On body image, smaller breasts and beautiful lingerie

Posted in Body, Lifestyle, Style by

Don’t get me wrong: I have always seen myself as having a good body image: I don’t usually care much about what people think, always dressed and looked after my body in a way it makes me (and no one else) happy, and am quite comfortable wearing nothing or very little; always been a lights on in the bedroom girl.

So why is that when time came to photograph in lingerie I was nervous and dreading the publishing of this post?

Dita Von Teese Madam X lingerie - FigleavesPhoto fears overcome, let’s get to the reason why I wanted to photograph in beautiful lingerie – and they don’t come in much more beautiful than the Madame X set from Dita Von Teese in Paradise Pink, available at Figleaves.

My small breasts were, as I was growing up (and they weren’t, as it turns out), a little bit of a joke. Fried eggs, a big spot, ‘took it after my dad” were common jokes to deflect the fact I always thought they were not proportional to my wider hips.

Plastic surgery was a desire for many years, for all of the above and also that, being from Brazil, the quest for the perfect body is never ending and surgery is widespread.

I wanted a fuller cleavage, wanted to stop using the ridiculously squashy push up and cushion-like padded bras I wore most my life.

Then something happened. They were no longer an issue. They felt like mine, they felt sexy and suddenly looked like they were the perfect fit for my body. They belonged. Finally.

The change was in my head, and the life long journey that is accepting yourself in various aspects. I went topless on the beach. I started going braless. I wore daring necklines. I stopped caring.

“Oh, you are too flat to wear such a plunging neckline”. Oh well, I like it and feels comfortable, so you can suck it up. Also, I actually think it looks good.

“Don’t you think such small breasts are not feminine” enough? Well, they are still breasts and they haven’t received any formal complaints to this day (please don’t form an orderly queue), so you can suck it up, again.

Dita Von Teese Madam X lingerie - Figleaves

Sexy lingerie was always something I wore for myself. There are no limits to my preferences – from the practical to the pretty all the way to the kinky, I am in.

However, I always compromised the beauty of my lingerie for the push up factor. But no more. I will now wear shapes that will flatter my size and make me feel good, without creating that extra boob of foam I cannot even feel.

I always perceived Figleaves as a retailer that caters for the fuller bust, so never thought of looking for my underwear there.

Until I went to one of their events, got a proper fitting and realised their gorgeous styles – for all tastes and pockets – are available from an A cup, and that includes sports bras!

Plus, among many great brands, they stock the stunning Dita Von Teese range, with which I frankly fell in love at first sight, then again when looking closer.

Figleaves handpick their stock from over 200 brands, from everyday to luxury, and their bras go from A to K cups. They also have their own brand, which has great styles with great fit and is extremely good value for money!

They are passionate about lingerie and how women feel when wearing them, from the practical to the fashionable, something I am very much on board with.

The Dita Von Teese lingerie is extremely sexy and classy, very comfortable to wear and there is a great selection of sets currently available on the Figleaves site.

The gorgeous Paradise Pink Madame X bra costs £48, the g-string £27 and the suspender £40. It also comes in black, creme caramel, aquamarine and electric blue, but the pink is limited edition, I am told.

Also, if you are quick, just today (14 May 2018), Figleaves has an amazing 25% off promotion*. Just use the code HOLIDAY25.

Be quick and DO IT NOW.

*Some exclusions do apply

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say again: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Mermaid hair: DIY hair extension colouring

Posted in Beauty by

I never thought thought I’d dye hair extensions at home – the sound of it had always been scary to me… until Schwarzkopf came along with all the fabulous LIVE colour.

Add to that the guidance and tips from the fantastic, hair colouring extraordinaire Lyndell Mansfield, a little kit from Schwarzkopf and I felt confident to try at home. You can read all 10 tips I used and abused at the bottom of this post.

At the event, I made the Raspberry Rebel set and got some help rinsing and drying… so I decided to take part of the dip dye set, coloured with Sea Mermaid, to finish at home and see how easy it is to actually do it on my own.

Buying extensions that are already discoloured are your best bet. Saves time, expertise (especially if we are talking dip dye  or highlights). Then make sure they have been washed and dried.

I made myself a protected “board”, with cardboard and cling film, big enough for the hair length, as we used something like that at the event.

Box opened, I read the instructions and popped my gloves on. Protection, guys, is essential!

I then laid the hair on the protected surface and mixed the colour in the bowl, with the brush. I decided to go bright, so didn’t add the Pastel mix.

I applied the dye to the hair, in upwards and downwards strokes but also sideways to make sure it gets in there.

Extensions flipped, you do it all again on the other side. Surprising how much you actually need when you flip! In fact, bleached hair is more porous so absorbs more dye – always bear that in mind when buying your kits.

Then I ran my Tangle Teezer through it several times and finally worked the dye in with my fingers. Just a good massage!

Pop in the bowl it goes, for about 20 minutes so the colour can stick and develop. Coffee ensued. I then washed the hair thoroughly – very important to do that until no colour comes out.

I applied the conditioner that comes with the kit, rinsed and dried, but not before spraying it with Got2b Guardian Angel, which protects the hair for styling up to 220 degrees.

Finally, I sprayed with Got2b Oil-licious weightless Dry Oil Mist, which is amazing – it delivers finishing oil goodness without being sticky and heavy.

Style as you please. Here, I just curled using a bit of Got2b Twisted mousse. The whole process was much easier – and quicker – than I thought so I am definitely down for it again.

Both colours are absolutely stunning – vibrant, deep and multi-dimensional. Hair was not dry after dying and because they are extensions, you will wash less often then your own hair, meaning colour last longer!

As for maintenance, after every use I brush with the Tangle Teezer, spray some Dry Oil Mist and put it in the extension storage case so it hangs nicely, next for the next use.

I wash them normally in the shower, usually on lukewarm water and use the Schwarzkopf Color Expert Color Sealer Shampoo, Conditioner and rinse off Treatment – after all, I want my bright colour to last the as much as the 15 washes LIVE can deliver!

Lyndell Mansfield tips

You can get Schwarzkopf LIVE Colour, which is semi permanent lasting to up 15 washes, at retailers country wide for around £5.50 a box (very affordable!). For a long set of extensions like mine, or long/thick hair, you will need at least 2 boxes.

It’s available in over 40 shades, from classic to vibrant, and endless combinations – you can also mis shades for a personalised hair colour and use more than one for ombré and rainbow effects! Check out the LIVE Colour website to see them all!

written by DaniYou know the drill, but I’ll say again: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Hanging on to my tan

Posted in Beauty, Body, Skincare by

Am I the only one that feels like as soon as you board the plane back from holidays my tan starts to leave my skin? No? Tell me I am not imagining!

Well, I don’t think I am. I swear that the moment I land back I’ve already lost some of my tan and glow.

Being from Brazil, I grew up being pretty tanned. When I moved to the UK, I became a pale I still don’t recognise as my real skin colour, so being tanned is not just better looking, it makes me feel a little bit more like myself.

Of course, before you ask, I tan responsibly!

So when I get back, I have a few body care friends that help me hang on to my glow that little bit longer. I don’t go full fake tan as I fell it spoils the glow, so I meet it halfway: moisturisers with just a touch of self tan.

Most days, I’ve been using the Dove Nourishing Body Care visible glow self-tan lotion.

 

It has a very subtle gradual self tan, so it gives just a touch of tan that builds up, so it is perfect to maintain and enhance a natural tan. And it does not smell.

It has Nutri-Duo, a unique dual action complex combining natural skin nutrients and moisturisers, nourishing deeper layers and locking in moisture.

For an extra boost and extra glow, I and using the Dove DermaSpa summer revived with soft shimmer. And what a pretty shimmer it is! I feel the self tan on this product is stronger than on the visible glow lotion, so I am applying this every 3 or 4 days.

And for super hydration…

My absolute favourite body oil for the summer: Dove DermaSpa goodness3 silky body oil.

It has a blend of omega oils and cell-moisturisers, on top of a lovely golden shimmer. It keeps skin hydrated and luminous.

I’ve been a fan for a few years of a similar Dove product, but the DermaSpa version has more tech behind it! I wrote a review on the Dove Purely Pampering oils quite sometime ago and I am glad the product got the DermaSpa revamp.

Apart from this, I am a huge fan of the this works skin deep dry leg oil that gives legs extra nourishing.

When I have my pins out, I use the stunning skin deep golden elixir, with real gold particle that reflect light and make legs looks smoother and brighter.

On occasion, especially when not as tanned, I reach out for the tinted perfect legs skin protector, with SPF 30. It delivers a subtle tint and protect against sun damage. Also has a subtle shimmer for that extra effect!

I actually talked about the this works leg routine in a post last year, check it out, they products are fabulous!

You can buy the Dove DermaSpa Summer Revived, Nourishing Body Care visible glow self-tan lotion and the Dove DermaSpa goodness3 silky body oil from major retailers nationwide and this works from their website.

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say again: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

A hydration boost for skin

Posted in Beauty, Skincare by

We know that having hydrated skin is important for all aspect of skin health – be it fighting ageing or achieving radiance.

So the Neutrogena Hydro Boost range has all these water gel products with hyaluronic gel matrix to not only lock moisture but also release it throughout the day, helping to ensure constant hydration levels.

All products are oil free and super light on the skin and absorb pretty well, making it for perfect day, under makeup wear.

My favourite has to be the capsule-in-serum supercharged booster. The serum itself is infused with purified hyaluronic acid, which works as a self-hydrating system for skin: we know hyaluronic acid holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, so the hydration is release constantly throughout the day.

When you press the pump, little suspended pearls – anti-oxidant capsules – boost the serum with vitamin E, which is kept protect up to the time of use, increasing the ingredient efficiency. Clever, eh?

It can be added to any routine, day or night, or even mixed to your favourite product.

Following closely is the city shield hydrating lotion with SPF 25 (£12.99). It is soooo light and fresh, and I love it delivers decent sun protection.

Of course, hyaluronic acid is responsible for hydration, but this product also helps strengthen the skin protection barrier against pollution. Honest, a joy to use.

As you know, I love an eye cream, and the eye awakening gel cream (£12.99) does not disappoint. It applies well and is a treat for the delicate round the eye skin.

I use it during the day as it is super light ad behaves well under makeup.

I opted for the gel cream moisturiser (£12.99). It is soooo light that is perfect to be used at night with serums or oils.  There is also a water gel moisturiser, which is (ever so) slightly heavier.

Finally, some cleansing goodness with the geleé milk cleanser (£7.99). Quite a different product, it does not need water or rinsing. It is an efficient cleanser and leaves skin feeling hydrated.

Even though I am funny with no foam, no rinse cleansing products, I got on alright with this one. I don’t use it all the time, but it’s my go to for lazy, but thorough cleansing, especially on late nights!

You can get the Neutrogena Hydro Boost range from major retailers and supermarkets nationwide.

More info on the range, including more products (such as wipes, micellar water and more) can be found on the Neutrogena website.

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say again: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

 

Ayurvedic botanicals for your skin

Posted in Beauty by

A while ago, I got my hands on the Samaya Ayurvedic Skincare Kapha Anti-ageing Treatment Oil, but it took me a while to fall for it.

The weather was warmer and being the rich oil it is, it didn’t quite work for my skin. However, when the winter came I decided to give it another go, and I now understand why this oil has rave reviews.

All natural, its main ingredients are fine high-performance Ayurvedic infusions such as ashwagandha root extract, sandalwood, vetivert and frankincense oils which have anti-ageing properties as well as a calming and soothing scent, helping bring tranquility.

It also contains high quality almond, turmeric root, apricot kernel and got kola oils, paracress flower extract, so overall a mix of antiflammatory, healing, balancing, cleansing, antioxidant properties to pamper the skin.

And the senses! As it is based on Ayrvedic principles, it helps restore balance – the brand name combines two Sanskrit words: sama, ‘balance’ and alaya, ‘place’ to create a ‘place of balance.

I felt my skin calmer, especially on the breakout front. It also felt nourished and replenished in the morning (I only use it at night, alone).

In the summer, I am going to mix a drop or two with a moisturiser at night, and see how it works for me, as I really loved using it.

It does retail for £79 for 30ml, but I can assure a little goes a reaaaally long way.

You can get the Samaya Ayurvedic Skincare Kapha Anti-ageing Treatment Oil from the Samaya website and also selected retailers such a Whole Foods and Fenwick.

You can also browse all the range, including the other doshas Vata and Pita – you can even do a test on their site to discover which one is your dominant!

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say again: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

A luscious shower mousse from Dove

Posted in Beauty, Body by

Who shaves in the shower?

I’ve always shaved my legs in the shower, but never used shaving foam. The fact Dove has brought out a gorgeous range of shower mousses has changed my life a bit!

The Dove shower mousse is infused with essential oils and delivers 24 hour softness. It has three variations – argan, rose and coconut oils.

It is creamy and produces instant foam instantly, which then glides onto the skin, cleansing and leaving it soft with a fabulous scent – all three of them!

Of course, not only it is a shower foam to clean skin, but it is also suitable for shaving.

The razor glides amazingly on the mousse that does not disintegrate quickly and the essential oils help skin feel soft after; because it is so gentle and the foam is so rich, it helps prevent irritation.

Worth remembering they are also sulphate free!

The rose oil variation comes in the prettiest pink packaging, but the smell on the coconut oil one is definitely my favourite – although all three smell amazing and leave a subtle scent on the skin after use.

I also love that they have a “scratch and sniff” label on the lid, so you know exactly what the product smells like  before buying.

The pump is smooth to operate in the shower and it delivers a great amount – a little does go a long way!

Since they came into my life, I cannot imagine washing my body with a traditional soap, shower gel or cream again. It feels quite indulgent, but an affordable indulgence, at £3.99 for 200ml.

You can get the scrumptious new Dove Shower Mousse from major retailers, such as Superdrug and Boots, and supermarkets country-wide.

You’ll get addicted, don’t say I didn’t warn you…

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say again: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

This way for organic, vegan makeup that works!

Posted in Beauty by

A little while ago I was introduced to INIKA, an Australian brand that is certified vegan, cruelty free and halal.

INIKA’s range is extensive as it is impressive, especially its loose pigments.

Being the makeup addict I am, I jumped at the chance to try their latest product, including their first compact powder: the gorgeous Baked Mineral Foundation (RRP £33).

As the shade I got is slightly too dark for my skin tone, I abused it in holidays, when I had a tan. The coverage is quite impressive, extremely buildable from quite sheer (that means a lot coming from me – I an very picky with my coverage), and the finish smooth and natural.

It is a mineral product, baked on Terracota tiles in Tuscany, with light reflecting particles for a  glowy finish.

Also one that became a little favourite of mine is the new Red Apple shade of their Loose Mineral Blush (RRP £23). It is almost a burnt peach with a hint of pink.

Really highly pigmented, naturally water resistant, with light reflecting pigments, it delivers a natural glowy flush to the cheeks. And I know, it is loose but it is not messy as it has a turnable sifter.

While on face, I also tried the certified organic Cream Illuminisor, a subtle and natural looking cream highlighter. The Spice shade is just a glow on my skin colour, which I believe would be amazing on paler skins and less “out there” makeup wearers. Gold delivers a little bit more colour, still very discreet.

Applies ok – it is a bit on the hard side and should be done with fingers, but the finish and durability are good for a cream product (my skin does not often like creamy products). It works well as a base for layering with a powder highlighter.

Packed with coconut oil, cocoa butter, carnauba and candelia waxes, as well as Argan oil and vitamin E, this product also cares for the skin.

The Lip Serum (RRP £17) is certified organic and contains orange essential oils, mandarin extract, vitamin E, jojoba, sunflower and rosehip oils plus sea buckthorn, which is a great healer.

It applies well and it is not sticky, has no colour but gives lips a subtle shine. I like wearing it before going to bed as overnight repair, and this has crawled into my routine – I always said nothing but two things work on my lips. Make it three.

Finally, the Liquid Eyeliner (RRP £19), also certified organic. It is well pigmented, and has a decent durability. I have the black one and for better performance, apply again once the first application has dried.

It has aloe vera, glycerin and black tea leaf extract.

I am not a fan of liquid eyeliners, but this one has a solid tip which makes application easier.

This is a tiny sample of their huge range – a great option for vegans out there! You can find all the products above, plus plenty more, on the INIKA website.

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say again: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Protected city skin

Posted in Beauty, Skincare by

My love affair with Nivea is long standing. I think I’ve already told how I remember my mum using the classic tins when I was a little girl!

To this day, my family in Brazil uses Nivea a lot – body moisturisers and sun cream mainly, so I thought it was great to bring the brand new Nivea Urban Skin Defence & Detox range, especially designed to protect our skin against agressor found in cities – a bit like a skin superhero.

The effects of pollution are as damaging as those of the sun and deplete skin of vitamins, while fumes as highly dehydrating.

The night and day creams are packed with anti-oxidants, including bio green tea.

The Daily Essentials Urban Skin Defence Day Cream has an SPF 20 and comes in a gel like form. It applies great, absorbing well and quickly, leaving skin fresh and super moisturised.

The Daily Essentials Urban Skin Defence Night Gel Cream is super light, which I love in a night cream. It supports cell regeneration and stimulates detox overnight.

I do love the moisturisers and been using for a month now, but must admit my fave is probably the 1 Minute Urban Detox Mask + Purify, which has white clay and magnolia extract.

Created to draw out impurities, such as dirty and oil, it is the perfect quick fix for clearer feeling skin. It also has some granules so it doubles up as entre exfoliation upon application.

I do love a bit of a mask and a scrub, and my skin feels amazing after use – clearer, smoother and fresh!

It also comes in + Moisturise and + Pore Refine, so you an tailor the routine to your needs – or mix and match!

It’s a simple and quick routine to add that extra protection to skin!

And the good news? It has just launched and the prices are fab – day and night creams at around £7.99 each (50ml) and mask £6.99 (75ml), and you can get it from major retailers nationwide.

You can read more about the range on the Nivea website.

At the moment, you can save up to 1/2 price on selected Nivea Essentials at Boots so stick up!

You know the drill, but I’ll say again: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

My skincare routine for problematic skin – Part 2

Posted in Beauty, Skincare by

Getting the balance between ageing prevention and acne fighting

A few days ago I started talking about how tough it is to tackle blemishes and anti-ageing -basically how I balance a skin that decides to be a teenager and an old woman at the same time – and the skincare challenges I face trying to address both issues.

Think double trouble – when you are a little bit older (cough cough) and still suffer from breakouts, ageing is a concern but most acne effective treatments will drain your skin from hydration, promoting a dry, irritated and dull complexion. Which is wrinkle prone. Great.

Frankly, I don’t have time for that, on top of all the aggro acne has brought me, I now have a new set of issues to deal with, and they are the entire opposite end of the spectrum.

With make up not sitting well and not lasting, if your confidence is already knocked by the problematic skin itself, not being able to conceal it a little bit can be even worse.

So what to do Dani? Well, I have, through all these years, tried many combinations. I’m not going to lie: it is trial and error, and sometimes it just stops working, but hopefully my tips will be useful.

In short, I keep acne specific products for the night, adding a shot of deeper hydration, and favour shielding, protecting and moisturising products for the day. And I rotate a lot, depending on how my skin is feeling.

Because this post ended up huge (trust me not to shut up), I am splitting in two parts (read Part 1) and here, in Part 2, I talk about the rest of the routine – my beloved oils, night moisturisers, serums, masks, scrubs and some extras: eye creams and lip balms.

Oils

I know many people, just like me a few years back, would never consider oils for acne skin. In fact, I was terrified of them.

Truth is when you give it oil, your skin doesn’t feel the need to produce as much. And because the oil you are giving it is good, it won’t clog and cause inflamation the pores, starting the acne process.

At the moment, I am loving (really loving) the Votary Blemish Oil, which contains tamanu oil and salicylic acid. Other sweethearts of mine are Dr Jackson 03 Everyday Face oil and Caudalie VineActiv Overnight Detox Oil.

I have also recently started dabbling with the Samaya Ayurvedic Skincare Anti-Ageing Therapy oil in Kapha, which in the summer was a bit too heavy for my skin but in the winter worked out a treat – an individual review is coming soon!

Oils will go better at night, and I will wear them when at home during the day with no makeup on.

Night moisturisers

Admittedly, a mix of moisturisers and a serum. Blame my lack or coordination when photographing!

Night moisturisers are very tricky for me as my skin will complain about anything heavy and those are often quite rich; after a few days of use it will feel congested.

For that reason I usually reach out for very light products or mix with serums and oils to obtain extra hydration and nutrition, without the “weight” on my skin.

Again, this works features heavily. The no wrinkles midnight moisture moisturisers is a bliss. Potent but not super heavy, it’s great for my skin. With the no wrinkles night repair, it’s a winning night combo.

Vitamin C has featured heavily in my skin regime, and I love the Nivea Q10 Plus Skin Sleep Cream. It is light, absorbs quickly and skin wakes up refreshed.

Finally, the Botanics All Bright Night Cream; also super light, easily absorbed, affordable and effective, really promoting brighter, rested  skin.

Scrubs

skincare routine for adult acne - face scrubsTLC said I don’t want no scrub, and that type I will also pass, thank you very much. However, when it comes to facial scrubs, I am a little bit obsessed.

They are really important in my routine, and even though overscrubbing is aggravating to acne, a gentle exfoliation is great for renewal. I usually scrub once or twice a week.

My go to scrub is the Botanics Radiant Youth Microdermabrasion Polish and Alpha H glycolic scrub comes very close!

I have also been using the Previse  Marine Granules Skin Brightening Botanical Scrub. It is super light and suitable for super sensitive skin, vegan, naturally unscented, paraben, mineral oil, petroleum, PEGs free and counts with blend of fossilised algae, jojoba and botanical extracts. It is is also great to add to any cleanser for a deeper cleansing boost!

Face masks

Now, I love a bit of pampering and face masks just scream that. Here, I am not even touching on some fab sheet masks – hopefully I’ll have a few on the blog soon!

If my skin is feeling more sensitive, I opt for a hydrating mask such as Caudalie Moisturising Mask or dermalogica Multi-Vitamin mask. Even the Formula 10.0.6 Pores Be Pure, which has clay but is mild enough, for some purifying.

Otherwise, charcoal. I love the dermalogica charcoal masque or the BLAQ Mask which is a black peel off one (see those black heads popping off).

Also in heavy use is the Amie Spring Clean Deep Cleansing Mask, which I have recently discovered and is a total joy to use – it has French white clay, zinc, lime butter and tingly peppermint so it is a super cleansing, antibacterial and detoxifying mask I am a little it in love with!

All the other bits

Not blemish related but I always wear an eye cream – day or night – and my favourites at the moment are the DHC Beauty Lift Essence roll on, the Nivea Q10plus C eye cream and this works light time open eyes, dermalogica age reversal eye complex.

Also relatively new is the Marula 3-in-1 Rejuvenating Eye treatment with Marula oil, vitamin E, marula bright complex, and peptides and an amazing ceramic applicator which soothes, massages and freshens up the eye area on application.

On my lips, Elizabeth Arden 8-hour Cream before bed or Nivea Lip Butter 1000 times a day. Always.

Very important: this mini series talks about a maintenance routine. If you are suffering from (especially) moderate to severe active acne, I urge you to talk to your doctor to discuss treatment.

Once you start treatment, you will most likely stick to a prescribed skincare routine, but depending on what your main medical treatment for acne is, some products will be off the table.

Since I photographed this post, new skincare came into play, like the new Nivea City Skin range, which has gone straight into my skincare drawer… But you know what they say (do they?): the work of a beauty blogger is never done – they will soon be featuring.

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say again: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

 

If dreams had a scent…

Posted in Body, Lifestyle, wellbeing by

It’s soooo good in bed… Launched just under a year ago, Feather & Down is a gorgeous range of bath, body and home fragrance products to help you unwind and have a great night’s sleep.

We spend 1/3 of our lives sleeping but today’s busy lifestyles means 35% of people feel their physical and mental wellbeing is affected by not getting enough sleep, and 30-45% of adults suffer from insomnia*.

My anxiety sometimes gets the best of me and that means that, even being a good sleeper in general, sometimes I appreciate the extra help unwinding.

The Pillow Spray is a joy. The fragrance is an amazing infusion of lavender and chamomile essential oils, which are known to help with anxious minds.

It encourages calm, which is essential for a restful night’s sleep. I’ve been using it almost nightly, a couple sprays on my pillow and have to say, on top of feeling very relaxing, it give my bed a comfy, sweet and fresh feel, as if my linen had just been changed. The scent is not lavender heavy.

Now, the Soothing Body Oil. Honestly, I am a huge fan of all sorts of oils in beauty, including body oil.

Full of essential oils, with the same fabulous scent of the Pillow Spray, it sinks beautifully into the skin. Apart from the calming and relaxing fragrance, spraying and smoothing it on skin will soothe it and seal the moisture after showering.

And talking about showering, the Melting Shower Cream shares the scent and mind calming properties of the range. The cream turns into a oil delivering softness and nutrition.

What a trio to reach to after a long week at work – and a great way celebrate World Sleep Day in style.

Bring on the lie-ins!

You can get the Feather & Down Pillow Spray (£7), Soothing Body Oil (£8) and Melting Shower Cream (£6) on the Feather & Down website.

They also have balms, butters and lovely little kits, as well as home fragrances and products are made in England.

written by Dani

*Info from the World Sleep Day website

You know the drill, but I’ll say again: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.