No white marks and a delicious floral touch

No news I am a huge fan of Dove deodorants and every time I think I found my fragrance (yes, don’t you know they work with real perfumiers de develop the fragrances?!), a new one comes along to rock the boat.

Here’s Dove Invisible Care Floral Touch: add a gorgeous floral scent to the amazing Dove Invisible Care – you know, that one that does not leave marks in 100 colours – and I think it’s a winner.

The scent is quite similar to one of my faves Soft Feel, a tad less powdery, with a delicate and feminine flowery smell. The fact it leaves no marks is a great, especially in the summer when we (well, I) abuse of colourful outfits.

This little gem gives you that reassurance that your underarms are fresh and cared for, let’s remember Dove’s formula cares for the underarm skin, leaving it hydrated and soft, but also that your outfit is safe too, regardless of its colour.

I quickly became a fan and notice straight away when I reach for a deodorant that is not specific for not leaving marks – is there anything more annoying then having to wipe your clothes with a damp towel just before you leave the house?

I also love that Dove Invisible Care invites people to be confident on wearing colour as the effects it has on people’s mood is amazing!

Dove Invisible Care Floral Touch is available as spray (150ml and 250ml), stick (40ml) and roll on (50ml), with prices from £2.49 RRP and it’s available from retailers nationwide.

Keep your eyes peeled as there are always amazing promos on Dove deodorants and every time I see one, I stock up on my faves with that extra value for money!

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

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.

Celebrating Real Beauty

This year, Dove is celebrating 60 years. A lot of those have been spent, apart from caring for our skin, supporting a healthy body image: all shapes and sizes hold #RealBeauty.

We all have our curves, edges and sizes that makes us one of a kind, unique, a very limited edition. So Dove gave their classic body wash a little makeover in these six limited edition 250ml bottles, in different shapes and sizes to celebrate diversity.

Needless to say, I was so glad to receive the bottles for what they remind me of: the sometimes very hard task to love myself as I am.

And it seems I am succeeding a bit when I am thanked for being an “inspirational woman (…) helping advance the real beauty debate; using influence to help women embrace their own individuality as a source of confidence”.

I try that, not only through the way I do love my body (most of the times!) and am not scared to show my individuality out there. Of course I do also look up to other women that make me strong in my quest!

I think recently the Instagram post below says a lot about it.

The body wash is creamy and has a gentle formulation containing NutriumMoisture which delivers natural nutrients, nourishes deep and helps maintain the moisture barrier for soft, comfortable and clean skin.

The Dove Deeply Nourishing Body Wash is widely available (RRP £2.55) and I personally love the smell of the classic!

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

Ready, steady, summer?

Here we are again at that time of the year when I can no longer look at my coats, when all I want is to ditch them and the 85 layers (including the fat ones amassed over the winter) and see the sun shining in the sky.

It’s officially spring and even though the sun keeps teasing us, it is only making brief appearances and bringing a super cold wind. All I can say is that my head is already in the feeling of the fairer seasons.

While the wait might not quite be over, I am already preparing for the time my pins will be out. Basically, fake it till you make it!

The Wilkinson Sword has repackaged and changed the colours on their razors and the Intuition Sensitive 3-in-1 razor now comes in pretty pastel green.

The Intuition razor basically has a slab of soap below the blade which will lather at the same time it shaves, so no need to apply soap or shaving cream before. All you need to do is to add water. Super handy to take on holidays!

It has four blades and pivoting head for a close shave that follows the contours of the body. It also contains pro-vitamin B5, aloe and vitamin E.

As everyday gradual tanning moisturisers go, the Dove DermaSpa Summer Revived is fabulous: good colour, easy application and decent smell. And now they are launching a fabulous Shimmer version. Drool!

It creates a natural looking tan gradually, has intensive skincare moisturising property and deliver a fabulous shimmery glow.

In its formula, intensive skincare delivered by Cell-Moisturisers tech and glycerin. And the smell is pretty awesome (for a self-tanning product, that is, let’s face it).

What’s not to love?

Top it off with the Aveeno daily moisturising after shower mist for a quick but effective moisturisation an voilá: smooth, tanned pins to go!

It contains colloidal oatmeal, it’s quick absorbing, easy to apply, non-greasy and offers up to 48 hours moisture!

Legs aside, all-over-the-body suncream is a skincare necessity, all year round, but in the summer, we amp up the SPF numbers to make sure we are not damaging out skin.

This Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF50 Sensitive advanced/expert + for face is just the thing to wear this summer. Perfect for oily and acne prone skins, it has anti-shine and anti-imperfection action, salycilic acid and ginger root.

With strong protection, great gel texture that absorbs quickly and fragrance free, it offers protection against UVB, UVA and long UVA (who knew!).

Of course, the Garnier Ambre Solaire range is super extensive and can cater for all your sun protection needs! Don’t forget arms, neck, décoletté and legs when out and about!

Happy summer!

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

Pear-fect care and protection

When you are 100% sure you found your hands down favourite Dove deodorant scent, they bring out something completely different to confuse you. Meet the Dove GoFresh Pear and Aloe Vera antiperspirant deodorant.

I’m not usually one for fresh scents but this one hooked me in, so once again, the collaboration with Givaudan pays off for Dove.

The pear and aloe vera fragrance is fresh, but very feminine. The sweetness of the pear totally does it for me, if I am honest.

On top of that, Dove is always improving the formula on their products and of course you can count on the 1/4 moisturising cream, which is now, in fact, is using the same ingredients as luxury face creams, to care for your underarms’ skin, keeping it soft, as well as protect against sweat for 48 hours.

Worth remembering that when we shave our underarms, 36% is actually skin! No wonder that often neglected part of the body can feel dry and irritated.

The range contains the fabulous anti-perspirant in spray, roll-on and stick, body wash and the brand new shower foam, which I will have to talk about in a separate post as it is divine!

You can get the fabulous Dove GoFresh Pear and Aloe Vera range from retailers nationwide and products are priced from £2.65.

For more information on all amazing products from Dove, including the 2017 launches and their Self-esteem Project, visit the Dove UK website.

P.S.: Sorry about the cheesy headline. Obviously I could not resist!

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

Saturday relaxing rituals

dove-nourishing-care-oil-review - 1Ah, Saturday morning… what a bliss. Well, maybe not when you woke up with a heavy head from the night before, but still, he best time to wash away the week’s stresses and embark on a relaxation ritual.

And the new Dove nourishing care shower oil is the perfect product for that. I put a white fluffy robe on, put a face mask on, read a magazine while sipping some coffee.

There is always a candle or diffuser somewhere in the house!

dove-nourishing-care-oil-review - 2Using some sugar or a polish, I give my body a good scrub to get rid of dead cells, stimulate circulation and soften the skin. If I’m feeling it, I sometimes dry body brush before.

I then shower, first removing the face mask. I was never a bath person as I have low blood pressure and it tends to plummet really quickly in the bath. A good shower washes away the physical dirty, but it is also an opportunity to clear the mind.

dove-nourishing-care-oil-review - 3The shower oil contains Moroccan argan oil and creates a gentle lather when in contact with water, cleansing and nourishing the skin, without stripping the protective barrier.

The oil is luscious, non-stick and smells amazing. Skin feels soft and moisturised. Sugar can be mixed with the shower oil to give skin a gentle exfoliation too.

dove-nourishing-care-oil-review - 4After my shower, I don’t need to moisturise, but every three days I use the Dove Dermaspa Summer Revived, a tanning moisturiser that keeps the glow going.

I then moisturise my face; most of the times, if I am staying at home, I will put on a great facial oil such as dermalogica’s phyto replenish oil, Skin & Tonic Naked Beauty or Dr. Jackson’s.

And relax!

The Dove nourishing care & oil range also contains a body wash, which has a blend of Moroccan argan oil beads for that extra nourishment, and a classic beauty cream bar with added moisturisation from argan oil. Always with 1/4 moisturising cream!

The Dove nourishing shower oil costs £4 (RRP), the nourishing care & oil body wash, £2.50 (RRP) and the cream oil soap bar under £1.

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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.

Colourful and confident at Goodwood

dove-invisible-dry - 4It is no secret I love bright colours. Although, like most of us, I fall back into black most of the time, I usually feel very comfortable being colourful.

60% of British women feel happier when wearing colour, but 79% are not confident enough to actually don the brights.

I can say I notice that quite a lot, especially when I wear brights; I always get comments such as “so summery”, “so bright”, “how colourful”, that carry in that tone that they do like it, but feel I am brave for wearing it.

Dove started, a while ago, a campaign to boost colour confidence, with the help of Invisible Dry deodorant, which won’t stain your blacks and other 99 colours!

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And because it is one of my favourites, of course I’ve been using it for a while: you can read my full review here.

You can rest assured you are protected, your armpits are kept soft and you won’t have marks on your favourite colourful attire.

Dove Dress of 100 Colours Revealed at Goodwood Ladies' Day

Dove Dress of 100 Colours Revealed at Goodwood Ladies’ Day

This summer, Dove got together with Gok Wan, who is a fabulous advocate for body confidence, to create a bespoke dress featuring 100 colours, to inspire women to be more colour -confident.

The dress was revelead at the Goodwood races, and I was there displaying all my colour confidence and looking for inspired looks.

We stayed at box number 1 with fabulous views of the races and I might even have made some money!

Colour confidence expert Annie Ashdown gives us some tips, if you are still a bit shy about embracing colour in your life:

  • replace your socks for a colourful pair. I am into pop socks at the moment, and they makey it really easy to add a touch of colour.
  • wear turquoise – it’s the confidence colour!
  • magenta is powerful – the perfect choice for that business meeting!
  • gold says you have high standards; it’s high time you donned those skinny golden heels.

Dove Invisible Dry is available from retailers nationwide and costs £2.39 (50ml roll-on), £32.79 (compressed 75ml) and £3.79 (compressed 125ml).

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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.

 

Celebrating World Fragrance Day with Dove Soft Feel deodorant

dove-soft-feel-review - 1Love at first spray: Dove Soft Feel has been my deodorant since I tried it for the first time, when it launched last year.

As the launch was in one of the most stunning places I’ve ever been in London, every time I smell it, I think of the luxury and sophistication that day and of this fragrance – people would not believe it is a deodorant!

dove-soft-feel-review - 3The stunning powdery fragrance, developed exclusively for Dove with French fragrance house Givaudan, for me is the perfect way of celebrating today (21 March), World Fragrance Day.

Apart from carrying the lovely smell with me all day, Dove Soft Feel also keeps my underarms protected and cared for, as this deodorant is as soft as it powder, and, as all Dove deodorants, contains 1/4 moisturising cream and no alcohol.

dove-soft-feel-review - 4I’ve been using it since June last year and the effects of that extra moisture boost really show; my underarms not only smell great but feel fab!

My relationship with fragrances is very strong: I remember full stages of my life when I smell perfumes I used to wear; I feel a sense of happiness and longing every time the first drop of rain water hits the floor on a hot day; I miss the smell of fresh guavas in the fruit bowl.

dove-soft-feel-review - 2Because I love this aroma, Dove has challenged me to guess which notes are part of Soft Feel fragrance.

Armed with a (so soft) blindfold, I went on to have a guess. And got 2/4 right. Bad times – but I was close enough with the flower; I went for jasmine. Not quite.

In its beautifully warm, powdery and flowery fragrance there is sandalwood, ylang ylang, vanilla (yum!) and the powdery scent, For me is just heavenly, I love warm delicate and feminine scents.

Even though the fragrance is a super high point in this product, it is in no way overpowering.

dove soft feelSoft Feel comes in three sizes: Compressed 125ml (£3.79) and 75ml (£2.99 and perfect for flying!) and roll on 50ml (£2.39, also great in-flight).

I won’t tell anyone I will be using the fragrance in a bottle Dove sent me as a perfume.

You can read my full review here.

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This is a sponsored post, but my love for this deodorant is not!

So Many Lovely Things beauty retrospective 2015: hair and body

hair_body_somanylovelythingsToday we get to the final instalment of the So Many Lovely Things retrospective 2015. What a fantastic year it has been!
And to finish it off, see my favourite which products rocked my hair and body in 2015.

Hair

Multitasking

got2b_allstar_review - 1The Schwarzkopf Got2B All Star tends to 10 hair concerns. Although the volumising and texturising properties on this are my favourites, it delivers in all fronts.
revlon_professional_uniq_one_coconut_hair_treatment_review - 1With the coconut bonus, the Revlon Uniq One spray also delivers on its promises. Hair is soft, hydrated, easy to brush.

Serum/oil

got2b_oilicious - 4The Schwarzkopf Got2b Oil-licious styling oil is a little delight. Smells great, tames, gives shine and leaves hair feeling fantastic.
wella sp luxe oilThe Wella System Professional Luxe Oil is another little gem, with a great smell, leaving hair smooth and silky.
ultimate blends honey treasures reviewThe Garnier Ultimate Blends Honey Treasures Strength Restorer serum is great. De-frizzes, smooths and has the most amazing smell of honey.

Shampoo and conditioner

liz earle hair careA great duo: Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo and Conditioner. Smell fresh and leaves hair super clean.
ultimate blends honey treasures reviewI am in love with the whole Garnier Ultimate Blends Honey Treasure range. It smells divine and leaves hair feeling soft and nourished. Plus, it is great value for money.
Swell is still part of my routine. It has been since before 2015, but it’s just too good to leave out!

Mask

The Taya Inner Core Hair Strong Anti-breakage mask is great. Feels supple and extra moisturising on the hair and smells delicious.

Dry shampoo

Swell Ultimate Volume Dry ShampooThis is undisputed: The Swell Ultimate Volume Dry Shampoo is the king of my tresses. All natural and with a powder spray, it is a must have. Last forever!

Styling tools

revlon_perfectionist_2in1_dryer_review - 1My styling tool discovery was the Revlon Perfectionist 2 in 1 Dryer. A hot air hair brush that works and delivers great blow dry results at home.
babyliss diamond waves wandThe Babyliss Diamond Waves Curling Wand was also well used this year. With the easy guide to creat lovely curls.
Also, a mention to my faithful GHDs, which never, ever let me down way pre 2015 to straighten, curl and wave.

Styling

Schwarzkopf got2b Mind Blowing reviewBeen totally in love with Got2b Mind Blowing Express Styling range. All products are great and speedy.
Talking about Got2b, their Rise ‘n Shine hairspray is also amazing. Styles without stiffness and smells amazing, like all other Got2b products!

Vitamins

hairfinity2Definitely Hairfinity for me. Made a massive difference to my hair, I am still using it; have it on auto-order.

Extensions

irresistible_me_hair_extensions_review - 3Of course, the fabulous Irresistible Me. Just wow. Great quality, fabulous colours, friendly service. Never been so happy and intend to purchase more.

 

Body

Moisturiser

A tough call between a few favourites…
dover_derma_spa - 1The Dove DermaSpa range is just fantastic and the DermaSpa Goodness³ Body Lotion and cream are just great!
I am a fan of Bath & Body Works; Velvet Sugar is one of my favourites scents. Sweet Pea comes a close second. Rich and yum.
coconut_products_somanylovelythings - 6The Yes to Coconut Ultra Light Spray Body Lotion was also a fave this year. I love it is a spray lotion; it feels light and nourishing. And yes, it is coconutty!

Oil

thisworks_energy_bank body makeoverThis Works Energy Bank Body Makeover oil is fabulous. Great on the skin, an awakening smell and integral part of my gym bag.
The Spa Technologies Hydrating Laminaria Oil is one I’ve been using all year and is almost over.

Scrub

fake_bake_coconut_macaroon_scrub - 1I love a good scrub, especially pre-tan. The Fake Bake Dolce Dreams Coconut Macaroon Body Scrub works a treat and smell divine.

Tan

heshi_express - 1Hands down my favourite tan, the HeShi Rapid One Hour Liquid Tan. not only delivers a great tan, but doesn’t smell and works as fast as one hour. Sold!

Hands

crabtree_evelyn_hand - 3There is no competition: the Crabtree & Evelyn  60 Second Fix for Hands. The scrub is amazing and their hand moisturiser is just the best. Take note.

Deodorant

dove soft feel deodorantThe Dove Soft Feel is the deodorant of the year on my books. It has all the quality of a Dove deodorante and the fragrance is absolutely stunning. Love.
I am going to include the Halo deodorant wipes here. Just too handy!

Body wash

dove_empower_hour - 3Again, it’s a Dove item. I love their Gentle Exfoliating Nourishing Body Wash. it is very gentle, but effective. Skin is left clean and moisturised after use.

Bath Oil

An awful lot. Too much. It is soothing for the body and the mind. A true moment of calm, so needed in everyday life.

Intimate wash

sass_intimate_refreshing_mist - 2Sass was a great discovery this year. Their Refreshing Mist and Intimate Wash are just amazing. They are very mild; gentle and effective.
What worked for you in 2015? What are your favourite hair and body products this year?
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This post mentions some press samples.

Clock change: make it empower hour!

dove_empower_hour - 5
Good morning lovely people, we just got an extra hour! Yay! Let’s not think about when it is taken from us – yet – and let’s fully enjoy it by using it for ourselves!

Dove has challenged me to have a moisturisation empower hour. They gave me a few tips and sent me some products to help me get the best of that “free” hour.

Here’s how I started my day and used that brand new 60 minutes, that was given while I slept and claimed when I got up, all for myself.

Before I got into the shower, I lit an aromatic candle in the bathroom and kept the lights off. Low lights send a relaxing message to the brain.

dove_empower_hour - 2I took 5 minutes to breath. Recently I was gifted a brilliant shower aromatherapy shower oil called Clear Mind and it helps with mindfulness, a practice really close to my heart.

I rub the rich, golden and fragrant oil in my hands and deep inhale three times, then I rub my tummy and chest with it, before stepping into the shower. It is great; it delivers a true moment of calmness.

Then I swept a dry brush up my arms and legs towards the heart for 5 minutes to stimulate lymphatic circulation. This helps the body get rid of toxins.

dove_empower_hour - 1For a good 10 minutes, I exfoliated my whole body with the gorgeous Dove Exfoliating Body Wash, which gives skin a gentle scrub, removing dead cells and moisturising at the same time.

The skin is left super soft and ready to better receive the next skin care steps. I always use a body oil after showering; and I cannot recommend the Dove DermaSpa Goodness³ Body Oil enough!

I then used a Dove moisturiser on damp skin (at the moment I am loving the richness of the DermaSpa Goodness³ Body Cream) and for another 7 minutes I rubbed my muscles; especially forearms, thighs, shoulders and upper back.

I also manage to squeeze a quick 2-minute massage with the Dove DermaSpa Uplifted+ Body Roll-On, which is a fabulous treat for the body.

Plus a cheeky 60 second hand fix to exfoliate and moisturise my hands, which are ever so often neglected.
dove_empower_hour - 1 (1)After that, I put a soft dressing gown and slippers on and applied a face mask for 10 minutes. I used Caudalie’s Detox mask to help unclog my skin. Following that I applied a second one for another 10 minutes, this time a hydrating face mask, also from Caudalie.

While I waited for the masks to work their wonders, I had my handy humidifier on, had a coffee (yeah, I can’t shake that habit) and caught up with my magazines.

I find the humidifier is great in the winter to help counteract the central heating, which is super drying to the skin. For me, it is extra helpful as I suffer from rhinitis. The fact this has a soothing light is a bonus!

After removing the face mask, I took 5 minutes to moisturise and massage my face. I used an oil (the extraordinary Dr Jacksons Face Oil) and a serum (Liz Earle Superskin Face Serum). I applied both with upwards movements to stimulate circulation.

dove_empower_hour - 8Finally, with my last 5 minutes, I gave myself a powerful, knot-crunching hand massage using the Dove DermaSpa Intensive hand Treatment, which is super moisturising and smells amazing.

I feel revitalised, ready to face the shorter days. Well, I mean, as ready as one can be. As the steps in the hour are very short, I will certainly be picking and choosing to incorporate them to my routine.

What about you? How are you using your extra hour today?

The Dove Exfoliating Body Wash costs around £2.55 for 250ml and £4.38 for 500ml and is available now from retailers nationwide.

You can read my full review on it.

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This post contains PR samples and was written in collaboration with Dove.