100 these days, I actually find this serum to be amazing value – it is like a facial in a bottle, giving not only clearer and more even skin day by day, but also soft skin with a nice glow, as if you’ve just stepped out of a salon, when you wake every morning.

For a once a product that lives up to its promises, a product that is targeting fine lines, blemishes, pigmentation and dull skin, all at the same time. What’s not to love. I will definitely be purchasing this one again.

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


What do you think of this Aspect L 15? Ever tried any of the products from Aspect?

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BEAUTYDIRECTORY EXPERT PANEL: PROACTIV+

My skin has always been prone to breakouts. And while teenage years are long gone, and my skin is now needing anti-ageing skincare, with wrinkles and pigmentation my main skin concern - continued breakouts does bother me too.

I have previously heard of Proactiv. And to be honest both good and bad things. I have heard of those that swear by the products, and others who say they are too harsh and completely dry out the skin. And then there is of course all the celebrities we have seen endorse the original Proactiv products over the years, ranging from Jessica Simpson, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, to mention just a few – although personally, celebrity endorsements really do nothing for me!

As you may have seen a little while ago, I have been selected to be a part of the beautydirectory Expert Panel, which is such an honour as out of all the amazing Australian blogs, there are only a total of Australian 10 bloggers and vloggers who are a part of this Expert Panel. For those of you who don’t know, beautydirectory is an online resource for the Australian and New Zealand beauty industry, providing beauty editors, including beauty bloggers and vloggers with essential industry news and new product information. And this Proactive+ review is an beautydirectory Expert Panel review!


The new range, Proactiv+ has been developed as customers and patients increasingly began to tell the creators of Proactiv, Doctors Rodan and Fields that they were feeling pulled between managing their acne and taking care of other important skin issues, including the look of large pores, visibly uneven texture and tone, dark marks and loss of radiance. Basically, customers felt that managing their acne with topical products came at the expense of addressing their other skin concerns. Consequently, Proactiv+ has been developed to do it all - a healthier looking, more radiant complexion and freedom from worry about breakouts.

“The plus in Proactiv+ symbolises that we’ve taken Proactiv to a new level, now also containing skincare ingredients, including glycolic acid, prebiotics, kojic acid and other nourishing botanicals, to help hydrate and nourish the skin and help with brightening.

 The Proactiv+ Deluxe pack contains: 

• Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, 60ml
• Pore Targeting Solution, 30ml
• Complexion Perfecting Hydrator, 29.5ml
• Eye Brightening Serum, 15ml
• Mark Fading Pads, 5 pads
• + bonus Skin Purifying Mask, 28g

The products contain a Smart Target Technology designed to guide the blemish-fighting ingredient off the skin's surface -- to help minimise dryness and irritation -- and deliver it with laser-like precision directly into pores, the target site for blemishes – and consequently as they are not on the surface on the skin, it doesn’t cause dryness and irritation. The micronised benzoyl peroxide is drawn into pores to target the blemish source. With more blemish-fighting ingredients in the pores, blemishes clear faster and breakouts decrease.


In addition, each of the products also contains hydrating ingredients to keep the skin moisturised and soft.


While the Proactiv range ‘only’ worked to clear blemishes and prevent future breakouts, improve visible texture & clarity and control & balance oily skin, the new Proactiv+ range also works to brighten & smooth skin, hydrate & soften skin, reduce visible pore size, soothe redness, enhance overall skin radiance, and diminish look of post-acne dark marks.


How to use:

 

 

• Step One: Cleanse – Daily AM and PM – Skin Smoothing Exfoliator
• Step Two: Target – Daily AM & PM – Pore Targeting Solution
• Step Three- Hydrate – Daily AM & PM – Complexion Perfecting Hydrator

 

 

 

 

In addition, there are also Clear Blemish Relief, Cleansing Body Bar, as well as Mark Fading Pads, Skin Purifying Mask, and the Eye Brightening Serum, and the last three I was also sent for trial.

 

  

Now here’s what I think of the products;

 

 

The Skin Smoothing Exfoliator*
 

 

 

 

 

This is a 4-in-1 face wash, deep cleanser, a cleanser that targets impurities, a glycolic acid toner and a mild exfoliator. The creamy cleanser has been formulated with micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide to clear up existing breakouts and help prevent new ones. It also contains tiny exfoliating beads and glycolic acid to gently resurface the skin. It only takes a small amount massaged into damp skin, and the gentle cleanser quickly cleanses my skin deep down every pore, getting rid of any excess oil, dirt and impurities, without irritating of drying out my skin. It has an odd scent, but as it is so efficient, I can certainly put up with it.

 

 

 

Pore Targeting Solution*
 

 

 

 

 

This light gel combines micronized benzoyl peroxide with the pore targeting delivery system that helps direct the gel directly into the pores. The gel needs to be applied to the entire face after cleansing, and once it has fully absorbed, to follow with the Hydrating Cream. I have to be honest and admit that I do not suffer from breakouts all over my face, but mainly on my nose and chin area, so that’s where I have been using the cream. It needs to be used twice daily, and while the packaging does state that it can cause some dryness or peeling, it did not cause any issues to my skin – other than making it feel less greasy. The gel is quite concentrated, and as I’ve been targeting where I’ve used it, I’ve been using less than a pump per application.

 

 

 

Complexion Perfecting Hydrator*
 

 

 

 

 

This hydrating cream has a light gel texture and absorbs immediately into the skin leaving it silky soft without any greasiness, but rather leaves the with a nice matte look. The moisturiser has next to no scent and it contains salicylic acid to help fight breakouts and botanicals to help brighten the skin to look brighten tone and help to reduce the look of post-acne marks to make the skin look more clear and radiant. And because it absorbs into the skin so quickly, it works perfectly under makeup too. As it contains salicylic acid, it is recommended to apply SPF before going outside, and I have to admit that I would have liked it to be included in the cream, at least for day time use, while of course, when using as a night cream, it is perfect that it is free from the SPF!

 

 

  

The Mark Fading Pads*
 

 

 

 

 

These toner pads have been formulated with glycolic acid to help improve the appearance of superficial post-blemish marks and even the appearance of skin tone. The pads are like a small wet wipe that are individually wrapped, and they are to be used after the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator on clean dry skin, and once wiped over the skin, it is not rinsed off. They are designed to be used once a week to enhance the skincare regimen, but can also be used at night 5 days in a row to help quick start to help clear spots. The wipe has strong alcoholic and chemical scent, and does feel a little drying on the skin, so I don’t think I could use it for 5 days in a row, as I could imagine it would make my skin irritated and dry. But used weekly it does make the skin feel extra clean and rid it from extra oil and sebum that can potentially cause breakouts.

 

 

 

The Skin Purifying Mask*

 

 

 

 

This mask contains deep-cleansing sulphur to draw out impurities from the pores to help clear blemishes and help prevent new breakouts, while kaolin clay draws out excess oil. It can be used 2-3 times a week for about 10minutes, and afterwards my skin is left feeling and looking fresh, clear and glowing. And while I do get breakouts, I find that using it just once a week is more than sufficient for my skin. The mask can also be used as a spot treatment overnight to help clear blemishes, which I have to admit that I do like too.

 

 

 

The Eye Brightening Serum*

 
 

 

 

 
 

This eye serum rejuvenates the thin delicate skin around the eye area. The cream contains antioxidants, peptides and a moisturising complex, along with brightening vitamin C and liquorice extract to help minimise the appearance of dark circles, reduce puffiness and smooth the look of fine lines. The cream can be used both morning and night, and is very concentrated, so it only takes the smallest amount. The serum absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth, and ready for makeup.

 

 

 

Overall, I have really enjoyed trialling these products, and confirming that the products are definitely not harsh on the skin, as they did not irritate my skin at all. I don’t think I’ve had any less breakouts as a result of using the products, but I did have some breakouts throughout the trial period, and found that the products did help clear them faster, and generally I have found that my skin seems less greasy, and consequently that my makeup looks nicer and stays put for longer too.

 

 

As for dark marks, I am not sure that they have helped minimise the size of existing ones, but it is great knowing that the products are working towards it. The same goes for dark circles around my eyes, they are caused by being woken by a teething toddler every night, and sadly I don’t think any eye cream would be able to rectify what this does to you in the long term!

 

   

While I enjoyed using all the products, for me the standouts were the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, The Mark Fading Pads and the Skin Purifying Mask, and I can see myself purchasing these again in the future.

 

   

This Proactive+ Deluxe Pack has an RRP of $54.95 and is available from Proactiv

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

Ever tried Proactiv? Troubled with breakouts? What’s your go-to products? 

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PRODUCT REVIEW // BLEMISH AND LA ROCHE POSAY

My skin has always been prone to breakouts. But I’ve managed to keep it under control, by eating healthily, exercising and good skincare. When I got pregnant, and consequently had to stop using blemish products as they say the contents of among others salicylic acid can harm the foetus, I feared that my skin would go bonkers using more simple products. But with the help of my Clairsonic, my skin was clearer than it had ever been. Fast forward and my little boy is now almost 14 month sold, and for the past few months my skin problems returned and I couldn’t for the life of me work out why. But then it dawned on, I had been breastfeeding my boy, and stopping this some months ago naturally meant a change of the hormone levels in my body. So yet again, I had to have a full blemish regimen in place. Here are the products that have helped my skin return to almost normal state again;

 

Avene Soapless Cleanance Gel*

 

This cleansing gel is as the name suggests, soapless so it gently cleanses the skin without drying it out, something many acne and blemish cleansers often do. I don’t use this to remove makeup, but rather use it after removing the makeup, but use it as the second cleanser, where it cleanses my skin deep down every pore. The cleanser also doesn’t irritate the skin, all and it helps to regulate the sebum production for so my skin feels less greasy, and breaks out less as well as any existing breakouts seems to fade faster too. And because my skin is less greasy, my makeup consequently also stays looking nicer for longer.

RRP: $29.95 (200ml) – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies

 

Avene Cleanance Lotion*

 

This is a light moisturising lotion intended for oily and blemish prone skin, and while it is light, it still provides the skin with necessary moisture, just without clogging it up as it is non-comedogenic. It is rich in Avène Thermal Spring Water and is soothing on the skin and it has sebum absorbent microcapsules, that helps regulate the sebum production of the skin, tighten the pores and purify the skin as it is also containing acne fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid. I don’t quite have oily skin, but still from time to time find my combination skin getting so greasy that I find my makeup sliding off my face, but when I use this, my skin stays matte all day, and my makeup stays put.

RRP: $25.95 (40ml) – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies

 

My Eco Sponge*

 

Using a facial scrub is often a good idea when you have blemish prone skin, as it can help prevent the pores becoming blocked and consequently break out. But at the same time, if your breakouts are really bad, a scrub can sometimes make matters worse as you can damage the skin and spread the bacteria. And that’s where the Eco Sponge is so perfect.  The sponge is made from 100% natural konjac, which is both sustainable and biodegradable, as well as it contains absolutely no added colourings or additives. The sponge is so gentle, that it is suitable even for those with extremely sensitive skin, or if you have skin irritations, or been sunburnt, so it is absolutely brilliant for blemish prone skin too for gently cleansing and removing impurities from the skin, and gently buffing away dead skin cells for a skin that is cleaner and more glowing.

RRP: $9.50 – Available from My Eco Sponge

 


La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+*


 

 

I have previously declared my love for the Effaclar Duo, and this newly updated version is now a complete care with reinforced anti-imperfection efficacy, as it contains an anti-marks active ingredient, Procerad, which means that it helps to prevent those red marks or dark spots that often tend to loiter about after the spot has cleared. But that’s not all, it also helps accelerate the skin returning to normal again. This amazing gel works on both preventing breakouts, but also to clear ‘normal’ pimples and blackheads, and not to mention those angry blemishes and those hiding under the surface of the skin, and all while soothing the skin and regulating the sebum production – and of course without burning or drying the skin out. The gel absorbs quickly into the skin giving the skin a nice matte finish and it works perfectly under makeup too. And as it is so gentle, it can be used both morning and night. 

RRP: $27.99 (40ml) – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies 
 

MediK8 Beta Gel Blemish Gel*

 

This blemish gel is by far the most expensive one I have ever used. Normally I hate forking out $30-40 on the branded treatment gel I usually use, but twice as much, ouch! So is it really worth it? It contains a mixture of all natural blemish fighting ingredients including dioic acid to reduce sebum output and therefore helps to reduce acne bacteria, salicylic acid to help clear blocked pores and prevents congested skin, azelaic acid, which has deeply penetrating anti-inflammatory and comedolytic properties as well as niacinamide to exfoliate and balance oil production.

The clear gel has a nice cooling effect and once absorbed into the skin, you can apply makeup on top as per usual. And unlike other blemish gels that I’ve previously tried (and believe me, that’s more than I can even count), it doesn’t dry out the skin, so when you’ve got one of those nasty pimples so big it has its own postcode, you can keep applying the gel up to six times during the day. And you can almost instantly feel how the zit shrinks in size – faster than with any other treatment I have EVER tried, and I love that it helps to balance the skin rather than dry it out.  And yes it is expensive, but its efficiency makes so worth it.

RRP: $80 (15ml) – Available from Advanced Cosmeceuticals and Select Stockists

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

So there you go, my current go-to products when my skin is playing up.

 

Do you suffer from breakout? Which products do you reach for?

 

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