Category Archives: Skincare

A gentle face wash: the S5 Clarity Cleanser

Posted in Beauty, Skincare by

s5_clarity_cleanser_review - 2Many a times I mentioned how much I love S5 Skincare. Apart from having fabulous, natural products, the founder is a darling and genuinely caring about skin issues.

To join my beloved Balance Fluid moisturiser and Purity Serum, I got the great – and new –  S5 Clarity Cleanser, which cleans and detoxifies skin.

It is so mild on the skin that it’s not even funny. It’s scent is very subtle and it foams quite well.

s5_clarity_cleanser_review - 1Skin feels soft and extremely comfortable, not the faintest sign of drying. A real joy to use. It also does a very decent job of removing light makeup – even eye makeup!

On its formula, exfoliating papaya enzymes gently help get rid of old cells – leave it for a couple of minutes after applying to best results – and alpine epilobium fleishieri, which has sebum regulating properties.

The organic S5 Clarity Cleanser cost £28 for 200ml is available to buy now from the S5 Skincare website and selected retailers.

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This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Look good, do good: Kiehl’s Tinie Tempah Ultra Facial Cream

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kiehls_ultra_facial_cream_review - 2Kiehl’s is a brand I’ve always regarded quite highly, but had never tried anything from, even though I many a times set myself to buy.

I was very happy that the first product I got to try was the limited edition Tinie Tempah Ultra Facial Cream. Hang on. Tinie Tempah?

Kiehl’s partnered up with Tinie, who designed the lid for their classic Ultra Facial Cream and MTV Staying Alive Foundation to raise money – and awareness – to the prevention of HIV and Aids spread. Tinie Tempah is the UK ambassador for the charity.

kiehls_ultra_facial_cream_review - 3The Ultra Facial Cream is a 24-hour moisturiser as it helps reduce moisture loss and draws moisture from the air to keep skin hydrated for longer.

The white cream is much lighter than it looks. It spreads and absorbs well and is great for use day or night.

It feels great on the skin, you don’t need an awful lot to cover face and neck as it spreads extremely well and behaves very well under makeup.

With no fragrance, it’s great for men and women. For me, it is a no-nonsense approach to skin care. Even the boyfriend liked it!

kiehls_ultra_facial_cream_review - 1It contains antarcticine (a glacial glycoprotein extract), which helps protect against dryness and combat free radicals; desert plant extract, rich in potassium for hydrating effects and squalane, a signature Kiehl’s ingredient which is a vegetal lipid very similar to our skin one.

Kiehl’s is no strange to HIV/Aids prevention work. They have been working hard since the 80’s and have raised more than £2.5 million to the cause in the past 10 years alone.

The MTV Staying Alive Foundation provides funding and training to youth-led HIV prevention projects around the world. Their work helps these projects and their young leaders to develop vital skills to build innovative, culturally relevant and sustainable organisations that lead the fight against HIV on the ground.

Kiehl’s UK is giving £2 from every pot to the foundation, so it can help them carry on with their fantastic job.

You can get the Kiehl’s limited edition Tinie Tempah Ultra Facial Cream from the Kiehl’s website and retailers nationwide. it costs £43.50 for 125ml.

Because I got mine as a press sample, I have made a small donation to the foundation directly, after all, I am using a pot that should give back to the charity. You can donate directly here.

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This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

The Body Shop Oils of Life: fuelling my obsession with oils

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bodyshop_oils_of_life_review - 1As if I weren’t obsessed enough with oils, here comes The Body Shop and adds more fuel to the fire with the amazingly luxurious Oils of Life range.

It contains a massager and four great products: two creams, an oil and a lotion, with which I will start with, as it is a bit different from all skincare products I tried before.

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Essence Lotion has, of course, oils, mixed with water, making it a bi-phasic solution, much like the best eye makeup removers out there.

As every item in the collection, this contain three precious seed oils: black cumin, camellia and rosehip. Lovely, no? These ingredients are known for their repairing and revitalising properties.

The Revitalising Lotion is a pre moisturising step, preparing the skin to receive the care and it should be applied after cleansing and toning.

I have to say that my skin routine has enough steps, but this ones adds something extra. Apart from making skin feel softer and helping spread the products that follow, it proved to be particularly valuable in the morning, as it is a helps to wake me up with its freshness and subtle lovely smell.

bodyshop_oils_of_life_review - 2Obviously, it is super light, feels like water and really gives the skin that pick me up before the nourishing routine. You just need a few drops, after shaking to mix, for the whole face and neck.

Packaging is quite simple; a plastic orange bottle with a sturdy cap, not exactly luxurious but gives you that apothecary look (but the feel as it is not glass!). I like the label is small and you can see the solution mix as you shake it.

It does make me wonder that this product would make a fab spray to be used during the day; I might put it in an atomiser to carry around, being the huge fan of face mists I am.

Doubtlessly helps boost radiance as part of the routine, but for me, its “wake me up effect” is its best feature.

The lovely Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Essence Lotion costs £15 for 150ml and can be bought online or at The Body Shop shops nationwide.

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This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

A new tinted moisturiser in my drawer: Dermalogica Sheer Tint SPF20

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dermalogica_sheer_tint_review - 1Remember when I said I didn’t like tinted moisturisers then it all changed? Yeah, it seems I’m on a roll, now with the Dermalogica Sheer Tint SPF20.

I’ve been using Dermalogica products for a while now and so far everything I tired is a hit. See for yourself how much I love my moisture boost and eye cream.

This one does not disappoint. It has a lovely texture and the colour medium is a good match for me.

dermalogica_sheer_tint_review - 3It has some shimmery particles, which are the light-diffusing iron oxides, but not too much; just enough for that lovely healthy glow.

It also contains hydrolyzed pearl amino acids, hydrating hyaluronic acid and antioxidant walnut seed extracts. All these ingredients help improve
 the texture and appearance of fine dehydration lines in the skin.

The coverage is extremely sheer, so perfect for a non-makeup day. After all, is is an SPF 20 face moisturiser and feels very comfortable on the skin.

dermalogica_sheer_tint_review - 2I’ve been using it a lot to go to the gym, used everyday on holidays and sometimes is just a nice brightening base for makeup, to be honest.

The Dermalogica Sheer Tint SPF20 is priced at £34.80 and can be our chased on line or at Dermalogica shops and concession nationwide.

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This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

The best beauty advent calendars 2015

Posted in Beauty, Body, hair, Make Up, nails, Skincare by

It’s October, I know, but Christmas seems so close (?) I can almost smell it. And I’ve seen so many fabulous beauty advent calendars that I can barely contain myself.

Looks like this year companies really upped their game.

So I am listing my favourites on the market. With offers this great, a little more than a month to decide might seem a long tim – but it is not.  Before you know, you’ll be popping that number 1 window…

charlotte_tilbury_beauty_advent_calendar_2015The Book of Make Up Magic, Charlotte Tilbury, £150

Is there anywhere Ms Tilbury is not in at the moment? No. And her advent calendar, albeit counting with “only” 12 items, including a fair share of CT classics, is fabulous. You can sign up now to be the first to know when it becomes available.

house_of_fraser_beauty_advent_calendar_2015Color Couture, House of Fraser, £20

Coming in at an almost unbelievable price, this lovely beauty advent calendar is packed full of HoF own beauty brand. I had a peek at their Christmas show and it is full of very wearable items. Fantastic value for money.

 liberty_beauty_advent_calendar_2015Beauty Advent Calendar 2015, Liberty, £149

Limited edition, beautiful inside and out…. Oh, Liberty has done it again and it’s full of their fabulous premium brands, including Diptyque, Hourglass, Kiehl’s and Aromatherapy Associates.

It’s available now from the Liberty website or in-store. And you get that welcome overdose of pretty Liberty print.

bodyshop_beauty_advent_calendar_201524 Happy Days, The Body Shop, £60 and £80.

The Body Shop is bringing out not one, but two advent calendars. The 24 Happy days advent calendar, the “standard” one, contains bath and body classics plus some new launches.

The 24 Happy Days Premium Advent Calendar includes more luxury ranges such as the fabulous Oils of Life.

bodyshop_beauty_advent_calendar_2015_1Plus, they are partnering up with WaterAid, and for each selected Christmas gift they sell, water for a whole day is provided to a family in Ethiopia.

selfridges_cosmic_beaty_advent_calendar_2015Cosmic Beauty Advent Calendar, Selfridges, £95

Think the iconic shop beauty hall in a box. With an outer-space motif. What’s not to love? Exactly. Armani, Kiehl’s, Lancôme, Shu Uemura, Urban Decay, Viktor & Rolf and YSL classics and launches are in there. Even better, you can get it now!

ciate_beauty_advent_calendar_2015Mini Mani Month, Ciaté, £49.99

Nail addicts all look forward to this one, which has become a Christmas classic. Every year it seems to get better and this edition comes with a special Olivia Palermo shade too.

No excuses not to have festive nails throughout December!

benefit_party_poppers_advent_calendar_2015Party Poppers, Benefit, £34.99

Music with your festive calendar? Yes, please. Plus 12 minis to live in your handbag during the party season. Available now.

makeup_revolution_advent_calendar_2015Makeup Revolution Advent Calendar, £45

A fab calendar packed with 25 full size (yes, all full size!) Makeup Revolution products, which I love, selected by staff at their HQ and the 25th is a Christmas gift. Sweet. Available at Superdrug.

m&s_beauty_advent _calendar_2015Beauty Advent Calendar, M&S, £25

Packed full of well-loved brands, this advent calendar comes in at an affordable £25, but there’s a catch: you must spend at least £25 on M&S beauty to be able to buy.

lush_12days_ofchristmas_contents_beauty_advent_calendar_201512 Days of Christmas, Lush, £49.95

Natural and fragrant bath product in all shapes and sizes to prepare you for the big C day. And oh, yeah, it’s vegan too!

loccitane_beauty_advent_calendar_2015Noel Approche, L’Occitane, £39

24 luxurious hair, body and skin care treats awaits inside this super cute calendar, available later this month.

no7_boots_beauty_advent_calendar_201525 Days of Beauty Wonders, Boots No7, £38

A fan of Boots No7 brand? well, you are in for a treat. There are loads of skin care, body and makeup here, including six full-sized products. You can sign up to be the first to know when it launches.

you_beauty_discovery_advent_calendar_2015YOU Beauty Advent Calendar, £59.95 (plus P&P)

You can get £330 worth of great brand products in this advent calendar – Caudalie, Benefit, Molton Brown, REN, Rodial and more, all await behing the little doors. Available from You Beauty Discovery.

As I said, plenty to look out for, and for  all budgets! Always worth remembering Primark usually brings a couple out at around the £10 mark.

Which one do you want to get you beautifully manicured hands on?

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You can take a look at my 2014 selection here.

Weather changes: what about my skin?

Posted in Beauty, Skincare by

winter_skincare_somanylovelythings - 1My skin is, at the best of days, problematic. After suffering from acne most of my life, I really need to be careful with how I approach skincare.

Season changes can play havoc with it if I don’t start adapting my routine at the first signs of change.

Whereas spring and summer are gentler and require less care in general, this time of the year can be quite challenging for me, and I have already started to adapt my ways.

winter_skincare_somanylovelythings - 2Immediately, the colder air seems to suck out the moisture of my skin. Although I have acne, my skin can get quite dry and dehydrated.

A common mistake for acneic skin sufferers is to think oily skin doesn’t need moisture. I myself did that for a long time. Sebum and hydration are two different thing, so make sure you are hydrating and nourishing oily skin.

At the same time, I cannot use very rich creams on my face. In the summer, I can’t even contemplate; in the winter, I can take a bit more richness, but not a lot.

I change to a gentler face wash/cleanser, such as S5 Clarity Cleanser (ever so gentle) and Trilogy Balancing Gel Cleanser.

In terms of toners, I tend to swap for gentler one, such as the Dermalogica Multi Active Toner every other day, then rotate my favourites Clinique Anti-Blemish Clarifying Lotion and Pixi Glow Tonic.

winter_skincare_somanylovelythings - 7

A pre-cleanse, when wearing heavy make up, also helps making the whole process less abrasive. The Dermalogica Precleanse is fabulous, I cannot recommend enough.

During the day, I’ve been starting with The Body Shop Essence Lotion and follow with a moisturiser with SPF, which can be Caudalie Polyphenol C15, Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser, Dermalogica Sheer Tint or Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance (the last two are tinted).

Other times I use Clinique Anti-Blemish Solution Clearing Moisturiser or thisworks energy bank sun flash or light time skin plumper with a sunscreen underneath, such as the fabulous Eucerin Mattifying Sun fluid.

winter_skincare_somanylovelythings - 8At night, I usually apply either a good moisturiser or light night cream. Favourites at the moment include the S5 Balance Fluid, The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Gel and Cream, Liz Earle Superskin Face Serum (which is a fabulous thicker serum).

Then I complement with a serum and/or oil, depending on how parched my skin feels. Favourites include Balance Me Radiance Oil, Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely revitalising Facial Oil, Caudalie Vinoperfect (to help me get rid of some sun/hormonal dark spots that usually appear on my face in the summer), Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus, S5 Purity Serum.

winter_skincare_somanylovelythings - 9I never thought oils would be suitable for my skin, having acne and all, but since I started, with Balance Me Radiance oil, I noticed a great improvement.

The theory is that once you are already giving your skin oil, it doesn’t need to produce more. It did work for me and after a while I could, for the first time in years, see radiance on my skin.

All that in conjunction with the fabulous Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster, which is great for face and eyes, giving my skin that extra hydration, day or night.

winter_skincare_somanylovelythings - 4I feel that high on my cheekbones and around the eyes,my skin get extra dry, so I use eye creams in the morning and evening. Favourites include Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair, S5 Renew Eye Cream and Joan Collins Superlift eye serum, not to forget some coconut oil from time to time.

Mists play a huge part in my winter routine. Central heating is not great for skin so I keep mine in check with a great facial spray.

I love the Jurlique Rose Mist, Pixi Glow Mist and Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritz.

winter_skincare_somanylovelythings - 6My lips suffer all year round and tend to dry, flake and chap quite easily. Unlucky for me, they are also quite “fussy” in regards to what works, and Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream and Nivea Lip Butter are the only things that will prevent and treat them well.

As the season evolves and weather fluctuates, I adjust the above accordingly. I am always trying different combinations: some nights I might use oil, serum and moisturiser; some days, only serum, depending on how my skin feels and looks.

The important thing for me is is to keep it comfortable, looking healthy and most importantly, breakout free as much as possible.

What kind of changes do you make to your skincare routine for the new seasons? Does your skin suffer with it?

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This post contains a mix of press samples and products I bought myself. Refer to links for full reviews and info.

All about the eyes: Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Superlift Eye Serum

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joan_collins_contratime_eye_serum - 1In the past few years I’ve become a bit obsessed with eye creams. Yes, it *maybe* has something to do with my age, but it is the type of product I really enjoy, as I can feel an almost immediate result.

I was really looking forward to trying got the Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Contra Time Superlift Eye Serum.

The packaging is simple has a nice weight to it; the pump is very sturdy in gold. Easy to use and dispenses a generous amount of the stuff; I could do with a bit less to be honest.

The cream itself is a lovely fluid, off white and a tiny bit pearlescent. It is silky and non-greasy, applying very well and being absorbed straight away.

joan_collins_contratime_eye_serum - 2As soon as I apply, I feel a lovely freshness, as if it is minty, but not quite. I apply it before going to bed and it is not irritant to my sensitive eyes, and that is very important.

Skin in the area feels hydrated and smooth and I think it delivers. I cannot stress enough how important it is to use eye creams; the skin in the area is finer than anywhere else in the face and it is really prone to dehydration.

Make sure you use an eye are specific cream from you mid-20s, no matter your budget. The important thing is that is if for around the eyes and moisturises.

This product is said to work at cellular level , shielding skin against  sun damage and dehydration, as well as speeding cell renewal – it encourages older cells to behave younger! A bit like me.

It is priced at £35, so not the cheapest of items, and comes in XXml and it lasts well, so I think the price is fair.

You can get the Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Contra Time Superlift Eye Serum from their website, QVC (with great deals) and Urban Retreat.

Apart from skincare, Joan Collins Beauty also has fragrances and makeup, which is also lovely. I tried the gorgeous Divine lipstick in Crystal; you can find my review here.

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This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

One for the gym bag: this works body makeover body oil

Posted in Beauty, Body, Skincare by

thisworks_energy_bank body makeover

Oil has been my beauty obsession for the past couple of years, so obviously I am always open to new products on my routine.

The this works body makeover is a glowing, super charging body oil, blended from 16 essential oils. If oil is what you want, oil you shall receive!

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A new type of face serum from Liz Earle

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liz_earle_serum - 1It is not a secret I love my serums. Also general knowledge I love Liz Earle, so when I was given the newly launched Superskin Face Serum to try, I was thrilled.

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