This is Silk Power Up Barrier Booster

When a product instantly sells out, you know it is going to be quite something and this time it is the Power Up Silk Barrier Booster from This Is Silk, a brand I was introduced to last year and one which I absolutely loved getting to know.

This Is Silk started when brand founder Sonal experienced the healing power of Silk for her own painful skin and damaged hair. A bit of research as to why Silk was helping, Sonal realised there is vast amounts of medical literature on the powerful benefits of Silk for skin and hair. So the brand, after further research was born. My first Silk product happened to be a pillowcase and then an eye mask, something I now cannot sleep without and have been known to take with me when I stay in a hotel, so I have no doubts that skincare products will be as amazing.

Described and promoted as being a Barrier Booster, a term that has become a bit a buzz word for 2023. Having spent many years using products which have irritated my skin, been top harsh and have caused reactions, inflammation and in some cases soreness, all in the effort to get baby soft smooth skin, minimised pores and no wrinkles - the latter of course being impossible.

So, Power Up Silk Barrier Booster is perfect for a whole lot of skin types or skin with issues that is in need of some love:

• Skin showing signs of ageing
• Skin that needs 'plumping'.
• Skin in need of serious TLC
• Sore, red and dry skin
• Sensitive skin ~ oil and fragrance free.

This product has been designed to be added to your existing skincare products and it works to demonstrate the power of Silk and Silk Peptides. Silk peptides have been scientifically proven to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, Improve skin elasticity and 'bounce', reduce hyper-pigmentation and fight blemishes, improve the barrier function of skin and Boost skin's natural collagen levels - in short it is quite the ingredient.  This product also contains Silk Fibroin, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Cholesterol and Glycerin

As this has been designed to be added to your existing skincare products, the advice is to apply and mix 1-2 drops in the palm of your hand with your moisturiser / oil / serum / retinol before applying to your skin, thankfully it does come with a pipette to make it easy to use. 

My skin is combination oily but with dry patches, so adding this into my routine has been quite something, it isn't greasy to tacky and it doesn't make any of your skincare products separate when it is mixed in.  For me, it came into its own when I used a mask which had Kaolin Clay as an ingredient, something my skin absolutely hates and was a reminder to do a patch test first.   So with my sore, red and angry skin, I applied this Barrier Booster to a calming face mask and it worked its magic to soothe and dull the redness.

Priced at £24, it is worth every single penny.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD SKIN CARE FOR LIVE CASINO DEALERS

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Live online casinos employ some of the most talented and hardworking people in the industry as live online dealers. When you play blackjack live, a presentable competent dealer provides an enhanced experience. Though their skills as dealers can never be overlooked, taking care of their appearance and more specifically their skin is important.

Live online dealers need to make sure that their makeup is waterproof and sweat-proof so that it won’t melt away under the spotlight. These and other stressor conditions can cause harm to the skin and health but fortunately, the dealer can take measures that will help them win.

Good exfoliation
With all the makeup an online live casino dealer has to use every day, a good exfoliation routine is important. The benefits of exfoliating are to unclog pores and increase cell turnover while preventing breakouts from happening. It also helps the effective absorption of production benefits for the skin.

An exfoliation routine will have to factor in skin condition and sensitivity. An excessive routine may do more harm to the skin than good. Therefore it is advisable to start your routine slowly and pay attention to the effect it will have on the skin. Ensure that you select the right product best suited for your skin.

Getting adequate hydration.
The spotlights generate heat and this is bad for the skin. The skin may become red and irritated leading to dryness. This can be easily combated by making sure to drink enough water while making sure your skin is provided with substantial hydrating qualities.

Alcohol is not good for one's skin, therefore hydration efforts with this drink would not be a benefit at all. Caffeine has properties that contain anti-inflammatory agents and is an antioxidant. These properties are wonders for the skin as they boost circulation resulting in skin glowing and appearing radiant.

Make sure to get plenty of rest
Live dealers often have to spend hours on end on their feet which could lead to muscular strain, leading to possible blood clotting or varicose veins. Resting is important as it enables the body to heal and rejuvenate from the stresses it has had to endure.

Liver dealers’ senses are overwhelmed by the lights, and monitors, keeping pace with the game requiring split-second decisions while they are in constant communication with the player. This stressful situation would have a bad effect on the skin. Caffeine may hamper sleep even with its benefits on the skin. Therefore, adopting healthy and sufficient sleeping patterns would benefit the body, mind and skin.

Eat healthily
It's no secret that a natural healthy diet has benefits not only to overall health maintenance but also to the healthy maintenance of the skin as well. For casino dealers, a specific diet is imperative because of the nature of their work.

Dealers have long shifts, with few breaks in between. A fast food diet will be ill-advised as this tends to make one slow and sluggish, not to mention it is bad for the skin. A dealer would benefit from a diet that will sustain and release energy at a slow constant rate. It will also need to help stimulate the brain as they have to be continuously thinking while conducting numerous deals.

Investing in good products
There is an abundance of good skincare products that are available to help maintain a good skincare routine. Understanding skin type needs and treatment needs assists in making the right choices in products to use.

The harsh spotlights along with the makeup are an ingredient for clogged pores and dehydrated skin. This will require a good cleanser as well as an effective moisturiser which will complement individual skin types.

Conclusion
Live casino games are a great means of entertainment and the dealers of these events can greatly impact the experience. The dealers exhibit professionalism and expertise that never fails to entertain with every wager. Thus, appreciation needs to be extended for keeping the standards and appearances high for live gambling enthusiasts.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Susanne Kaufmann Eye Rescue Serum

My love for the Susanne Kaufmann brand started with the trio of bath oils which I’ve since gone on to repurchase many times since. The next product, which was in the Latest in Beauty Advent Calendar, is the Eye Rescue Serum and it is delightful.

Previously known as the Eye Rescue Stick Line A, the Eye Rescue Serum is said to have been reformulated to not only bring you the same indulgent benefits, but with it, the addition of what is referred to as being a set of intelligent new ingredient complexes from the Alpine region, this is now even more sustainable and efficacious. Infused with antioxidant baobab pulp and chicory root extracts, hawthorn flower extract as well as caffeine and together they work to reduce the look of dark circles, lines and puffiness. If that isn't enough, there is also the addition of hyaluronic acid which helps to hydrate dry skin.

As you can see, this serum is designed as a roll-on stick making it quick and easy to use with little mess or wastage and as the roller-ball comes into contact with the under-eye, it is instantly soothing and cooling and is perfect for freshening and awakening those tired eyes.

For me, my under-eye is always dehydrated, so an eye cream or a serum is a must-have for me. What I love about the Susanne Kaufmann Eye Rescue Serum is that it is quick and convenient to use. I love the feeling of the coolness of the roller-ball as it massages the delicate eye area while at the same time delivering an array of antioxidants and nutrients which work to ward against the stress induced by screens and UV light.

Perfect to be used as part of your morning skincare routine before applying your eye cream and it is also a product which is ideal for refreshing touch-ups throughout the day.

Priced at £85 this Eye Rescue Serum from Susanne Kaufmann is at the higher end of the budget but an absolutely stunning product.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Cellcosmet Skincare

One of the joys of blogging is being introduced to brands you might ordinarily never come across and from them you meet some absolutely amazing brands that you cannot help but love. A few months ago, I was sent two products from the Cellcosmet Skincare range, a brand which hails all the way from Switzerland.

Described as being the gold standard in Swiss cosmetics, Cellcosmet offers skincare products for every type of skin and recognises that the skin's needs change over time.

we believe it is vital to couple our cellular technology with botanical-origin ingredients expertise for skincare that ensures incomparable results.

From a range of 32 products in this range, you will find everything from cleansers and tonics, to masks, serums and even skin tints.  I was kindly sent the Precious Mask and the Cellular Eye Contour Cream.

Precious Mask grabbed my attention with its name and it is described as being more than a simple beauty mask: it is a moment of personal pampering and matchless pleasure.

The mask itself was not how I expected at all, again one of the things I love about discovering new brands and products is the element of surprise.  With its rich, reddish-brown cream, this mask offers your complexion a fine, even texture and healthy glow and it is said with regular use, it will also help to redefine* facial lines and smooths skin texture, giving you instant radiance.

Perfect for combination skin, this cream-gel mask is designed to be used once or twice a week as part of your pampering time-out. It is, as you might expect, packed full of amazing ingredients:

• Kombucha a long-life mushroom to refine skin texture.
• Edelweiss extract for anti-aging & protective power
• A blend of white pink green & red clays for their purifying mattifying detoxifying & oxygenating properties

Plus you will also find Orange Blossom Petals which help to detoxify, Witch Hazel Water which is an astringent and a blend of Antioxidant E + C + F Vitamin Complex.

My skin hates clay as an ingredient, so I always have to be incredibly careful, so with a patch test done and my skin behaving, I gave the mask a try. Now I really, really wanted this mask not to work with my skin, it costs £175, so is an absolute luxury and it is just delightful, which really pains me to say.

As the mask is applied to the skin, it feels soft, smooth, it is soothing it feels like silk and is not harsh, it isn't stripping and it didn't leave my skin feeling angry.  The advice is to apply a thick layer and leave it on the skin for up to 10 minutes, however, if you feel your skin needs a more intensive treatment, the advice is to use it apply it three times a week for a month.  After using this mask, my skin was not only soft and smooth but there is a definite glow afterwards and in short, I absolutely loved it.

Having loved the Mask, I had no doubt I would also love the Cellular Eye Contour Cream too, which with a price tag of £260 made it the most expensive product I have ever used and wow!

For me, an eye cream is an absolute must-have product within my routine and because I have a bit of insomnia and dehydration under my eyes, this product ticks all those boxes.

With a formula that has been designed especially for the eye area, it is enriched with a whole host of ingredients such as:

• CytoPep™ Cellular Extracts (CI 3) which helps to revitalise the skin, improve elasticity and help retain moisture.
• Postbiotics Complex helps the skin to retain moisture as well as to firm
• OleoComplex which is derived from almond and olive oil, flax-seed oil and borage oil and together they restore suppleness, softness, improve elasticity and protect the skin from external aggressors.
• HydraProtect Film Complex which forms a protective, breathable film like a second skin and its job is to moisturise, soothe and protect the skin from external aggressors.

The cream, which is silky smooth is perfect for using on the delicate skin under the eye and whilst it does moisturise and soothe, for me the difference in both the puffiness and dark circles was the major change and whilst it took a few uses to see it for myself, the fact others had noticed was major.

This cream can be used both morning and evening and should be applied using a light finger tapping motion, rather than rubbing.

Both of these products, along with others from the range can be found in Harrods and it is exceptionally pricey and is right up there on the high end of luxury but I just want to try absolutely everything from this brand!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

REN Perfect Canvas Smooth, Prep & Plump Essence

I don't think REN Clean Skincare needs an introduction for my blog or my social media if we are being honest. It is one of my favourite brands and as yet, I haven't found a product I dislike.

The latest launch, Perfect Canvas Smooth, Prep & Plump Essence is described as being an instantly smoothing and plumping bio-ferment essence proven to boost the benefits of skincare and help strengthen the skin barrier.  Strengthening the skin's barrier is a term you will be hearing a lot about right now and ultimately, as your skin barrier weakens with age, it is never too late to take care of it. 

Your skin barrier is the outermost layer and it is called the stratum corneum and it is vital, possibly more so than you think. Its entire purpose is to protect your skin from all of those environmental stressors, irritations, and of course inflammation, while at the same time holding onto all the good stuff that we need, like moisture. However, using the wrong products or anything that is too harsh for your skin can damage that barrier, and this is where the REN Perfect Canvas Smooth, Prep & Plump Essence is important.

This Essence is powered by a synergetic trio of postbiotic bio-ferments and potent antioxidants:

• Bio-Fermented Microbial Extract - Plumps skin with hydration ​
• Bio-Fermented Hyaluronic & Polyglutamic Acids - Smooth and help strengthen skin
• Marrubium Extract - Helps protect skin against pollutants​

Plus there is the inclusion of Niacinamide which helps to brighten and even skin tone.

This Essence can be used both morning and evening as part of your routine and it is as simple as it can be. All you need to do is apply 3 drops directly into your hands and then gently pat it onto a freshly cleansed face and neck, if in a morning after your toner but before moisturising and in an evening the same, and not only will it work to boost hydration but to also support your microbiome and make all your other skincare work harder.  

I have used a few Essence products over the years and this one has a more serum-like texture and different to many others I have tried, so you really don't need more than those 3-drops.  I loved it as soon as I used it, the texture, the lack of chemical smell and the feeling of my skin being hydrated was an absolute winner. So easy to use and slot into your routine, it is hard not to love.

The REN Perfect Canvas Smooth, Prep & Plump Essence is £43 for 100ml and can be found in Boots, M&S, Cult Beauty, Lookfantastic, Space NK and of course from REN themselves.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Signs that the Skincare Product you have Now Isn’t Working

If you have started a brand-new routine for your skincare, then you may be wondering when you are going to start seeing results. This is understandable, especially if you have spent hours on end searching the internet to try and find the perfect serum. That being said, there are some signs that your skincare routine isn’t working, and if you follow this guide you’ll soon find that it is easier than ever for you to uncover the reason why.

Your Skin is Dry

If you have used a product for a few days, or a few weeks then you may be surprised to see that your skin feels dry or irritated. This is your skin’s way of giving you a red flag that something needs to change. If you know that your skin is sensitive then try and do a patch test before you go ahead and invest in some skincare products. If you can do this then you will soon be able to find out if you should be avoiding anything.

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You have Flare-Ups

There are a lot of reasons why your skin might flare up. If the product that you have right now has a very high level of exfoliation or acid then this could aggravate the balance in your skin, causing flare-ups. If you go heavy on a product or if you overuse it then this can also cause trouble, so make sure that you slow down on the application if your skin starts to take a turn. If you have mature skin then this could need a different product entirely, so check out this caring for mature skin guide if you want to get some help there.

You Have Blocked Pores

If you want your skincare product to be effective, then you need them to clean your pores from the inside out. If, after you have used certain products, you feel as though your skin is heavy and clogged or if your pores are blocked then this is a major sign that something needs to change.

Hyperpigmentation

Have you noticed that your skin is looking a little discoloured lately? It may be that your skin has some dark patches and you feel as though the rest of your body doesn’t have this issue. If this happens on a regular basis then you may want to do a patch test on your skin so you can find out if there are any ingredients that you may be sensitive against.

Bumpy Acne

If you have a lot of acne then this can show that you are possibly having an allergic reaction to the product that you have. Sometimes using a product that has some kind of fragrance can easily irritate your skin, causing acne to occur. If this has happened to you in the past then you have to be careful about how you treat it, because if you mess with your skin or if you try and pop any spots then this can easily lead to more permanent scarring.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Face facts new accessible ceramides skincare range

facefacts is a brand that is described as being affordable and feel good skincare and it is all about Ceramides. Anyone who loves their skincare as much as I do, will be all too aware as to the importance Ceramides can play in your routine and because the Facefacts Ceramide Skin Barrier Complex collection is really affordable, it is perfect for everyone.

As the name suggests, this range of products is comprised of five ceramides, hyaluronic acid and oats. Ceramides are often referred to as being one of the best skin soothing ingredients and simply put, they are lipids/oils that naturally occur in the skin and their job is to help to maintain that skin barrier, maintain hydration and keep out unwanted elements, such as bacteria and to do that, they seal the gaps between skin cells.  The best analogy given for the link between skin cells and ceramides is those skin cells re bricks and ceramides is the mortar which keeps them together.

Within the facefacts Ceramide Skin Barrier Complex collection, there is a choice of four different products, which you can use on their own, incorporate into your existing routine or use them together to create a new routine.

The first product, is step one within this routine and it is the Hydrating Gel Cleanser (£5.99/400ml) which is the first step of this routine. This cleanser is described as being formulated with a clever set of ingredients such as a powerhouse of 5 ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and oat kernal extract.

With its pump action dispenser, this gel cleanser is non-foaming which I really like and whilst the texture is quite soothing and not overly thick, its job, as with any cleanser is to remove dirt, makeup, excess oil and any other detritus sitting on the skins surface, all without stripping the skin or disturbing its natural pH balance, so it doesn't leave it feel taut and dry. This cleanser does a really good job at cleansing the skin, though I personally always use an eye makeup remover for my mascara. Priced between £3.99-£5.99 it is amazing value for money.

The second product Face Facts Repairing Serum Cream (RRP £2.99 / 30ml) would be the second part of your routine following on from the cleanser, and it is described as being a fast-absorbing serum cream to intensely moisturise and comfort skin, helping to relieve any tightness.

This serum is really lightweight, as a serum should be and as soon as it comes into contact with the skin, it absorbs. Face Facts state this serum is ideal for dry and sensitive skin types, but as someone with combination oily skin, ive had no problems using it.  Again formulated with the skin barrier complex of 5 Ceramides, moisture-locking Hyaluronic Acid, soothing, Oats, Glycerin and Vitamin E, it is ideal for use both morning and evening on freshly cleansed skin.

Once your serum has been absorbed, it is now time for the Replenishing Eye Cream (£2.99 for 25ml), which is step three of this routine. This Eye cream uses an additional six skin emollients to help prevent moisture loss, as it works to nourish, hydrate, smooth and brighten the delicate skin around the eyes.

Made with a nourishing complex of 5 Ceramides, moisture-locking hyaluronic acid, soothing oats, Glycerin and Vitamin E, this eye cream comes packaged in a tube which is easy to squeeze and with a handy to use nozzle, it ensure you don't use too much. I really like the fact that this eye cream doesn't just sit on that delicate under-eye skin, it absorbs quickly with a gentle patting action and it is so gentle, it can be used right around the orbital bone too.

The final step in this collection and a product that is really lovely to use, is the Face Facts Moisturising Gel Cream ( £2.99/50ml) and is described as being a lightweight hydrating cream, which absorbs quickly to help provide an immediate soothing and softening effect.

Again, this moisturising gel cream is formulated with a skin barrier complex of 5 Ceramides, moisture-locking Hyaluronic Acid, hydrating Vitamin E and skin soothing Oats, this moisturiser helps soothe and strengthen the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss. Again, in a squeezable tube, this gel cream has a light texture because it is as the product states, a gel cream.  Soothing and cooling on the skin, it absorbs really quickly and leaves the skin soft, smooth and really nourished.

All of the products within the Face Facts range have been expertly formulated for all skin types, including for those who have dry and sensitive skin. The Face Facts range is also fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and vegan friendly and it is readily available from Home Bargains, B&M, and Savers.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Murad Deep Relief Blemish Treatment

If a product goes viral on TikTok and is referred to as being a 'Miracle in a bottle' then you know it has to be good! The newest launch from Murad is the Deep Relief Blemish Treatment and it has been designed to minimise the appearance of breakouts and redness.

I am lucky that I very rarely suffer from breakouts, I get the odd spot that lingers below the surface of my skin, but it very rarely breaks through.  Inspired by professional dermatological techniques for breakout-prone skin, this Deep Relief Blemish Treatment is a leave-on treatment which combines amino acid technology with 2% salicylic acid to target breakout-causing bacteria.

Perfect for all skin types, whether you have dry, oily or combination, this lightweight serum like texture works to form an invisible film-forming polymer which acts as a second-skin barrier and in doing so, it locks in active ingredients when applied directly to the targeted area. There are three main ingredients within this Blemish Treatment:

• Salicylic Acid -Helps to clear and soothe blemishes
• Amino Acid Technology - Targets irritation-causing bacteria
• Ginger Root Extract - Calms and soothes

Plus you will also find a ground red cherry extract that also hosts soothing properties, the serum promotes a visibly calmer and clearer complexion. 

Designed to be used both morning and evening, if that is your preference, it should be used on freshly cleansed skin and you will need a cotton bud for application.  As I said, I very rarely have an issue with spots on my skin, other than the odd one every now and again taunting me under the surface of the skin, and knowing Murad had sent this product to me, one duly pulsated below my skin, almost as if it was daring me to 'do my best' to get rid of it.

The advice to apply the Murad Deep Relief Blemish Treatment, is to dip a clean cotton swab into the Deep Relief Blemish Treatment bottle, then apply it directly to those affected areas. If you prefer, you can also dispense onto a cotton round or directly onto your finger then apply to the affected area. As long as both your skin and hands are clean, how to apply is up to you.

Does it work? On my skin yes. What more can I say? As soon as I felt a spot under my skin, I reached for this Treatment, applied it and within a couple of days, it was gone, no unsightly red bump and no pain. Job done. I also use the Murad Blemish Control Daily Clarifying Peel when my skin is acting out too.

Priced at £38, the results of this Murad Deep Relief Blemish Treatment speak for themselves, as you can see here. If blemishes in whatever form they appear, leave you searching for solutions, Murad has one!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Selfridges Jet Set Summer Skin Bundle 2022

Selfridges have launched a new bundle called the Jet Set Summer Skin bundle for 2022 and if you have any trips away or holidays planned, then everything you need can be found within this kit.  

The last bundle of this kind that we saw, was the With Love Bundle back in March. Again, packaged inside a Selfridges branded canvas bag, something I really like about these bundles because the canvas bags are a really decent size to use for so many different things.

If you're packing for a tropical getaway, or simply wistfully dreaming of your next adventure, the Jet Set Summer Skin Bundle deserves a spot in your suitcase. Why? Packed with the best SPF and skin hydrating formulas, this kit not only helps you achieve a glowing tan but also maintain it afterwards. We use the Coola SPF body spray to protect our skin as we bathe, the Sun Bum lip balm to shield our pout, then the Pixi Glow mist to keep us radiant for longer – because nobody wants that holiday feeling to end the minute you step off the plane

The Jet Set Summer Skin Bundle is on sale right now for just £50, though the contents themselves come in at £140, so almost three times the price!

Contents

• Supergoop! glow stick SPF 20g
• Lancaster body milk 50ml
• Coola unscented body spray SPF50 117ml
• Sun Bum Watermelon lip balm SPF30 4.25g
• Frank Body A-Beauty coffee scrub 100g
• Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum cream 75ml
• Pixi glow mist 80ml
• Dr Jart+ Ceramidin cream 15ml
• Rodial Vit C Brightening Pads mini pack of 20
• Patchology Rose eye gel single
• Patchology Rose sheet mask single

As you can see there is some brilliant products within this Summer Skin bundle and I am quite impressed with the sizes of the products too.

You can find the Selfridges Jet Set Summer Skin Bundle 2022 on sale now.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Athletia Tuning Aroma Mist Refresh & Restart

I have become obsessed with the brand I am sharing with you today - Athletia. If you haven't come across them, they describe themselves as being the latest Japanese skincare and lifestyle brand who focus on natural ingredients, harness the power of botanical extracts and essential oils all of which benefit the skin, body and mind.

Althetia has an incredible list of products within their catalogue from skincare and body care to hair care and room mists and I have 4 products to share and the first product I am sharing is the Athletia Tuning Aroma Mist Refresh and Restart and as mists go, well it is so good I have ordered a second bottle.

"A fresh face & body spritz for an instant recharge of hydration", that is how Athletia describes this Mist and it has been designed to be used on both the face and body. This mist is perfect for that post-workout, to finesse your makeup, an afternoon boost or in my case a refresher in this incredible heat we have been enjoying of late plus you can also use it to finesse your makeup. 

For me, a face mist is one of those must-have items, I work my way through quite a few every year, and as well as having one in my handbag, I also have one in the bedroom, bathroom and at work in my desk drawer.  There is something about that mid-afternoon spritz that I really enjoy.

Featuring the key fragrance ingredients of Peppermint, bergamot, lavender, eucalyptus and cedarwood and they feature alongside Athletia's  signature natural ingredients: Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract which helps to condition the skin, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf extract which is an antioxidant that also hosts soothing properties, Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake) which helps moderate your skin's natural functions, balance your PH levels and replenish your skin's moisture. 

On a first spritz, the Peppermint and Lavender fill the air and on the skin, rather than soaking it through, there is a really light mist that is immediately refreshing and, in the stifling heat, it helps to banish the sweats and bring your temperature down, especially if you keep it in the fridge.

Priced at £28, this mist is worth every single penny and in coming weeks, I will be sharing three more products from the Althetia range!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Object Beauty - An Introduction

Object Beauty is the brain child of Jack and Hugo who were sick of all the plastic waste filling their bathroom so they decided to look for an alternative. Searching high and low for brands and products that fitted the bill of being natural, ethical and plastic-free but also ones which looked the part.

I was kindly gifted the plastic free starter set which comes with a selection of bars and accessories and not only gives you an insight as to what the brand is about, but when you see everything together, it makes you wonder just how much plastic you have in your own bathroom and debate how easy it would be to make the switch. I have made a really effort to ditch a lot of plastic, I’ve moved to refills with a lot of the brands that I choose to use, but there is always a lot more we can do.

Described as being the perfect bundle to get you started on your plastic free journey. This bundle is made up of Objects best selling cleansing bar, a conditioner bar and there is also your choice of one of the brands award winning object shampoo bars, of which there is one for every hair type. But that isn’t all, you will also get a concrete shower dish and two travel tins.

In my bundle I have the Cleansing Body Bar which is described as being extra moisturising and is designed to nourish your skin and protect it from the free radicals you’re exposed to every day. Made from highly effective but gentle plant-based cleansers which are combined with nourishing oat extract, avocado and jojoba oil.

What sells this cleansing bar to me is that it is scented with natural essential oils with aromatherapeutic properties. It is a known fact that I absolutely love my essential oils and this cleanser ticks boxes for me. With its combination of woody, herbal and citrus fragrance notes not only will you feel revitalised and centred, but my skin soft and smooth to the touch.

Over the past few years, I’ve made a big effort in an attempt to switch to Shampoo bars and I use them now more than I ever have, though that switch is still to become permanent as I’m mindful of my scalp when I am stressed.

The Shampoo bar in this bundle is the Moisturising Shampoo Bar and Object claim that this one bar is the equivalent of up to three bottles of liquid shampoo which really makes you think! 

It is, as you might expect packed with the best natural ingredients including nourishing moringa, jojoba and argan oils and soothing coconut milk which is an incredible combination, especially for anyone with dry hair, as this shampoo bar is perfect for that.  Worth noting that Object shampoo bars are also scented with natural essential oils with aromatherapeutic properties such as ylang ylang, cedarwood, citronella and lavandin - it smells absolutely incredible.

When using, the issue I have often found with shampoo bars, is that despite instruction that you mimic the use of hand soap and turn it over and over in the palms of your hands to eventually get some form of lather, with this one, it takes less time and you get more lather, so applying to your hair and scalp is less of a chore.  The lather that is created is so gentle, it doesn't irritate the scalp and it does smell absolutely lovely, a scent which lingers long after my hair has dried.

To accompany the Shampoo Bar, I also have the Nourishing Conditioner Bar and when you haven't had anyone trim or cut your hair since long before lockdown, like me, your hair needs all the love and care it can get.

Once again, the equivalent to three bottles of conditioner, this conditioner bar has been formulated by experts in an effort to help nourish, detangle and protect your hair. My hair has become very tangled after washing lately and I know it needs a really good cut, just need to find the time and a salon to book in to as my local one is no longer in operation. With this Conditioner Bar, again, it is packed with the best natural ingredients including an oil rich blend of macadamia, moringa and argan which work alongside black pepper, peppermint, lime and mandarin to give it a really lovely zesty and uplifting scent.

Once again, easy to use, there isn't as much lather created with the Conditioner as there is with the Shampoo but you can feel a difference in your hair as soon as you apply it to your hair before rinsing out.  For me, I am not a fan of overly heavy and thick conditioners, I prefer to use a hair mask for those textures, with this conditioner, what you get is soft, smooth hair with minimal frizz. 

Now I have my three beauty bars, keeping them dry between use is paramount or they just turn to mush.  So as I mentioned, within my bundle I was kindly given three accessories to ensure I do just that.  The first is a pink concrete shower dish which sits really well in the corner of my bath/shower out of the way of running water until I need to use my Cleansing Bar.  

Then there is two tins which are available in small or large sizes. These tins are super light and are made from rust-proof aluminium. Perfect for use when going on holidays, to the gym and even for those weekends away, just add the tin to your makeup bag and your product is dry, protected and easy to use time and time again.

As you can see, I am really impressed with the products I have tried from Object Beauty and since this package arrived, I have gone on to order the Re-balancing Shampoo Bar which is said to be ideal for greasy hair, perfect for me as I suffer with greasy roots and dry ends, so I can now use both products to see what results I get.

If you have been thinking of switching from plastic bottled shampoo, to something like a shampoo bar, then Object Beauty is definitely the brand you want to try, I expect the range will be expanded within the next year to include more products, but the catalogue as they have it now is impressive!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

The Body Shop Kindness & Pears Collection

Having already shared the Love & Plums Collection from The Body Shop, today I am sharing Kindness & Pears and again, it is one of the Seasonal Fragrance Collections.

This collection features more than 9 different products as well as being featured in some gift sets, so if it is something you like the sound of there is a lot of choice.  Today, I am sharing three different products from the range and if you have ever tried the Pear Bath Blend, then this is a collection you would love.

Described as being a special edition festive fragrance, this collection is enriched with pear extract from Italy and notes of juicy pear, strawberry and with it we also have the addition of warm tonka bean. This sweet, vibrant and fruity scent is said to guarantee to leave you feeling that Christmas kindness.

The first product is the Kindness & Pears Sugar Lip Scrub, a vegan product which comes packaged in a tub with a twist off lid and inside, the scrub smells just delightful and definitely as described above.

This is quite a creamy scrub and as well as being enriched with pear, strawberry and tonka bean, this scrub also features handcrafted Community Fair Trade Shea butter from Ghana and exfoliating sugar crystals, the latter creating the grains to scrub the dead and dry skin off your lips, without being too abrasive to scratch and irritate the lips.

As well as being great for use on the lips, I have also used this on dry patches of skin on my hands and it does such a god job at removing the dead skin.  Priced at £5.

The second product within this collection is the Kindness and Pears Body Yogurt and I absolutely love these, so soothing and cooling on the skin without being sticky or tacky.

Once again, as well as pear extract, this body yogurt is also enriched Fair Trade shea butter and Community Fair Trade organic almond milk which gives the most amazing scent and texture. As this is a yogurt rather than a cream, it has an incredibly lightweight texture to it, so it isn't too heavy and it absorbs as soon as it comes into contact with the skin, even if you use it on damp skin after getting out of the shower.  Once applied, the wonderful pear and almond scent comes through and lingers on the skin. This yogurt is also available for sale on its own and is priced at £11.

The third and final product within this collection of Kindness and Pears selection is the Fragrance Mist and once again, the scent is just absolutely lovely.  

Keeping with the scent notes of Pear, Juicy Pear, Strawberry and Tonka Bean, in a mist such as this, the scent is much stronger than it is within the body yogurt but it is also perfect for laying with the body yogurt to ensure you really make the most of the scent.

Idea for keeping in your handbag, on your desk or even in the room, which I have also used a room mist, the scent is just lovely and uplifting and perfect for this time of year.  This Kindness & Pears Mist is priced at just £10.

The Kindness & Pears Collection is an absolutely lovely scent and there is still one more seasonal fragrance collection that I will be share on my blog and I also have a few gift guides coming from The Body Shop too.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.