beauty – The Review Studio

Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask 2-In-1

beauty, Birthday Gifts, cruelty-free, Gifts for Her, health, Home, Mother's Day, Summer, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

As summer is here, there’s always a need for a more enhanced beauty regime and what better way to brighten up your skin than with a face mask. Face mask that also exfoliate, like the Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask have the added benefit of allowing your skin products to absorb into the skin better, which also helps with summer make-up. I tested the Kora Organics Face Mask this week, knowing that I haven’t used a face mask in the winter and my skin needed some serious brightening!

Kora Organics was started by Miranda Kerr in 2009 under the belief that healthy skin is beautiful skin. Miranda and her team wanted to make a brand which was organic, cruelty-free and natural to detoxify and nourish your skin. The Turmeric in Kora’s Brightening Mask has anti-inflammatory properties and also reduces pigmentation of the skin, which is often found in older women. There are other natural ingredients too, including aspen-barn and peppermint for their antibacterial properties, and papaya enzymes which clear pores. There’s finely crushed amethyst creates the glow and the positivity of this popular crystal.

To use, it’s a gentle cream which is spread over the face, avoiding the eye areas. It’s best to massage into damp skin, so I used this in the bath and let myself soak for 15 minutes, but you can let it work in just 5 minutes. To remove, you can wash away but I liked the idea of the extra exfoliation of massaging away with finger tips or a damp cloth.

The smell of the turmeric is very powerful so if you’re not a fan of spices, you are in for a shock! The turmeric left a slight tingling on my skin but it was nothing like the sensation of a hot curry or burning so it soon went away. I assumed it was the ingredients which were working to clear away the dullness of my skin. It’s very refreshing and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin while you let it sit and work. I rather enjoyed the feeling of the exfoliating taking away the winter and allowing the summer to hit my skin, and it wasn’t drying at all so my usual face products glided on and absorbed beautifully. I could feel that my skin was cleaner, clearer and it looked brighter and after just one application of 15 minutes, there were tiny improvements to some of the discolouration of my face through age. Added bonus!

I’m very happy to continue using the Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask throughout the summer and seeing the long lasting effects of the Kora organic products.

Available from £47.00 for 100ml at:

https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/kora-organics-turmeric-brightening-and-exfoliating-mask-30ml/12701160.html?affil=thggpsad&switchcurrency=GBP&shippingcountry=GB&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw48-vBhBbEiwAzqrZVKTWjR4EKEAZUWw19OVmUJXpiAEJ-MU7pEZr39D21ibWX0WRyGIQAhoCukcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Kalme Day Defence Cream SPF25

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, health, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

No matter what the weather this summer, a good SPF face cream is needed and it’s true that even dull, overcast weather can damage the skin.

Kalme Day Defence Cream SPF25 is the down to earth daily face cream for all seasons, but best of all, the richness and smoothness of Kalme keeps your skin hydrated and feeling soft too. The added bonus of SPF25 means you don’t have to put on daily sunscreen too when you’re walking around, which is a bonus in saving time and money.

During the summer months when you’re on the beach, by the pool or out playing sports and walking, the sun isn’t your only enemy. All the elements work together to evaporate moisture away from your face. Walkers and sports men and women find it especially hard to wear a SPF cream to protect their skin without it sliding off. Kalme Day Defence Cream SPF25 is exceptionally rich and takes a while to rub in so you know it’s not going anywhere in any weather! I really liked how thick it was so that I only had to use a small amount most days, but when I needed a denser layer, it was easy to apply and blend in. It’s great for night time too to give a deeper moisturising level and as it’s a daily face cream, you can use it anywhere including your hands.

There are more expensive day creams out there especially with SPF25 but for a deep, moisturising cream, Kalme Day Defence Cream SPF25 gives all the Department Store protection without the need for the price tag!

Available from £23.95 at:

https://www.skinshop.co.uk/kalme/kalme-day-defence-cream-spf-25

Peptide Dry Shampoo, Scalp Foam and Hair Mask from Hair Gain

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, health, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

We all need a bit of help with our hair sometimes. I love the ritual of hair masks, conditioners and then using products to fix my hair once it’s washed and styled. Hair Gain sent us the Peptide Puff Dry Shampoo, Hair Gain Hair Mask, Hair Gain Scalp Foam and a lovely Hair Gain Comb to try out!

Starting with the Peptide Puff Dry Shampoo, it’s not an aerosol and isn’t like a mousse so it’s easier to use and will last longer too. The dry shampoo is more of a powder, administered by a soft pad which prevents the powder from going everywhere and also helps direct it to the roots. I was particularly happy to find that it doesn’t leave a white residue on your hair, nor does it leave a residue on your clothes. Instead, it’s clear and just takes the edge off of the oil in your hair. You can use as much or as little of it as you like so that it takes off more of the greasy shine but you get used to how much you need to use with time.

The Hair Gain Scalp Foam is a fairly new concept for women but men have been using enhancers for years. The foam is absorbed into the scalp and helps grow fuller, thicker hair. It reduces hair breakages from the roots and strengthens hair over time to prevent long term breakages. This is a product you need to keep using and it’s probably best to use after you’ve washed your hair but before you completely style it. The formula makes your hair fuller anyway so it makes hair styling easier if you like big curls or lots of volume. Over time, this should have more of an effect so I would go with using it every wash until it’s used up and then you’ll see how good it is!

The Hair Gain Hair Mask is probably my favourite. It’s a luscious treatment to nourish your hair and is intently hydrating. You only need to use it in your hair for 10 minutes whilst hair is towel dry and then wash out, and once or twice a week is enough. Again, over time this works even better but with just one application you will find that it starts to work on making hair softer and fuller. In combination with the Hair Gain Scalp Foam, it creates thicker locks and less breakages. It’s also a vegan formula but it does contain alcohol, sulphates and parabens.

The Hair Gain Comb was a nice treat to send to us along with the hair care products! I love a chunky comb so this is great for any hair type whilst you’re in the shower and trying to get the product through your hair as well as smoothing down the cuticles, especially if your hair is long and thick. It looks like plastic but it’s actually made from materials which are 100% biodegradable.

The Hair Gain product package creates an all-round treatment for your hair, from dry shampoo through to hair mask as well as the handy comb! I’m looking forward over time to seeing the long term results on my hair and how it’s changed in thickness and strength too.

Peptide Puff Dry Shampoo for £15.00: https://www.hairgainnow.com/products/dry-shampoo

Hair Gain Scalp Foam for £25.00 (on sale): https://www.hairgainnow.com/products/hair-gain-scalp-foam?pr_prod_strat=jac&pr_rec_id=4203a01fe&pr_rec_pid=7706678526122&pr_ref_pid=7903145492650&pr_seq=uniform

Hair Gain Hair Mask £25.60 (on sale): https://www.hairgainnow.com/products/hair-gain-hair-mask?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=4203a01fe&pr_rec_pid=6598552125610&pr_ref_pid=7903145492650&pr_seq=uniform

Hair Gain Hair Comb £11.95: https://www.hairgainnow.com/products/hair-gain-wide-tooth-comb?pr_prod_strat=jac&pr_rec_id=4203a01fe&pr_rec_pid=6851814752426&pr_ref_pid=7903145492650&pr_seq=uniform

TermaBurn Post-Sun Aloe Wrap

beauty, Days Out, Family Life, health, Home, Summer

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

If you’ve ever had sunburn you know what it feels like to have burning skin and your underlying fear of what comes next once the skin dries out. It inevitably isn’t pleasant and isn’t healthy either.

If you find yourself burned this year, especially whilst on holiday, TermaBurn Post-Sun Aloe Wrap combines the healing properties of aloe vera with a revolutionary wrap format which makes it easy and much quicker to apply than aloe vera gel. The 100% organic aloe is combined with Vitamin E, and Green Tea for anti-inflammation to create a moist web which when placed over the sun burnt skin can help healing. It can also prevent further burning as the aloe and ingredients take away the damaging heat and also leave your skin moist to prevent peeling too.

The whole roll is 52 inches (1.32 metres) which you can cut to any size. So if the burn is on your face, across your back or chest or even on your hands, you have plenty TermaBurn to use liberally to cool your skin. It can be worn under clothes and doesn’t leave a residue and doesn’t need to be refrigerated first.

Even if you’re not going on holiday, many people find TermaBurn great for grazes and household burns, itches and allergies and generally keeping cool in the summer especially for children and the elderly. There are no drugs involved so you can use as much as you need and keep it on your skin for as long as needed. Rashes and insect bites are often soothed as well, especially if you put any ointments on underneath and let the TermaBurn do the cooling and sealing on top.

Whoever came up with this brilliant idea has obviously had some serious sunburn in the past, but hopefully it won’t be as serious anymore with TermaBurn around.

Available from £19.95 at: https://termaburn.co.uk/products/termaburn-aloe-wrap

My Little Sudocrem

Baby, beauty, camping, Children, Days Out, Family Life, health, Home, Sport, Summer

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

It’s that time of year again, when we start to think about the summer beauty products we need. Probably best not to rely on what’s left of last year and instead start anew with some beautiful, yet practical summer products.

My Little Sudocrem 22 gram pots are great for summer, family, taking to work and even better for taking on holiday! The hand-held pots are filled with Sudocrem but their size makes them so much easier to carry around and to use. Not only for children, I use my Sudocrem as a hand cream when I’m sitting at my desk, or after a bath or shower on any skin area but particularly on hands and feet when they’re dry. You can rub it into knees and elbows too and with a bit of work, any area of skin to create a barrier as well as deep hydration.

If you’ve never used Sudocrem before, let me explain. Sudocrem includes zinc oxide which helps reduce the loss of moisture from the skin. It’s incredibly rich, not like a face cream, but this richness which eventually works into the skin will create a barrier to reduce fluid loss but also create a barrier. Great for the child who loves to amble through the long grass or bracken. Sudocrem also contains benzol alcohol, which has local anaesthetic and antiseptic properties so if you are out in nature, it allows for the odd scrape or irritant to touch the skin. It’s also packed with Anhydrous hypoallergenic lanolin to both soften and soothe skin, which is great for outdoor life, children and even in the kitchen.

The small 22 gram pot might not sound like much, but as it’s so rich and so powerful, it’s the perfect size for a small area of skin because it goes a long way. Just a tiny dab on the back of the hands needs real effort to work in but when it does, it covers both hands and leaves them smooth and mega hydrated.

I’ve currently got my office using the My Little Sudocrem pots as we are in our busiest time of the year for paperwork. The dry fingers and chapped thumbs from using so much paper is much soothed by Sudocrem, and even a super dry face enjoys a little hydration, although I use it sparingly as it leaves a bit of a film on softer or more delicate skin!

There are other Sudocrem items available online, but the My Little Sudocrem pots are all-rounders in the summer when virtually anyone can use them from day to day.From £5.95 each at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/TOSARA-PHARMA-My-Little-Sudocrem/dp/B07MXR26G3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BISM2WA5U3J&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Hp2noYSexjFvxATmJJ5Oxo4NcP2ZtCRH7KtFl-goMRlSYm4MvY0Rs-cKYa5GBQDfRK9o0YXHQlL8okbLJX_Pcjh6GT0O0yOz7POfdx1E-8yrs_sfoWji1BwRAp7J_GpqdPjFY4d5Iae3RyHxLYuFMlxBfufoPxLKky_y3-lfWf2vat1FvIS6qgfeR2mDdFaP7zdt-L_f6zIHrsjTIcp7RbTiEimreILQdVdRy8BOhjkpNkQaLhGm1qzLLj0E95ZIPdeKZPRqwYm8g7C12qRx0DDiuhWv8e1YJmKiSz3SO40.j4p4X5gH_-WvHSOQ-xA77BZjesaxN3jG02f4Y8ZC2cQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=my+little+sudocrem&qid=1715275193&s=drugstore&sprefix=my+little+sudocrem%2Cdrugstore%2C157&sr=1-1

Phil Smith Curl Control Shampoo & Conditioner

beauty, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Vegan, Women

Disclaimer: we received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

If you have just started to embrace your curly hair, it is very easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of products available, all promising to create amazing curls. Finding the right products to define your curls is not only time consuming but can be expensive too, as what works for one person doesn’t always work for another. Not everyone can afford to spend a small fortune on hair products so I was really pleased to discover the Everyday Expert range from celebrity hairdresser Phil Smith which costs a very purse friendly £4.

The range, which includes Curl Control, Radiant Blonde, Coconut Shine and Weightless Volume products has been designed to provide great quality, high performance haircare at an affordable price – the question is would the Curl Control shampoo and conditioner be able to tame my unruly curls??

The Curl Control products contain Grapeseed Oil which helps redefine and hydrate curls and both products have a lovely gentle fragrance. The shampoo lathers easily, creating a creamy foam which removes dirt and grime from my hair, leaving it feeling lovely and clean.

The conditioner is rich and creamy and easy to apply to my hair, I leave it on for a couple of minutes before scrunching it into my hair to help to add extra moisture to the curls. It rinses out easily, leaving my hair tangle free.

I am really impressed with these products, after leaving to dry naturally my curls were beautifully defined and looked amazing – shiny and bouncy and no longer flat, frizzy and fluffy. I really can’t believe these products only cost £4, they are so much better than some of the expensive shampoos and conditioners I have tried and are a fraction of the cost. Those that follow the Curly Girl method will be pleased to hear that they are Curly Girl Approved too.

After using these products for a couple of weeks I can see a huge improvement in my hair, it not only feels more nourished and hydrated, but the curls are more defined and it looks much shinier than it was before.

RRP £4 available online and from Sainsburys

Überlube

beauty, cruelty-free, Gifts for Her, Gluten Free, health, Sport, Vegan, Vegetarian, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

We don’t normally review things like lubricants but when I saw that Überlube can be used for many other uses, I was intrigued! The award winning silicone personal lubricant can be used in sport and for beauty thanks to the added Vitamin E and smooth texture.

Firstly, it can be used as an alternative to moisturiser, but not to moisturise skin, more to keep the moisture in. In the literature we were sent with Überlube it describes how some users find it a great alternative to prescribed medications for dry skin, although it doesn’t work the same way as moisturiser. This could be a bonus if you’re allergic to some prescribed skin medication but might not be as effective, so it’s worth trying it on dry skin first.

I didn’t know that hair salons and photographers use silicone preps such as Überlube for getting shiny, glossy hair. Überlube works as a relaxant to frizzy hair and smooths down stray strands. Think of the classic low bun with pulled back, wet-look hair and you will find it is achieved with silicone lubricant. It also protects hair from chlorine in the pool but it can be difficult to wash out of your hair because it’s not water based. Try a small amount first to see how easy it is to remove, or if you’re going on holiday, dare I say, try it whilst you’re staying at a hotel!

Überlube is also great for sports. As a runner, I often get chafing when running especially in the summer, so applying Überlube first can make a huge difference. As it’s not water based, it doesn’t absorb or evaporate as easily so keeps the skin free from friction. Again, as there’s no water involved it can be used for swimming or under a wetsuit and the water won’t wash it away.

Überlube is made with cruelty free products and contains no alcohols, no gluten, no glycerine, no scent and no flavourings. It’s paraben free and all vegan so everyone can use it, no matter what use!

Available from £29.99 at: https://www.superdrug.com/health/sexual-health/lube-gel-jelly-oils/uberlube-silicone-lubricant-112ml/p/mp-00057217

Chantic Home Lip Balms

Autumn, beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, cruelty-free, eco friendly, Gifts for Her, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Winter, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Founded in 2020 the mission of Chantic Home is “to create impactful and premium handcrafted gifts whist upholding the highest sustainable and ethical values.” Based in Harrow they offer luxury fragrance and skincare products that are both eco friendly and reasonably priced too.

I’ve been trying out their 100% natural lip balms this week, which are handmade and available in in four fruity fragrances – Wild Cherry, Watermelon, Sweet Orange and Passionfruit. Packaged in handy screw top tins they are the perfect size to pop a handbag or pocket, to keep lips moisturised when out and about.

I could tell from the minute I opened the tin that these lip balms are much better quality than an off the shelf lip balm. They smell lovely and fruity and have a silky smooth texture which glides easily onto lips, The balm is quite solid in the tin but quickly warms up with the warmth of a finger and once on your lips it doesn’t feel greasy or sticky and it leaves my dry lips feeling soft and hydrated.

My ideal lip balm is one that pampers and nourishes my lips, keeping them soft and hydrated no matter what the conditions are and these lip balms tick all these boxes. Whether I’m out walking, on the beach or on the top of a windy mountain a quick application of this lip balm is all I need to keep my lips in tip top condition.

Chantic Home have a lovely selection of gifts on their website and they are all very reasonably priced. If you need a gift for a loved one or just want to treat yourself then it’s definitely worth taking a look – there’s even free shipping to the UK so even more of a reason to shop with them!

RRP £4

Steamcream – Japanese Citrus

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

I love citrus scented products so was really pleased to receive a tin of Japanese Citrus moisturiser from Steamcream. Founded in Japan over 15 years ago Steamcream offer a “straightforward yet effective approach to skincare.”

Handmade in small batches the cream is made using their unique Pure STEAM process, a unique steam emulsification technique which not only makes the cream lovely and light but means it absorbed into your skin easily too.

When you open the tin, you can’t fail to notice the beautiful citrus fragrance and it feels quite indulgent massaging it into my skin. It feels a lot thinner than my normal moisturiser, so I was quite surprised at just how much moisture it gave to my dry skin, leaving it soft and hydrated all day long. I am really impressed with this cream and started to see an improvement in my skin after about a week, it looks fresher and there is a radiance that I didn’t have before.

With key ingredients Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Sugar Squalane, Citrus Sudachi Peel Extract and essential oils Yuzu, Iyokan, Citrus Nobilis & Kabosu this is a lovely fresh, light cream and perfect for the summer months. It’s great for travelling as it can also be used as a hand cream and body moisturiser too, not only saving space in your suitcase but leaving your skin hydrated and delicately fragranced too.

All the Steamcream moisturisers come in beautiful little tins that are perfect to keep in your bag and are great for storing small bits and pieces in once empty.

RRP: £22.00

Available from Steamcream here

Love Vicci 3 in 1 Multi-Functional Make Up Brush

beauty, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own

Whilst I have a large collection of cosmetics and make up brushes at home, when I’m travelling, I try to only take the essentials, with the aim of fitting everything into one small make up bag! It’s relatively easy to choose a small selection of cosmetics but I find it’s not quite as easy to reduce the amount of brushes I take so I was really pleased to discover the Love Vicci Multi-Functional Make Up Brush, a cleverly designed 3 in one professional brush which is not only great for travelling but it’s perfect for keeping in my handbag for a quick touch up during the day.

At first glance the Love Vicci brush looks just like any powder brush but on closer inspection you can see that it cleverly incorporates a foundation/concealer sponge and an eye make up brush in the handle of the main brush. To get the brushes out you simply unscrew the handle – it’s such a simple idea and a great way of saving space and keeping all your brushes together.

The brush has been designed by beauty industry experts and the chunky power brush feels nice and sturdy in my hand. The dense bristles in the fluffy soft brush pick up the powder easily making application a dream.

I always use a sponge to apply my foundation as I find they help blend the colour and give a more natural-looking finish, so I was really pleased to discover that this brush set contains a foundation sponge. The sponge is smaller than the one I currently use but it worked really well with my foundation, transferring most of it onto the skin rather than absorbing it. The domed shape was good for blending in the foundation around my nose and eyes and the side was ideal for the larger area of my face like my cheeks and forehead. As the sponge is stored in the handle it also keeps my make up bag nice and clean which is an added bonus.

The bristles on the eye brush are quite firm which is perfect for applying eyeliner or for cream brow products. The brush is angled which helps give a precise line and if you’re really trying to travel light it can also double up as an eyeshadow brush.

If you’re looking for an affordable makeup brush set that is not only compact but performs well then this is the one to get. Love Vicci also have a 3 in 1 eye make up brush which looks just as impressive so I’ll be buying one of those before my next trip!!

£19.95

Valuxxo Skin Revive (AHA) Face Scrub Bio

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

The key to radiant, glowing skin is regular exfoliation and I find using a face scrub twice a week is the best way to remove all the dead skin cells, leaving my face not only smoother and clearer but more radiant too. I’m currently using the Skin Revive (AHA) Face Scrub Bio from Valuxxo which blends Alpha Hydroxy Acids with nourishing botanical oils to refine, brighten, and renew your complexion.

Enriched with Lactic and Salicylic acids, the face scrub encourages natural skin renewal, unclogs pores and helps keep skin clear and free from blemishes. The face scrub also contains mango butter which helps to keep skin hydrated too.

The scrub is applied to wet skin, you only need a small amount and massage it onto your face for between 30 to 60 seconds before rinsing off with warm water. The face scrub is in a handy 70ml tube and it is really easy to squeeze it out of the tube. The fine grains feel a little gritty when you’re massaging them into your skin, but they don’t feel too harsh or leave my skin feeling irritated afterwards.

After the first use I was quite surprised to see the difference in my skin, there was a definite glow and my face felt incredibly smooth – just like it feels after you have been for a facial – but at a fraction of the cost! After using it twice a week for a month my skin is not only more radiant but it’s softer too and my pores are a lot less noticeable.

This is the first time I’ve tried a Valuxxo product and I’m really impressed, I can’t wait to try some of their other products now.

RRP £24 available from Valuxxo here

Annabelle Minerals Pressed Powders

beauty, Birthday Gifts, eco friendly, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Home, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Spring is here! Which is another excuse to start looking at your make up collection and trying out some new pieces from Annabelle Minerals. We were sent some pressed powders (which I’ve never tried before) to see how we like their summer shades and award winning foundation.

Annabelle Minerals work to the theory of natural make up to bring out your own natural beauty. The ingredients nourish the skin and help prevent clogged pores, inflammation and excess sebum.

The Annabelle Minerals Pressed Powder Foundation comes in a beautiful metal compact with mirror and a separate sponge applicator. The Pressed Powder Foundation is a concentrated powder which has a slightly different colour to their loose counterparts so it’s worth trying it out first – I put too much on the sponge and found that I had applied the foundation too thickly so I had to reverse the coverage. With a bit of time though, you can soon get the coverage as well as the colour. This is why it’s won the Global Green Beauty Awards in 2023!

The photos show my face without any make-up and then half my face with the Pressed Powder Foundation. As my skin is very light and it’s the beginning of spring, I have the shade Natural Light but with refills online and 20 shades available at Annabelle Minerals’ shop, you can change your shade throughout the year. You can see the coverage that just one application of the Pressed Powder gives, and with some blending and a proper base (I didn’t use any primer or foundation this time) you can see that the age spots and some of the blemishes are evened out. The make-up itself feels really light especially as you don’t need much of it to make a difference. Having the second colour (I was sent a refill of Natural Fair) you can blend both colours together to match your skin tone or the tone of the contour look you’re trying to achieve.

The Pressed Powder is a really good idea because of how concentrated it is and how easy it is to apply. It’s not a liquid foundation so you can take it on a plane with you but it’s so light that you don’t need much and can apply it quickly, in the knowledge that it gives great coverage. It allowed my skin to breath as well, giving a lovely glow as all Annabelle Minerals products too. A lovely new product to add to the handbag this year!

Pressed Powder Foundation (in Natural Light colour) £23.90 at:

https://www.annabelleminerals.com/en_gb/face/1387-1923077-pressed-powder-foundation.html#/486-options-metal_compact/501-foundation_shade-natural_light

Nanogen Hair Care

beauty, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for Her, health, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Treat yourself to a little luxury haircare as well as using the Nanogen features to repair and restore hair growth, giving you nourished locks for the summer!

Nanogen are experts in haircare but have also designed shampoos and conditioners for both men and women to give you thicker hair. We were sent a selection of products from their online range, for both men and women to try out. We were also sent the new Hair Growth Factor Treatment Serum which launched earlier this year, but more on that later!

The Nanogen shampoos and conditions work together to create thicker hair. As with any beauty products, you get the most out of them if you use all the products in the range, so I was eager to try out the Nanogen Shampoo Luxe for Women and Nanogen Conditioner. There is also the Nanogen Shampoo for Women (in the purple bottle) which I kept as an in between shampoo for when I was at the gym, but they all compliment one another. The Nanogen Shampoo Luxe is especially rich and adds to the hair thickening experience which is what Nanogen are striving for. This shampoo is silky and soft but still does an excellent job of cleaning and you don’t need much to get your hair squeaky clean, which is how I like it.

The Nanogen Conditioner (which is for everyone not just for women) is where the magic happens. Like any conditioner, it needs to go on for about 2-3 minutes but I have a timer in my shower so I like to keep it on longer, as a type of mask. The conditioner is also softly smooth and you can feel that the texture is fortified with lots of good nutrients that are going straight on your hair. The combination of both the Nanogen Shampoo Luxe and the Nanogen Conditioner leave hair soft, but over time it also keeps hair thicker by adding nourishment and stimulating growth.

We were also sent the Shampoo for Men and Shampoo and Conditioner for Men (2-in1) which works much the same, and has a different fragrance for men. The Shampoo and Conditioner for Men also works brilliantly if you are sharing shampoo and conditioner with your other half and are camping or taking cheap flights where the luggage is limited! The 2-in-2 also continues with the Nanogen treatment if you can’t take all of your bottles with you and creates a stop-gap for you to be able to keep up the good work until you get back to your usual Nanogen bottles.

We were also sent the Nanogen Hair Growth Factor Serum which was launched earlier this year. Using all the best Nanogen hair technology, the serum works on the scalp to stimulate hair growth over time so that as one hair is lost, another starts growing in its place as soon as possible. The Nanogen Hair Growth Factor Serum does this in 3 ways: Stimulates new cell growth, regenerates hair follicles and reduces hair shedding by increasing collagen around the hair follicle. The serum contains Pea Sprout Extract (to stimulate hair cells), Europaea Bark Extract (to revitalise hair follicles) and Peptides, including Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 to create more collagen around hair follicles.

With all this science involved, it still takes a few weeks or even months to show a difference as it’s working deep in the hair follicles for your hair to be able to grow, and as with all hair growth, it takes time! You can add the serum at any time though, not just during your hair wash and as the serum is non-greasy, you can add it during the day. Just use a full pipette amount of serum on your scalp and massage in. It’s not greasy so you can add it after you’ve styled your hair or at the beginning of the day and you can use it every day to give a more consistent approach.

I have been using it for this week and yes, it’s easy to apply and to massage in and it’s not greasy. It’s more like a tonic and you don’t need very much of it but the pipette means you can direct the serum to the area of the scalp which you think might need it the most. I’m looking forward to my hair looking thicker over the summer and coming months as well as stronger and shinier.

Shampoo, conditioner and Hair Growth Serum available online at:

SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

Rumi Cosmetics

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, cruelty-free, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

As I’ve got older I’ve changed skincare products to suit my ageing skin but I’ve never thought about changing my make up, that is until Rumi Cosmetiques got in touch and offered to send me a couple of their products to try. The family run company was founded back in 2020 and they “strongly believe in creating beauty products for mature women that highlight their natural beauty instead of trying to cover it”

Mascara is the one item in my make up bag that I can’t live without, I love how it darkens and defines my lashes, making my eyes stand out and now I’m getting older I actually feel quite naked without it. The VolumeCare + Mascara is a 2-in-1 mascara that not only colours your eyelashes but it also conditions and nourishes them to give the appearance of longer, thicker & healthier eyelashes that are less likely to fall out or break. I have incredibly sensitive eyes and generally can only use a couple of brands, so I was really pleased to discover this mascara didn’t irritate my eyes at all and I could wear it all day without any signs of irritation.

When applying the mascara, I noticed an instant boost in length and volume with my lashes separating really well, it was easy to apply and build the colour and it didn’t clump at all. I was really impressed with the staying power of this mascara, it stayed put all day and looked just as fresh after 14 hours as it did when I first applied it. At the end of the day it was easily removed with a cotton pad soaked in my usual eye make-up remover.

RRP £31 available in Natural Black and Dark Brown

I don’t often wear eyeliner as I struggle to get a neat line, but following the handy tips on the website I actually found the LushLine+ waterproof eye liner really easy to apply, it was soft enough to give a smooth line without dragging my skin and it gave a strong defined line to my eye make up. I especially liked the built in sharpener meaning you never have a blunt eyeliner which makes it much easier to apply. The eyeliner is smudge proof and waterproof and like the mascara lasts all day.

RRP £24 available in Natural Black, Natural Grey and Dark Brown

The PowerBrow+ Tinted Eyebrow gel comes in three different coffee themed colours, Espresso, Mocha and Latte which will suit most colourings. I’ve noticed that as I’ve got older my brows have become a little thinner but I’ve not used make up on them before so after watching a couple of YouTube videos for guidance I had a go at applying the product on my brows. The brush is very easy to use and glided easily over my brows. It was quite easy to fill in the sparse areas and define the shape of my brows. The brush evenly distributed the colour and I was amazed at the difference it made to my brows.

The gel also contains active ingredients that nourish and thicken your brows with every stroke so I’m hoping with continued use I will see an improvement in them.

RRP £26 available in Espresso, Mocha and Latte

I’m really impressed with these products, I would never have considered switching my make up now I am older, but these products are fantastic and really lift my eyes, they are kind to my sensitive skin and are now an essential part of my make up bag.

got2b got CURLZ Hair Products

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Vegan, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

I have naturally curly hair which is currently quite dry and frizzy and in desperate need of some TLC so the arrival of a parcel containing a couple of Schwarzkopf got2be got CURLZ products couldn’t have come at a better time!

The got2b gotCURLZ Coil Refreshing Cream is a lightweight 2 in 1 hair styling and care cream which moisturises and revitalises curls without weighing them down. Infused with coconut oil, castor oil, argan oil and shea butter this cream works by defining and sealing single coils to shape the hair. It can be applied to towel dried hair or a small amount can be used to refresh curls in between washes.

The cream is quite thick but as it’s in a wide screw top pot it is really easy to scoop out. I used a small amount on my shoulder length hair, raking it through to make sure it was evenly distributed before scrunching it in. I then dried it with my diffuser and I have to say I am really pleased with the results – my normally dry, frizzy mop of curls was magically transformed into beautifully defined bouncy curls. As well as looking amazing there was less frizz and my curls lasted longer, meaning I didn’t need to spend as long each morning refreshing them.

The cream is also great for defining curls between washes, a small amount scrunched into the ends of my hair was all I needed to define my curls and leave them looking good until the next wash day.

RRP £7

The got2b gotCURLZ Hydrating Beach Waves Spray is great for adding a little texture to my hair and I’ve been using this between washes to revitalise my hair. Infused with coconut water and ocean minerals it not only smells amazing but leaves my hair lovely and soft with a summery tousled look.

It can be used on both damp and dry hair although I tend to get better results when I use it on dry, day old hair as it revives my curls and gives my hair a little body. It’s easy to use, simply spray onto dry hair and tousle or if using on wet hair you can leave your hair to dry naturally or use a diffuser.

RRP £7

Both products are Curly girl method approved and are suitable for Vegans too. If you have a Boots Advantage card there is currently an offer to save £1.50 per product here

Avani Hair Growth Oil by Hair Veda

beauty, Fashion, Gifts for Her, health, Vegan, Vegetarian, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Hair Veda have taken a range of natural, organic oils and created an oil blend to promote hair growth in those with moderate hair loss.

With the antibacterial and antimicrobial oil properties, the scalp is cleaned and nourished to provide the best conditions for hair to grow. The anti-inflammatory properties increase circulation to the scalp which in turn increases growth of new hair, and the oils themselves condition the existing hair to leave it shinier and glossier with less frizz. The Vitamin C rich oils enrich hair growth and the oils also help prevent dandruff and further hair loss.

Containing Jojoba oil, Cedarwood oil, Thyme oil, Rosemary oil, Lavender oil and Lemon oil among other natural ingredients, the combination of the oils helps the scalp grow hair again after hair loss, plus strengthens new strands and your existing strands. To reap the full benefits of Avani Hair Growth Oil, leave it in for a few hours and let it work its magic like a hair mask and over several weeks, you’ll start to see a difference.

The instructions say to warm up the oil first to have the maximum benefit, which I did by placing it near a warm radiator. Then, using the pipette provided, drop it into sections of the scalp and massage into your hair roots. With the remaining oil on your hands, run it through the length of your hair to give a protective, nourishing coat. After a few hours, you just have to wash out with shampoo and then you can condition and style as normal. I find though, that you don’t need to shampoo more than once, the one shampoo application is enough to clean your hair and doesn’t strip out the good work of the oil.

Results are not immediate – not for hair loss anyway. What you will find is that after a few hours of your locks marinating in the Avani Hair Growth Oil, the smell is divine from all of the different oils in the blend, and your hair from root to tip is nourished. Your hair is nourished over time with each application so after you shampoo and condition, there’s a slight improvement each wash. The hair loss improves slowly with each application too, with your hair regrowth being stronger so that the strands of hair withstand the daily combing, styling and pollution of everyday life. Over months and years, this all adds up to healthier, stronger and more luscious hair!

Available online from £29.99 at: https://www.hairveda.co.uk/product-page/Avani

Bare Addiction Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF30

beauty, Family Life, Gifts for Her, health, Summer

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Acne can be damaging to the self-esteem as well as the skin, even in the summer when UV damage can make skin worse, or when our lifestyles change and can play havoc with the condition of the skin. There’s no getting away from the acne though, it’s there for everyone to see. Bare Addictions specialises in acne skincare, from serums and cleaners to the Daily Defence Moisturiser which we were sent to test. It may not be summer yet but you can still be prepared!

Formulated for teens and twenties who have the most acne-prone skin, the Daily Defence Moisturiser both protects and moisturises in the sun. With an SPF30, that’s enough for daily life in the UK and may places in Europe (you’ll need something stronger in the summer and if you’re out in direct sunlight). The Bare Addictions Daily Defence Moisturiser protects against UV rays, shine and spots by targeting excess oil. There’s also the added advantage of protecting against blue light stress – blue light comes from appliances like laptops, tablets and phones which so many of us use daily for both work and home.

Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF30 contains several active ingredients including Indian Ginseng Root extract which is for the protection against blue light stress, and Vitamin B3 to combat hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. The specialised UV filters give a level of protection against both UVA and UVB rays too.

The 50ml pump tube is easily carried in a handbag and won’t spill thanks to the pump design. It’s very light weight and absorbs into the skin easily with a very light fragrance that is neither perfume nor medicinal and doesn’t linger long. I felt that it was very hydrating whilst giving a matt finish when it dries. The directions say to put on 15 minutes before sun exposure, so either during the summer whilst you’re at home and moisturising for the day before you go out, or on holiday before a day in the sunshine, make sure you give your skin some time to absorb the Daily Defence Moisturiser.

It doesn’t matter if you have acne or not, this day moisturiser still works, but also has the added bonus of having UV protection, being easily absorbed and has SPF30. The richness of the cream makes it super hydrating too, which is never a bad thing and as summer approaches we all need a bit of help!

Available from £14.95: https://bareaddiction.com/products/daily-defence-moisturiser

Delph and LotilHigh Protection Sun Lotion

beauty, camping, Children, Family Life, health, Sport, Summer

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Get ready for summer! Yes, I know it’s raining today but spring is the time of year when you either have your holiday booked, or are booking in and getting essentials together for the big trip away. Judging by the rain out there today, I think most of us are planning on some sun overseas this year so Delph Sun Lotions are definitely going to be needed.

The range we were sent included two sun lotions, one at SPF30 and one at SPF50+ and an after sun lotion, all in handy 150ml tubes. Delph pride themselves on being of the highest quality, so much so that their products are available on prescription on the NHS for those with sensitive skin and other skin issues thanks to their 4-star rating from Diffy & Robson. Delph is also used by the Ministry of Defence, so you can imagine the types of scenarios Delph sun lotion comes in handy! Additionally, each of the sun lotions (SPF30 and SPF50) are “very water resistant” so you can swim in both the sea and swimming pools whilst still getting a high level of protection.

Each of the SPF30 and SPF50 sun lotions can be applied directly to the face, in generous amounts (approximately ½ a teaspoon amount just for the face alone) and then a teaspoon to each arm, more for each leg and 2 teaspoons amount to the back and chest. The lotion must dry before going into water and be reapplied every 1-2 hours especially after swimming or towelling. Remember, using the recommended dosage gives the highest possible protection from the sun.

The Delph After Sun is designed to provide deep moisturisation and contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin E for their anti-inflammatory properties. The Vitamin E helps prevent peeling and prolongs the life of your tan too.

We were also sent the Lotil Lip Care stick with SPF30. This is a great addition to the range to protect your lips along with your face. It also moisturises your face whilst you’re out in the sun, keeping them soft especially against beach weather.

Each of the Delph Sun Lotions are Dermatologically Tested, and have a very light fragrance to them. There are elements of the scent that remind me of ‘holiday’, presumably because of the sun protection ingredients and there is a very light citrus smell too. The lotions blended into my skin very easily though, so it’s easy to apply to wriggling children who don’t want to have to wait before they get into the pool or the sea! The After Sun is also almost fragrance free and very light, making it easy to absorb.

I can’t wait for the summer and the holidays to begin so that I can finally test the Delph range on some proper sun!

Delph Sun Lotion SPF50+ 150ml from £4.69:

https://www.weldricks.co.uk/products/delph-sun-lotion-spf50-150ml

Delph Sun Lotion SPF30 150ml from £5.09:

https://www.weldricks.co.uk/products/delph-sun-lotion-spf30-150ml

Delph After Sun Lotion 150ml from £1.49:

https://www.weldricks.co.uk/products/delph-after-sun-lotion-150ml

Lotil Original Lip Care Balm from £1.49:

https://www.weldricks.co.uk/products/lotil-original-lip-care-balm-4g

RapidLash and RapidBrow Enhancing Serum

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

I will confess now that I love these products. As a woman of a ‘certain age’ I realised that my eyebrows and eyelashes were starting to thin and not be as long as they used to be. Lashings of eyebrow pencil and mascara were my only option, or something really drastic like make-up tattoos were going to be needed but I didn’t want to go down that route. RapidBrow and RapidLash came to the rescue though.

If you haven’t guessed what RapidBrow and RapidLash are yet, they are both serums for enhancing eyebrows and eyelashes without the use of make-up but instead work overnight to build up strength and therefore thicken brows and lashes.

The statistics on the front of the packaging tell the story of how well loved RapidLash and RapidBrow really are. 93% of people experienced improvement in the appearance of brows and 88% experienced improvement in the appearance of lashes with each respective serum. 91% experienced thicker, fuller and healthier looking brows whilst 86% experienced thicker, stronger and longer looking lashes. This information was gathered after just 8 weeks, but the serums last a lot, lot longer so you can expect the treatment to carry on for several more months.

Each of the RapidBrow and RapidLash serums are applied once a day, preferably in the evening, to clean lashes and brows that have had all traces of make-up removed. RapidLash should be applied to the base of the eyelashes on the top lid, and RapidBrow is applied to the full length of the brow. That’s all you have to do. The serum works its magic overnight and in as little as a few weeks you start to see a difference.

This is why I love these products. Within a couple of weeks, my eye lashes were stronger plus they were able to hold more mascara whenever I did wear make-up. My brows, which are starting to thin with age, were stronger and didn’t come out as easily. It may be my imagination but the colour was deeper too, meaning I didn’t have to add pencil to them. Within 4 weeks, I did a double-take in the mirror where I swear my eyelashes looked longer BEFORE I put mascara on, and my eyebrows looked like they had already had the eye brow fixer on them, or at least a little pencil colour.

Over time, I hope that the serum keeps working and keeps strengthening my eyebrows and eyelashes so that I have more of a base to add make up to, but also to give a more natural look. The serums are much cheaper than having any cosmetics done, and don’t have the initial ‘look’ that tattooing or permanent make-up have when they’re first done. It looks so much more natural having the lashes built up over time and gets you to a level where you can keep the hair strength. These serums last forever too, so are very cost effective plus they make great gifts!

From £37.00 – £40.00 at: https://rapidlash.co.uk

Grace & Stella Mother’s Day Pamper Gifts

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Mothering Sunday or Mother’s Day as it is more commonly known, falls on the 4^th Sunday of Lent, meaning the date varies each year and if you’re not careful it creeps up on you without you realising! With the increasingly busy lives that we all seem to lead now, and with many people watching the pennies, it’s good to know that there are plenty of affordable and easily accessible gift ideas that mum will love this Mother’s Day. Amazon is my go-to place for last minute gift ideas and I know my Mum will love this selection of pampering treats from beauty brand Grace & Stella.

Rainbow Bath Bomb £19.99

The rainbow clouds are the ultimate bath time treat, scented with lavender extract and packed with nourishing oils to help you relax and unwind. The simple white clouds aren’t very exciting at first glance but when dropped in a bath full of warm water they quickly explode into a riot of vibrant colours, creating a swirling rainbow that is quite mesmerizing to watch. The beautiful lavender fragrance is lovely and relaxing and when you get out of the bath your skin feels lovely and soft.

Lavender Foot Peel Mask (2 pairs) £20

Winner of the “Best Footcare Product” in the 2023 Marie Claire Sin Awards these foot masks are the ultimate treat for tired feet. After soaking your feet in warm water for 10 minutes put the foot booties on, securing with the supplied tape and then put on a pair of socks, which helps speed up the peeling process. They need to be left on for an hour – so the perfect opportunity to grab yourself a cup of tea and a good book and relax whilst the magical ingredients do their stuff. After an hour you remove the bootie and then wash your feet with soap and water. My feet felt incredibly soft afterwards and I found the lavender scent was very relaxing. The peeling starts in 5-7 days and it is recommended that you soak your feet for 10 minutes everyday to help loosed the skin. I found it quite satisfying peeling the dead skin off and I was really impressed with how soft it has left my feet. While the peeling process might not be for everyone, I would say that the end result is definitely worth it.

Eye Mask (24 pairs) £17.50

Eye masks are a popular choice to help reduce under eye puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles. These eye masks are simple to use, adhere nicely to the skin and stay put for the 15-20 minutes recommended use. The unscented eye masks are ideal for a boost when you haven’t had enough sleep and need to look bright and alert or you can incorporate them into a pamper session and sit back whilst they do their magic. I found they have really reduced puffiness, especially after a late night and after using them I look a lot fresher.

Face Mask £20.95

The Dead Sea Mud Mask is infused with Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil, Aloe Vera Juice and draws impurities like dirt and oil out of your clogged pores to give a clearer complexion. Applying the mask was nice and simple as the mud spreads easily and then you then leave it to dry for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. It took a few minutes to remove but my skin felt lovely afterwards and I was I was really impressed with how fresh and clear my complexion looked.

Lavender Body Lotion £14.95

Containing a whopping 470ml this body lotion contains Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Aloe Vera and Rosehip Oil that moisturizes, nourishes and soothes skin. This body lotion smells amazing, the lavender fragrance is calming and relaxing, yet not overpowering and it lingers nicely on your skin, creating a relaxing spa-like atmosphere long after it has been applied. The lotion is smooth and creamy and absorbs easily without leaving a greasy residue. My skin felt instantly hydrated and is a great choice for everyday use.

I’m really impressed with the Grace & Stella products and I am sure lots of mums would be delighted to receive a selection of pampering products this Mothers Day.

Available from Amazon

Get Waisted With Biddy Shapewear

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, Summer, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

New to this type of apparel I was excited to be sent some Get Waisted With Biddy (GWB) body shaping garments to help me get into shape for summer! Make no mistake, these clothes won’t change my shape permanently or make me lose weight, but I was hoping they could make me look and feel different.

The first piece was the body suit. I am a size 16 so this suit was in XL size. Made of 85% Polyamide and 15% Elastane, it’s incredibly stretchy but also very strong. There are no fastenings on this suit (except underneath) so you have to manoeuvre yourself into it by stretching it over your head. This took some time the first time I wore it! There’s some shaping there for the bust too but the lack of fastenings to the side or back give it the shape you’re looking for. Once the bodysuit is on, it gives fluid, tighter lines of sight under clothes and doesn’t give any lumps or bumps. I would suggest trying this on and wearing it round the house before you wear it somewhere special like a wedding, so that the elastane shapes to your own curves. There’s no rigid boning so nothing sticks into you as you try and move or sit down. Garment 1 gets a big smile!

The second shapewear were the Snatch Me Shorts. These are pretty, high waisted shorts which fasten at the front with hook and eye fastenings. These are impossible to get into without undoing the fastenings (trust me I’ve tried!) so you might need some help getting them on, especially the first time you wear them. The same advice applies – get used to wearing them before the big day otherwise they might not shape to you as you would like, plus it can take a long time to get them on.

The seams are constructed so that again, there are no lumps and no creases in unsightly or uncomfortable places. There’s 3 settings on the hook and eye fastenings (like a bra would have) and you can start on the loosest setting and work your way up to something more appropriate. I tried on a size XL which just about went over my thighs but I do have footballer’s legs! The shaping around the tummy holds you in so that dresses especially have that clean look and the fastening at the front makes it easy to adjust and get in and out of. There’s also some engineering to make it easier to go to the toilet but I found it easier to just take it off. With time, the elastane may become more flexible for me to be able to wear it that way. I like how high waisted it is too so it can be worn under a dress or even under trousers or jeans.

I probably wouldn’t wear both garments in combination as they do the same thing and would probably be too tight together. They are both incredibly well made, which is good to know when it comes to shapewear as you don’t want it tearing at the seams after time, or the lace fraying. The shorts are hand wash only and I would suggest both of them are kept as hand wash to preserve the elastane and the shape of them.

Not only are these great for creating the perfect shape but they make lovely gifts, or can be taken on holiday for the summer to give you that effortless, cool silhouette in all those vacation photos! With Get Waisted With Biddy, you’re Insta ready in no time!

Bodysuit from £37.99: https://getwaistedwithbiddy.com/products/new-gwb-skxn-luxe-2-0-shaping-bodysuit

GWB Snatch Me Shorts from £51.99: https://getwaistedwithbiddy.com/products/gwb-snatch-me-short

Olay Protect Gift Set

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Mother’s Day is a great excuse to buy Mum some luxury skincare and with the Olay Protect Gift Set, it’s not just the day cream, but a night cream and Vitamin C eye cream that’s included! This gorgeous box set contains Olay Retinol24 Night (50ml), Olay Niacinamide SPF30 Day (50ml) and Olay Vitamin C Eye Cream for Day (15ml), all in a pretty gift box.

Starting with the Olay Niacinamide SPF30 Day Cream, the hydrating, renewing, age defying cream works perfectly as day cream either under make up or just on its own, especially as it is SPF30. For British weather, it’s a must to both moisturise and have some sun protection as we’re not used to the high temperatures in the summer and like now, the biting cold and wind that the winter can bring. Your skin will love you for looking after it with a rich day moisturiser! Couple this with the Olay Vitamin B3 24 Eye Cream. Packed with lots of vitamins to work for as long as possible, this eye cream hydrates the delicate area around the eyes and acts as a barrier too, to prevent free radical damage.

The final piece to the Olay puzzle is the Olay Retinol 24. This cream moisturises and smooths skin overnight using the powers of Retinol and helps give your skin that healthy glow. It’s fragrance free too so you still wear a scent with it. This is a lovely indulgence to put on at night as part of your bedtime routine because it feels so soft against the skin and gives you a luminous glow before bed and when your skin regenerates as you sleep.

Each of the creams are lightweight and don’t feel greasy at all. They’re fabulous on their own, but in combination and over time they work together to give your skin a continuous glow and make it feel hydrated and smooth. They’re so light in fact that you can wear them under make up and it won’t matter but the vitamins help protect your skin when you’re out and about.

If Mum (or Nan!) love Olay, then this is the perfect gift for her. You know she’ll use it, love it and appreciate having it all together in one box set is a thoughtful gift for Mother’s Day.

And if you don’t give it? You could just keep it for yourself!

Available from £111.00 at: https://www.boots.com/olay-project-protect-day-and-night-moisturiser-and-eye-cream-christmas-giftset-10335161

Lacura Collagen Lip Oil from Aldi

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

A few weeks ago, some girlfriends and I went for a makeover in a posh London department store. After buying a ton of new products, I was hesitant about buying the lip oil they had used on me. I had never heard of lip oil before and my usual lip covering is lipstick or sometimes a matt lipstick applied with a wand, so the lip oil was a new product to me.

Well, Aldi had other ideas! They sent me this Lacura Collagen Lip Oil (8ml) with Shea butter and Vitamin E to try, so after last weekend I was very happy to oblige! The lip oil is a tube with roller glass ball for ease of application and is only about 7 centimetres tall so can fit into a handbag or purse easily when you go out. The added shea butter and vitamin E are to protect and moisturise the skin and you can really feel the softness of both ingredients and taste the shea butter too!

Lacura Collagen Lip Oil applies easily and doesn’t leave your lips feeling sticky like a lip gloss. It’s more like a light oil, as the name suggest and leaves a shine on the lips. It’s colourless on application but seems to enhance your natural colour, or if you apply with a lipstick underneath, brings out the lipstick colour and protects a little from the make-up transferring onto glasses etc. It’s easy to wear on its own during the day or to mix it up at night with a lipstick as well and create a different look, especially if you’re really good with lip liner and can create a blend with the oil too.

I’m loving experimenting with the Lacura Lip Oil and being able to make a new look with it for both day and night. It’s so easy to use too and doesn’t need to be precise at all. A new staple for the make-up bag!

Available from £2.99 at: https://www.aldi.co.uk/collagen-lip-oil/p/722836778210501

Freshwipes for Summer

Baby, beauty, camping, Children, Days Out, eco friendly, Family Life, Home, Plastic free, Summer

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

As spring is here, I was thinking about what I might need to stock up on now for the summer. Face wipes and antibacterial wipes are essential for my office which has no air conditioning and at our busiest times during the months of May, June and July, we need to keep cool somehow.

Freshwipes are 100% biodegradable wipes and completely plastic free. I abhor plastic in anything so I have always stayed away from any kind of wipes but Freshwipes are in a different league. As a small company, they are s till able to produce disposable wipes that don’t live forever and block up drains and damage wildlife which is why they are still in production even after a ban on all wipes comes into effect.

Freshwipes actually produce a whole range of wipes that are available on the market now. We were sent some of them to test; Antibacterial Mini Wipes, pH Balanced Intimate Wipes and Antibacterial Body Wipes in Coconut, Grapefruit and Unscented versions. All of the wipes are made of viscose, a biodegradable plant-based fabric and are made antibacterial with Chlorohexidine. This means you can have the power of washing with soap (and therefore being antibacterial) but without having to rinse afterwards.

Starting with the Antibacterial Wipes and Intimate Wipes, they measure 20 x 15 centimetres per wipe and come in tamper proof sealed packets of 10. These are great handbag sized packets which can be taken with you anywhere. The packets seal up again after you use one for either cleaning your hands, cleaning children or even cleaning surfaces if needed. The Intimate Wipes are scent free whilst the Antibacterial Wipes have a slight coconut fragrance to them which in itself is very refreshing.

The Body Wipes are bigger at 20 x 30 centimetres each but also come in tamper proof sealed packets which are resealable. These body wipes are for when you might not be able to get to a shower or bath, like whilst camping, at a festival or if like me you work long hours during the summer. They also refresh your hands and face whilst on a long flight or car journey and the soft texture of the viscose fibre isn’t harsh like a flannel so can be used for taking off suncream after a day at the beach, or excess make up.

Freshwipes are available in Superdrug, Montain Warehouse and online at Amazon among other places but also have their own store online which includes a starter pack for Freshwipes.

Available for various prices depending on type at: https://www.freshwipes.co.uk/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw3a2iBhCFARIsAD4jQB3CMQ3lZkRxxj9QdPMX9XKp6RZSDxgWUdUavGax9fCTlNNXF7Q9gMoaAoFIEALw_wcB

MONPURE Hair Products

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Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

After years of straightening my curls, I am now embracing them and in my quest for perfect curls have tried a huge selection of curl friendly products, all with varying results. One product my hair likes is protein as it gives my curls strength, shape and structure so I was really pleased to receive the Strengthening Silk Protein Shampoo and Strengthening Essence Conditioner from MONPURE.

If you’re not familiar with MONPURE they are a luxury haircare brand who know that the secret to healthy hair begins with the scalp. Their products contain retinol and lactic acid – products more familiar to us in skincare – and are effectively bridging the gap between skincare and haircare, taking haircare onto a new and exciting level.

The Strengthening Silk Protein Shampoo £36 is a fantastic product, cleansing the hair and scalp without stripping it of its natural oils and moisture. The shampoo lathers easily, creating a creamy foam that lifts away dirt and debris and the vegan silk peptides in the shampoo create a breathable ‘second skin’ on both the scalp and hair to protect it from the effect of pollution, irritants and bacteria.

I love the fragrance of this shampoo, it smells fresh and luxurious and as you massage it in it instantly feels like it is doing wonders for both my scalp and hair. It rinses out easily leaving my hair clean and fresh.

The Strengthening Essence Conditioner £36 is designed to hydrate both your scalp and hair, the lightweight formula glides through my hair leaving each strand silky and free of tangles. I found a walnut sized amount was perfect for my shoulder length hair and I left it on a few minutes before scrunching it into my hair and rinsing with plenty of water. The conditioner deeply hydrates and nourishes my hair and scalp and the blend of strengthening vegan silk peptides, Argan oil and pro vitamin B5 has left my hair incredibly shiny and it definitely looks a lot healthier than it did a few weeks ago!

The key to great curls is to keep them moisturised and hydrated and these products do just that, helping keep the dreaded frizz at bay and enhancing my curls.

Whilst the products are fabulous they aren’t the cheapest so with Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day coming up it’s time to start dropping a few hints!!

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