Tuesday 20 March 2018

SmoothSkin bare UltraFast IPL Hair Removal Device

Shaving my legs has to be one of the most annoying and irritating tasks I do. One good thing about winter and cold weather means my legs see even less daylight than they do any other time of the year, but I still can't stand hairy legs.  Having tried quite a few different IPL devices so far, this time, I have been using the SmoothSkin bare UltraFast IPL Hair Removal Device since November and I thought I had used it for long enough to share my thoughts.
SmoothSkin bare UltraFast IPL Hair Removal Device
Having used two or three different IPL devices, the one thing that hasn't convinced me to keep using them is the amount of time it takes to use them. One particular brand took up almost an hour of my time each time I wanted to use the device, including waiting for it to be warmed up ready enough. So when compared to how much quicker it was to shave my legs instead, the razor definitely won that race.

SmoothSkin Bare IPL Hair Removal device is designed to help break the hair cycle and prevent regrowth. Light energy is transferred through the skin' surface and is absorbed by melanin present in the hair shaft. That light energy is converted to heat energy (below the surface of the skin), which stops the hairs from growing back.  It uses 100 flashes per minute which is where the name 'Ultrafast' comes from within the name because it is the fastest IPL device currently on the market and you can use it on your whole body (lower and upper leg, under arm and bikini line) in less than 10 minutes.  This being the reason I was really excited to give this device a try and ultimately for me, what made it really stand out. 
SmoothSkin bare UltraFast IPL Hair Removal Device

It comes with quite an extensive manual to read and whilst it is fairly uncomplicated to use, I would always recommened reading any literature that comes with these devices. This IPL device has just one button, it is the most uncomplicated device I have used and you also don't need to use any specialist gels or lotions when using it. Instead, you plug it in and go. When using this device, it does cleverly check your skin tone before each flash and it will only activate if it is safe to do so, meaning that as well as using it on your legs, arms, underarms, bikini line you can also use it to remove unwanted facial hair: upper lips, jaw line, and even side burns.


Ergonomically designed, this device fits perfectly into my hand and because it isn't heavy, I can use the device with one hand, and not two.  One device I have used was so awkwardly designed, I almost asked my hubby to help me hold it because it was almost as big as my hairdryer.  
SmoothSkin bare UltraFast IPL Hair Removal Device
To use all you need to do is press the handset firmly against the area to be treated and the indicators around the activation button will illuminate white when the device is ready to flash. Then you simply press the activation button, the device will flash, and you will feel a slight warming sensation which isn't uncomfortable at all. Then once you have done that chosen area, you simply move the handset to the next area to be treated and repeat the entire process. 

So does it work? Well I have used it on my underarm and my legs and the biggest difference I have seen is on my upper legs which has seen the hair literally not return at all now having used this device for the last 5 months and on my underarm, I barely notice the hair there too.  It definitely grows back much less frequently than it ever had done before.  On my lower leg, there are patches of hair, where it was at its thinnest which again grows back very very slowly and towards my shin, I find it is also now taking weeks to appear back, whereas before, I would feel the need to shave my legs 2-3 times a week, I now use this device twice a month, which is down from once a week.

As you can probably tell, I absolutely love this device, it is by far the easiest one I have ever used, most convenient and the most successful and slowing down the rate at which hair returns and in some cases, so much so that there are places (thighs) where the hair just hasn't returned.  You can find this device, which is currently on offer for £179.99 at AllBeauty, as well as Boots, Argos, John Lewis and Amazon.


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

Monday 19 March 2018

Primark PS...Insta Girl Collection

Have you ever gone into Primark for a mooch about only to somehow leave with three bags full of items you never quite knew you needed, didn't intend to purchase and don't even remember buying it? For me, that pretty much sums up my time in Primark most of the time, assuming I am not on a Disney mission for one of my nieces.
Primark PS...Insta Girl Collection
The Makeup section in Primark is without question the department I find myself spending ages looking at and every so often there are some products that really stand out and you know you just need to give them a try. Described as a selfie-ready cosmetics range the The InstaGirl Collection has around 17 different products within its collection and they are designed to offer quick fixes for all of your prep and prime needs and you will find everything from powders, sticks and balms to finishing powders and they are priced from £1.50 upwards to around £6. Essentially there is nothing that is going to break the bank here. The base products, I was told, have all been specifically designed with what is refereed to as feature enhancing blue pigments that reflect light and brighten the skin tone but perhaps more importantly for some, they also claim  to be ‘flash proof’ and are therefore ideal for those who love to take a selfie and want to avoid the dreaded flashback.

I picked up three products from the PS...Insta Girl Collection and the first is the Insta Girl Perfecting Stick (£2.50). With its white plastic packaging and black lettering, the collection is great for taking photos and it is perfect for just having in your handbag. The Stick itself is a transparent balm and it acts as a pore blurring primer.  
Primark PS...Insta Girl Collection
Primark PS...Insta Girl Collection
Firstly, I like that this is a stick and not a balm, cream or any form of liquid product, it is easy to use and perfect for being on the go (much like Benefits Porefessional License to Blot).  On the skin, I hadn't expected to find much for my £2.50 but surprisingly, this balm isn't heavy or greasy, it is really lightweight and soft and actually does a pretty okay job and minimising the appearance of my pores, especially on my nose.  I haven't noticed it making my make-up last any longer, but for £2.50 I am pretty impressed.

The second product I picked up was the Insta Girl #SelfieReady Blur Primer (£5).  Again the black and white packaging comes into play with the box, but inside the tube is grey.  I have, in the past used a few products which call themselves a 'Blur Primer' and there are one or two that I absolutely love and one or two that I liked.  Primarks offering is a translucent gel silicone primer which promises to blur fine lines and pores.  
Primark PS...Insta Girl Collection
Primark PS...Insta Girl Collection
Again, this primer isn't heavy on the skin, it is incredibly lightweight and has a similar feeling to Porefessional from Benefit in terms of sitting on the skin to provide that base.  I have used this on my t-Zone which is quite oily and have found it does help to keep that oil from creeping in mid-afternoon.  At £5, this is again a product which won't break the bank and it is something that is well worth trying before you splash out on other primers, because you just never know.

The third product I grabbed is the Insta Girl Banana Powder (£4).  I have tried quite a few different Banana powders now, the most obvious being Ben Nye followed by Makeup Revolution.  This Banana Powder comes in a pressed compact and is described as being ideal to set make up and even the complexion as well as being suitable for all skin tones.  
Primark PS...Insta Girl Collection
Primark PS...Insta Girl Collection
Primark PS...Insta Girl Collection
I like to use a Banana Powder to set my makeup and I tend to use a big powder brush or powder puff to apply it evenly to my skin to set my foundation and if I am using it to set my concealer, then I will use a much smaller brush. Being pressed into a compact rather than being a loose powder, means I have more control as to how much I am using and is therefore less messy. The Insta Girl Banana Powder has a Beige Hue with a slight yellowing to it and as setting powders go, I expected it to not be any good, infact I thought it would be awful but it wasn't. It actually does a pretty good job where my conceal is concerned and it also works pretty well as a mattifying powder, something I hadn't expected to find. Come mid afternoon when that pesky oil begins to appear, this banana powder helps to absorb it and prevent the need to re-apply makeup and all for £4.

This has been my first using of the Insta Girl Collection and I am quite impressed because it is often not about how much you pay for a product, but what that product does for you which should be important.   Have you managed to try anything from this range yet?






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

Sunday 18 March 2018

Bath time with Tropic Skincare

Sunday is one of my favourite days. I try to do as little as humanly possible and sometimes that involves not leaving my bed until I absolutely have to.  Sunday also means bath time, that hour and a bit of the week that I get to myself with no one sending me emails, texting me, ringing me, nagging me or simply asking questions. It is time for me to switch off, grab my book, a glass of wine and forget about everyone else.
Bath time with Tropic Skincare
Tropic Skincare is no stranger to this blog, they have been feature many times (here, here and here) and a brand that has such an inspirational story to tell (here). After appearing on BBC’s The Apprentice in 2011, Susie is given the opportunity to present her passion and vision for natural and cruelty-free skincare to Lord Alan Sugar. Impressed by the products, he spots a unique business opportunity and invests to become a 50/50 partner.  To date, the Tropic Skincare line has grown from just a few products to a huge catalogue of products which span the skincare, body care and Suncare to Makeup.  Today is the turn of bath products and if you like your bath to be something special, then read on.

I have mentioned previously that we are about to have a bathroom overhaul, everything ripped out and a brand spanking new everything, in the meantime, I am still enjoying my weekly bath time. These new and limited edition bath soaks are the perfect for that indulgent Sunday pamper session and depending on your mood and whether you feel hat you need a little uplifting then ‘Awaken Your Senses’ is the best option or if you are in need of a calming bath then ‘Soothe Your Senses’ is the second option, either way, Tropic skincare has something to suit your mood and both are just incredibly indulgent, nourishing and they smell divine.

Awaken The Senses Bath Soak is housed inside a glass bottle it uses aromatherapeutic essential oils to uplift your senses.  Yellow in colour, as soon as the oil comes into contact with the water, that oil turns to a milky liquid.  This soak is described as being the perfect option if you need a little uplifting or are feeling a little low. Using just three capfuls into hot running water, as soon as the essential oils come into contact with the water and steam, the most divine of scents is released and quickly fills the room.  
Bath time with Tropic Skincare
Bath time with Tropic Skincare
A scent which is more definitely uplifting and restorative uses oils such as Bergamot, Lime, Lemon, Sweet Orange and Mandarin to give the soak quite an energisizing scent  as well using  restorative neroli and basil essential oils banish fatigue and soothe muscles helping to banish fatigue and soothe muscles.

Then we have the second option which is called Soothe The Senses Bath Soak and it is perfect for those days when you need that calming, soothing bath to soak away the weeks stresses, it is described as being a skin-softening bath soak with aromatherapeutic essential oils to restore the mind.  As with Awaken The Senses, this soak also comes housed inside a glass bottle to give that more luxurious feel and again, as the essential oils come into contact with the hot running water and steam, the vapour carries the scent throughout the home.
Bath time with Tropic Skincare
Bath time with Tropic Skincare
This is my favourite of the two products simply because I love how calming it actually is. Using Exotic frangipani flower extract helps to transform your bath into what is described as being a pool of tranquillity and it is blended with both Vitamin E and Macadamia oils which help to condition and soften skin. Added to those comes Cedarwood essential oil which provides a warm sense of grounding and comfort and ensuring that you do manage to soak away those stresses.

If you like a bath filled with bubbles, then these are not the products you want to be trying because they instead turn from an oil to a milky substance which lovingly nourishes the skin and leaves it feeling silky smooth and hydrated. They are also priced at £38 for 260ml (here) each making them quite the luxury, but with that you get an incredible product and which is packed full of amazing essential oils and other ingredients which completely live up to their expectations and promises.












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