Emma Hardie- Spring clean your skin

When it comes to Spring skincare, I want products that are not as heavy feeling on my skin but ones that will do as good as job at looking after and caring for my skin.  In the winter I like my thicker balms and creams because the colder weather plays havoc with my skin, it is much dryer and in need of some TLC for sure.  In the Spring, I tend to use a variety of products depending on how my skin feels, but the one absolute must is SPF, all year round, no questions asked.   Emma Hardie has a wonderful arsenal of products, but this particular trio is a great way to look after your skin in the Spring.

Emma Hardie is perhaps best known for the Moringa Cleansing Balm (£47) and for me, it was my introduction to the brand and I haven't looked back since it is a product that is always in my stash and it is something I absolutely love.  When used with the Moringa Light Cleansing Gel, these two products together create the best double cleansing partnership.  

Emma suggests starting your cleanse with the Moringa Light Cleansing Gel (£34) by massaging it onto damp skin which then turns the gel into a lightweight oil that gently breaks down makeup. Adding more water to the skin as you massage then turns the oil into a milky emulsion which you wash away.  If you are a fan of the Cleansing Balm, then you will love this Gel which I have written a full review here on my blog.  As with the Moringa Cleansing Balm, the Light Cleansing Gel has that exact same Citrus scent and I use the Gel in a morning when there is little need to double cleanse and then both in an evening for my double cleanse. 

Once you have finished with that first cleanse, then you use the Moringa Cleansing Balm which cleans the pores as well as hydrates, moisturises and conditions the skin.  The balm is enriched with antioxidant Moringa Seed extract which, like the gel, gives it that incredible Citrus scent, Wild Sea Fennel and Vitamin E which work alongside the Grape Seed and Sweet Almond Oils. On the skin, it performs a deep cleanse, and manages to remove anything in its path, be it your waterproof mascara or your foundation, as it does so, the balm also works to decongest the skin and pores too. 

I am a huge fan of the Emma Hardie Cleansing Cloths too and I use the softer microfibre side to exfoliate and polish my skin and then the softer muslin side to ensure everything has been removed.

The final product within this trio is the Protect and Prime SPF30 (£46). As mentioned, I wear SPF all year round, whether it rains, snows or it is those rare occasions, sunny.  What I dislike about sunscreen is how it feels on the skin, I really dislike that thickness feeling, so when it comes to my face, I don't want something that makes it feel as though I've rubbed a block of lard onto my skin.

Protect and Prime is described as being a crème that safeguards the skin and hides visible imperfections in preparation for the day that lies ahead. What I like about it is that this product is so lightweight you don't even know it is on your skin. It doesn't linger on the surface of the skin, it doesn't turn white if you have oily skin and nor does it irritate.

Designed to offer up to eight hours of protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays emitted by the sun, Protect and Prime SPF30 has light-diffusing particles present in the crème which work to even out texture and skin tone while at the same time ensuring that enlarged pores and fine lines are reduced in their appearance.  It uses Oat extract, mongongo oil and vitamin E which come together to form a protective barrier around the skin, helping to repair damaged skin and reducing the appearance of premature ageing signs. 

From Emma Hardie, what we have here is a simple skincare routine to keep your skin in the most amazing condition and protected.  If you have never tried Emma Hardie Skincare*, then right here ou have three amazing products to get started with and I promise you, that Citrus Spa-in-a-jar scent will have you hooked!

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

REN Clean Skincare - Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Cream

REN Clean Skincare is one of those brands I just absolutely love, nothing has, to date disappointed me and I am always excited by their journey. Over the past few months, REN has made an incredible decision to ensure their products are Zero Waste. For this, it means all of their packaging is going through a re-branding to ensure it is as clean as it can possibly be and they aim is to be zero waste by 2021, what this means is 100% recyclable packaging, refillable solutions, bottles with reclaimed ocean plastic and they are on a mission to help clean up our beaches and oceans worldwide.

One of my favourite ranges from REN is the Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium range which has featured on my blog here and here. The latest product from the range to be re-packaged is the Anti-Fatigue Body Cream and its bottle has been made from 20% plastic which has been reclaimed from the ocean and 80% plastic which has been recycled from empty plastic bottles.
The Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium range is quite extensive with a body wash, body scrub, body oil, hand lotion, body spray and the incredible booster bath salts.   The body cream is described as being an easily absorbed body cream formulated with Atlantic Kelp Extract to help nourish, smooth and tone by replenishing skin with moisture and essential minerals. Those essential minerals include:

• Atlantic Kelp Extract - Rich in sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, it is said to be excellent at hosting water-binding abilities which help to hydrate the skin and form a protective moisturising barrier on the surface of the skin.
• Magnesium PCA - This mineral helps to boost energy levels of skin cells which contribute to its anti-fatigue abilities.  I was sceptical about these claims until I tried the products over a number of months and I was surprised at just how well they work.  I have detailed below just how I use the products.  Magnesium PCA also hosts anti-inflammatory properties and helps to soothe irritated skin.
• Plankton Extract - This ingredient helps to block stress signals which can cause DNA damage. It also helps with thinning skin, prevents dryness and helps to reduce scaliness too.
• Shea Butter and Algae extract - Helps to protect the skin against free radicals and helps with hydration.
• REN's Anti-Fatigue Essential Oil Blend - Using a blend of aromatherapy oils which include sage, rosemary, geranium and cypress they are chosen because of their de-stressing properties on both the mind and the body.

As I said above, I was sceptical about the claims of magnesium and decided to try the products out to see just how true it was.  I make no secret of the fact that I work full-time, am a wife, blog as a hobby, love to read and have a house to keep and I often need a few more hours in a day to get done what I need to get done.  The past few months have been particularly hard, I'm still struggling with my ankle due to torn ligaments and tendon damage, so the chance to put these products to the test is a good one for me.

I love to have a hot bath, for me, it is one of the best and easiest ways I know to relax, wind down and forget about life for an hour or two.  So, in the bath, I put the Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Booster Bath Salts (full review here). Once the bath has a few inches of water run, grab a handful of the flakes and scatter them across the water to work their magic. Then whilst that water is still running, I grab the Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Salt scrub which has a balm-like texture, apply it directly on to the skin before getting into the bath and allow to soak off in the bath, allowing for at least 20 to 30 minutes to help soak the tension away, you can also do this for the shower if you prefer.  Together these products make such a relaxing and calming experience that I am totally sold on the claims. I have lost count of the number of times ive got into my bath feeling stressed only to get out and feel much calmer and relaxed.  If bath salts are not a product you enjoy using, then you could always use the Bath Oil in its place, I have mini versions I take on holiday with me and always a spare bottle in my stash for when I need it.

Once out of the bath, the body cream is the perfect addition to your routine.  In its pump action bottle, it makes the application an absolute dream and again, it worth taking the time to enjoy the fragrance and continue with that relaxing routine.  The cream absorbs itself rapidly into the skin and leaves behind the fresh fragrance of those specially selected essential oils on the skin.

I love how much effort REN is going to when it comes to repackaging their products to make them better for the environment and ultimately better for you, the consumer.

Do you have a favourite REN product/Collection?

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

theBalm Alternative Rock Face Palette Boxset

When it comes to eyeshadow palettes, I am forever going to the one who wants the nudey-neutral shades, it is my comfort zone and let's be honest, you can never have too many palettes.  New to my stash is the Alternative Rock Face Palette Boxsets from theBalm and it is a brand I am on a road to discovery with, one I am absolutely loving and one that forever surprises me with products I have somehow missed.

Featuring two volumes, these palettes are best described as being a bit of a multitasker because not only do you get 6 eyeshadows which are triple milled, you also get a bronzer, a blush and a highlighter. So with Volume.1 you have a palette which is the more cool toned palette while Volume. 2 is the one which is a little more neutral/warm.  I have favourite shades on both palettes and given the theme of both palettes is 'Alternative' Rock the name of the shades are quite clever and kooky.

On Volume 1 you have a mixture of matte and glitter shades, so depending on your preference, you get a really nice choice of the two.

The formula seems to vary from shade to shade and as you can see, the variation between matte and a more glitter formula really stands out between the shades.  So on Volume.1 we have the following:

• Naughty Or Gneiss which is one of the matte shades and it is a light peachy beige and this is one I use as a primer or base shade on my lids
• Lead Astray is a light pink with a glittery finish and not a shade I expected to like, but it is just stunning.
• Take It For Granite is a medium silver with a shimmery, almost metallic finish. It isn't on par with Copper Attitude or Lead Astray for glitter. but this is one of my favourites on the palette.
• Copper Attitude is a coppery rose shade which also has a glittery finish and this is one of the shades I have used the most.
• Nice Ash is perfect if you like something a little different. This is a deep plum with a luminous, shimmery finish.
• All Ore Nothing is a more of an ash brown shade than a deep brown and it has a matte finish
• Iron More Than You is a warm brown shade with a matte finish.
• Of Quartz You Did is a mauve pink and it has a satin finish.
• Basalt And Pepper is a stunning frosty white but it also has a light pink sheen.

Shown below and completely unedited, are the glittery shades from the eyeshadows followed by the bronzer, blusher and highlighter.

What I really like about Volume.1 is just how easy it is to work with. Each one of the shadows is an absolute breeze to work with and with the matte shades, they work just as well dry as they do if you choose to wet them.

When it comes to Volume.2, most people won't be surprised to read that this is my favourite palette of the two, those warm nude and neutral shades just call my name. As with the first palette, Volume.2 features 6 eyeshadows, a bronzer, blusher and a highlighter and it is set out in exactly the same way.

Immediately with this palette, you can see there are some simply stunning shades, this has been one palette that has been constantly used since it arrived and the pigmentation on this palette is superb. As for the shades, well we have:

• Let Me Zinc About It is a light peachy beige with a matte finish and again, it works as a really nice bade shade for your eyelids.
• Don't Give A Schist which does make me chuckle as a name, is quite a pale gold shade with a sparkly metallic finish.
• Sodium Fine is a stunning neutral brown with a sparkly matte finish and this is the kind of brown shade I want to see without the sparkly finish too.
• Amirite? is a beautiful caramel brown with a matte finish.
• As Xenon TV is a coppery bronze shade and it too has a sparkly metallic finish.
• The Parents Argon is the one shade which scares me the most because it is a charcoal black with a satin finish and I'm not used to using such a deep dark shade on my lids
• None Of Your Bismuth which is the bronzer is a warm golden brown with a matte finish.
• Bare Minimum is a pinky peach shade with a satin finish.
• Nickel Buy You Dinner is really light golden ivory with a frosty finish.

Again, all of the swatches are completely unedited, I prefer to see how something looks straight off the palette without the need to add any highlight or contrast to the shades, these ones simply don't need it as you can see.

What I love about these palettes, other than that they are compact and fit in your handbag, you pretty much have everything you need on one palette and you can mix and match the shades as and how you feel.  The shades that I have used the most are - Nice Ash, Take it for Granite, Let me Zinc about it and All Ore Nothing from the eyeshadows.  Of the Bronzers I really like them both, so they have had a similar amount of uses but for the highlighters and blushers, I like to mix and match depending on how I am feeling.

Online these palettes retail for around £20 though I can't seem to find them for sale on many websites currently, so I do hope that changes because they are absolutely worth investing in.

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

Caudalie Suncare Collection

Sunscreen is one of those products I wear every single day of the year but absolutely hate. There is something about the smell, which although reminds me of beach holidays, I really don't like, along with the texture of most sunscreens, especially those for the face.  Over the years I have probably made my way through the entire shelves of products available on the Highstreet and found very little I like.  So could the new suncare collection from Caudalie be the answer?

Every year, it is said that 14,000 tons of sun cream is discharged into the oceans which pollutes the marine ecosystem and gets discharged into coral reefs, causing the bleaching and death of these marine animals. The new sun care collection from Caudalie has been formulated without any chemical filters suspected of the disruption, such as Octinoxate, Octocrylene and nanoparticle filters. These products from Caudalie are not only highly biodegradable but also water resistant, do not contain hydrosoluble filters, are non-toxic, silicone-free, alcohol-free, photostable and thermostable. In creating the collection, Mathilde Thomas, one of Caudalie's co-founders said:

For my new suncare range, I didn’t want to compromise between protecting the skin and protecting nature. For many years, we have been working on skincare formulas that give the senses an experience and are eco-friendly.

We all know that when the skin is exposed to the sun, the UVB rays on the surface of the skin cause sunburn whilst the UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the dermis are responsible for photo-ageing which can lead to irreversible damage.

As you can see, the sun care collection features three products which have an SPF30 or an SPF50 and I have been using them daily since they arrived.  As mentioned, I hate that thick, caked on cream feeling you get from most sun creams, the one which makes it feel as though the product is sat on the surface of the skin.  From Caudalie, what you get is a product that is lightweight, it doesn't linger, it isn't greasy or sticky and the scent is just absolute heaven.

For the face, which is the part of my body I really dislike applying sun cream, but still do, we have the Anti-wrinkle Face Suncare in both SPF30 and SPF50, so it is nice to have a choice as to which one would be your preference.

A cream which protects the skin and is enriched with Caudalie's patented antioxidant complex which uses grape polyphenols, offering maximum protection and a powerful anti-wrinkle action.  The cream is really lightweight and for once I love how it feels on my skin, think the texture of a light face cream which absorbs as quick as a serum and this is exactly what both products are like.

• Using Spruce Extract which is rich in specific polyphenols, its job is to strengthen the skin's natural defence system and it works in synergy with the antioxidant action of Grapseed Polyphenols.
• Vitamin E which protects the skin against free radicals and of course
• Organic Grape Water which moisturises and soothes the skin, an amazing ingredient if you have redness on the skin.

There is no sun cream smell to either of these products and because the fragrance comes from the inclusion of Frangipani leaves, there is something just beautiful about the product. I started off using SPF50 and then after a week I switched to SPF30 and I am delighted there is no difference in the texture or how it feels on the skin, as I had fully expected the SPF50 to be a much thicker texture.

When it comes to sun cream for the body, again my issue revolves about the texture, how it feels on the skin and that smell.  Caudalie have two offerings within their collection.  The first is the Beautifying Suncare Oil SPF30 and it offers the skin maximum UVA/UVB protection and leaves the skin with a luxurious, satin-like finish.

Formulated without alcohol and silicones, this oil blends nourishing Grapeseed Oil with Sesame and Sunflower Oils which also help to protect the skin. This oil is also rich in Vitamin E.  As an oil, the first reaction is to assume it will be greasy and tacky on the skin, but it isn't. Thankfully Caudalie has created a dry oil which protects the skin from UVA/UVB rays and one which feels really moisturising on the skin.  It comes in a pump action bottle, so you can spritz it onto the skin and massage in using your fingers and again, there is no residue left on your hands once you have finished using the product.

The scent again comes from the Frangipani Flowers which makes it as beautiful on the skin as it does smell.

The final body products for sun care take the form of a Milky Sun Spray and again you have the option of SPF30 or SPF50.  Again, offering the skin maximum protection from UVA/UVB rays, the Milky Sun Spray can also be used on the face as well as the body.

Again, the summery fragrances come from the use of Frangipani Flowers and as with the rest of the product range, the Milky Sun Spray is enriched with organic grape water but I really like about is the light, milky, non-sticky texture which feels soothing when spritzed on to the skin and it is, as you would expect from Caudalie, moisturising too.  

Until these products arrived from Caudalie, I had given no thought to the consequence of using sun protection on the ocean and Marine Life, the protection of my skin being of sole importance.  But, as we are becoming more Eco-aware of the damage we cause as humans, for me, this has been quite the learning curve.  We can all do more than stop using plastic straws, bags and fast fashion and it is brands like Caudalie that start such conversations, ones for which I am thankful for.

You can find the entire Sun Care collection right here* and with prices starting at £18, it is definitely worth looking into, especially if like, you are simply not a fan of the high street and traditional sun care brands we have all been using for years.

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

Wedding Ready with Cosmetify

Wedding season has arrived and I’ve already been to one and have two more to attend so far this year. Knowing I could see the same people at the next wedding as I did the first, I don’t intend to wear the same outfit or accessories. 

When I got married I eloped abroad, Vegas in fact and because I didn’t have to worry about anyone other than myself and what I was wearing, it was a little bit more relaxed. Attending as a guest to what will be a huge wedding in a few months’ time is a little more stressful. What to wear, keeping in with the chosen theme, how to have my hair, nail polish colour, open sandals which could have a heel or be flat, lipstick shade, eyeshadow... do you have neutral or something slightly more dramatic to see you through to the evening.

Cosmetify is a site I have used a few times recently to help make some of those decisions above. As a beauty discovery website that features over 150,000 products from thousands of brands, you have everything you need right there in front of you. Whether you want something for your skin, makeup, hair or even electrical items and toiletries, they have thought of everything and it is one of the best platforms I have ever used. Like most people, I love to shop online, but having to open numerous windows can sometimes be a bore, so using Cosmetify, what you get is a powerful search engine of products which are shown across multiple retailers, including the likes of John Lewis and Feelunique and what you get is not only the best price but it also means if a product is sold out with one retailer, you can simply buy with another. If your favourite product is sold out with all the retailers, sign up to receive alerts and they’ll let you know as soon as it’s back in.

For the next wedding I am attending, it is a neutral rose gold theme, guests have been asked to keep their colour scheme neutral, which is harder than you think when dresses and outfits are all brightly coloured. Hats are not to be worn and as it is in a coach journey from the church to a stately home, comfort will be key. So my hair will be straight which is the easiest of all options but makeup I’ve found more difficult to choose. 

I love the less is more neutral look with the option of a smokey eye, but as I will be on the go during the day, I wanted a palette I could have the option of using for both looks.

Cosmetify kindly gifted the Stila Perfect Me, Perfect Hue Eye & Cheek Palette which features a selection of easy-to-use eyeshadows and blushers. Within the palette, there are five eyeshadows and two shades of blush, in a variety of matte and shimmer finishes.

Firstly we have Alluring which is a soft pale pink shade and perfect as a base product, Breath-taking which is a soft neutral white which can be used as a highlighter, Passionate is a champagne pearl, Dynamic is a soft taupe which is perfect for the crease or as a lighter shade over the lid, Glamorous is a stunning warm chocolate brown which as well as being used for a smokey eye, can also be used a liner so everything you need to go from a neutral eye look to something a little more smokey. The blush shades are called Romantic is a really soft pale pink and Playful is a soft rose pink and of the two Playful is the one I have used the most and it is stunning.

When it comes to perfume, again, I am a huge fan of the DKNY Apple fragrances and the latest addition to my collection is Be Tempted Eau So Blush Eau de Parfum. A floral-woody fragrance it is perfect for Spring.

Featuring top notes like pink grapefruit, magnolia, red currant and red-orange it opens with quite a stunning citrus fruit scent that is just stunning. Leading into the softer heart notes of peony, jasmine and cedarwood which bring to life the floral notes which really simmer down those fruity notes. The base of creamy woods, apricot and solar musk bring together the top and heart notes to create a wonderful light powdery scent. Perfect for a wedding.

What do you use to get wedding ready? 

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

Temple Spa - Relax and Unwind

When life is incredibly busy and you barely have two minutes for yourself and then one blink and it is already Monday again. Taking time out to relax, even when you have been incredibly busy is really hard, I am naturally a fidget... I sit down after doing some chores and then have itchy feet and get up to do something else, I am one of those people who just has to be busy.

Temple Spa has the mantra "Your Body Is A Living Temple. Honour It. Enjoy Your Life and Live It To The Full" and that really is quite something to think about.  As a brand who started over two decades ago right here in the UK, it is quite amazing to see just how many products there are within the collection.  Whether you want something for stress problems, sleep enhancing, detoxing or hydrating there is something for you, as well as looking for products per issue and concern such as redness and sensitivity, oiliness, combination or sensitive to name to just a few. I was lucky enough to meet up with Liz, one of the Co-founders of Temple Spa to talk through some of the products and get a little about their history and learn a little more about what I could be using to help with rest and relaxation.

The first product Liz suggested as Repose which is an Aromatherapy Resting Cream which is said to calm your soul while it moisturises your skin.  Using a blend of hops valerian, chamomile, frankincense, lavender, patchouli, geranium, bitter orange and clary essential oils are all renowned to aid deep relaxation and bring a sense of calm. On the skin, the silky soft texture of the cream glides onto the skin and absorbs and as it does so, the scents of the essential oils come to life and it is just so incredibly hydrating.

To use, you simply need to take just half a teaspoon size of Repose, I use the enclosed spatula and rub the cream into my palms and then put my hands to my face and breathe deeply before massaging it onto my face, neck and shoulders. As always with Temple Spa products, the ingredients in the formula have been chosen for their natural ability to help aid a night of restful sleep and for Repose, so alongside Lavender which is known for its calming and soothing properties we have:

• Frankincense which helps to bring a sense of calm and deepens breathing to induce the feeling of peace, relaxation and satisfaction
• Chamomile which is known for its soothing and relaxing properties, it has a calming effect and can be used to aid sleep.
• Hops which is known for their calming benefits, they help to control anxiety and stress and relax your body and mind. They help to aid sleep and insomnia giving you a restful night's sleep.

For me, what Repose does is bring about that relaxation, more so when my mind is racing and I'm mentally going through that to-do list sat on my desk and pre-planning what I need to do tomorrow, rather than just taking 5 minutes and it is the winding down before bedtime that I need to get myself into a routine of doing, not checking my phone, pinning on Pinterest or checking any other social media apps.

The second product, Breath of Life is described as being a beautiful aromatherapy essence that helps to bring clarity and energy when you’re feeling tired and stuffed up. 

Breath of Life is one of those products which has a multitude of uses and is the kind of product that you should always have in your stash because you never know when you might need it.  Some of the uses include:

• A must for those embarking on long journeys or when you are in a confined space 
• The ideal product for those suffering from cold, flu, headaches and hayfever 
• Great when you need to clear your head or just feeling a little out of sorts 
• Those seeking to feel energised 
• As an inhalation treatment to clear the head and nasal passages and eliminate stuffiness

Again, if you are familiar with Temple Spa products, it contains some amazing ingredients and they include the essential oils of eucalyptus and tea tree known for their powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties and together they make a powerful duo at killing bacteria and eucalyptus is also found to be mentally relaxing and can aid those who have trouble sleeping. Then we have Mint, which for me tones down the scent of Tea Tree and adds a coolness to the Essence whilst working to help with congestion.

I use this in two ways currently.  The first is to dab a few drops onto my pillow if I am feeling a little bunged up with a cold, the scent helps with making breathing much easier but if I am feeling really run down, then I put a few drops into a bowl of hot water and allow the steam vapour to linger around my bedroom for around half an hour before I go to sleep. You can also inhale the steam over a bowl of hot water, covering your head with a towel and then breathing in to help clear your head.

So two very different products to help when you are feeling really run down and just need to take time out to relax and unwind and just allow yourself time to slow down.

Have you tried any products from Temple Spa or has anything caught your attention from their incredible range of products?

T&C’s:

Excludes all offers and collections on TEMPLESPA.COM/OFFER. Temple Spa reserves the right to withdraw or change promotions at any time. Your unique code is valid against the purchase of REPOSE aromatherapy resting cream only. Your unique code may not be used in conjunction with any other promotional code. Enter your unique code at the checkout at TEMPLESPA.COM. Your unique code is valid until 30th June 2019. All information stated is correct at time of printing and subject to change without notice. We have a no worries no quibbles returns policy, for more information please visit TEMPLESPA.COM/RETURNS. Your unique code saves you an exclusive 20% off your order and free express delivery, no cash alternative available. All orders placed by midday will be dispatched the same day for next working day delivery. To opt out of receiving further communications please visit TEMPLESPA.COM/CONTACT-US. Redeemable online at TEMPLESPA.COM UK only and telephone orders, not available or redeemable in SPATOGO, Spa, in hotel or any other Temple Spa distributor.

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

The Three Steps Towards Finding the Perfect Wedding Ring

Ah, weddings. Who doesn’t love them? They’re often immense fun – especially for the bride
and groom. Preparation for the big day isn’t usually without stress, though. 

Photo by Tikkho Maciel

After all, there’s plenty to consider, from venue booking to curating a playlist. Before any of that, however, your suitor must find the right ring for you. Unless, like many, you’ve decided to buck tradition and buy a band together. 

If this applies to you, but you aren’t sure what to look for, look no further than our three-step guide. 

Wedding Dress 

Like most people, you may already have a style of wedding dress in mind. Perhaps you’ve been thinking about it ever since you were small – and if you have, you certainly aren’t alone. 

The perfect wedding is a lifelong dream for most of us. What does your ideal piece look like? Before you and your betrothed head to a jeweller, you may want to consider this. 

What style will it be, for example? Will it be made of lace or strapless? Pinpoint the general look of your dress, and you may be better able to select a ring that suits it. 

That way, you can guarantee that it compliments your outfit for the big day. 

Colour Scheme 

If your wedding follows a colour scheme, you’ll no doubt want your ring to match it. That’s why it’s typically useful to take this into account when you come to browse for this jewellery item. 

Obviously, classic designs – such as a precious metal band with a diamond centre – are unlikely to look out of place anywhere. But bright stones, like topaz and ruby, may not blend in with certain shades of décor. 

So, why not consider your decorative theme ahead of ring browsing. If you do, you could avoid the risk of tonal clashing. 

And as a result, you’ll be better able to achieve your ideal wedding look. 

Personal Value 

Your wedding ensemble is important – but what the day means to you is crucial. And this extends to your ring. 

At the end of the day, it tends to be more than just a piece of jewellery; it’s often a symbol of the love shared between a couple. 

Look for a ring that holds personal value for you and your beloved, and you’ll be reminded of your special relationship whenever you look at it. 

Keep sentiment in mind, and you might just find the perfect piece. If you’re not sure where to begin, look back to when you and your fiancé first met, specifically the time of year. 

Why don’t you invest in a ring that sports the birth stone for that particular month? Or perhaps a gem that holds significance for the two of you? 

However you decide, look for a ring that you’re likely to love for years to come. 

Finding a wedding ring is generally regarded as a tricky task – but it doesn’t have to be. With these tips, you’ll be able to secure the best style for you.

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

Pixi By Petra - Hydrating Milky Peel

There are so many new releases from Pixi Beauty right now that I just love that there is no much to try, get to know and wait with excitement as to what could possibly come next.  If you have never come across Pixi Beauty before, then the term 'Glow Tonic' should hopefully mean something to you.  For me, Glow Tonic was my introduction to the brand some years ago now and it is still something I have on my bedside table.  

The latest launch I have been loving is the Hydrating Milky Peel (£24) and it is something I was introduced to in the Carnaby Street store when I went in to repurchase a few products as a gift for a friend.

I love my lazy skincare, there are some days when I don't want to be spending half an hour to an hour taking the day off my face using numerous products and I always look to a group of products within my stash that helps me to complete the task in minimal time, whilst still being effective. The Hydrating Milky Peel is described as being a gentle micro-peeling cream which is so gentle, you can use it daily if you wish too.  Its job is to clear away dead skin cells for delicate brightening of the skin.

Coming from Pixi, there is always going to be a whole host of incredible ingredients used to make the product and within the Milky Peel it you will find it is enriched with calming and hydrating coconut which sit alongside some skin-balancing probiotics and natural humectant, cellulose which gently exfoliates the skin, without stripping it, to lift away dead and dry skin cells, as well as dirt, impurities and toxins and it, does all of this without aggravating the skin.  There is also the inclusion of arginine which helps to increase collagen and elastin production for firmer, plumper skin but it also acts as an antioxidant to the skin too.

Packaged inside a squeezy tube, you need just a thin layer adding to cleansed skin whilst avoiding the eye area. The instructions state that you should gently massage and rinse away after 3 minutes. So for me, this is where the lazy but effective skincare aspect comes into play because 3 minutes really isn't going to delay you or stop you from getting on with your day. I always add mine before getting into the shower and I rinse it off there using a cloth that has been under warm running water.  I really like the texture of this Peel, if you have used the Peel and Polish, then it is similar to that, but without the fruity scent, this one instead has a slight Coconut scent, which I absolutely love.

The end result using this Milky Peel is for me, quite something.  I have mentioned quite regularly that I have combination skin which leans to the oily side but in doing so, I have dry patches of skin on the cheeks and often between my brows, so those are the areas I tend to pay the most attention too when it comes to exfoliating.  I always opt to use something that is non-abrasive unless I feel the need to add more pressure and this Peel does everything I really need it too.  I love that it can be used daily, though I tend to use it just a few times a week for the time being.    I find the Milky Peel to be instantly cooling on my skin and it definitely hydrates and works incredibly well on those dry patches of skin without exacerbating the problem.

The Pixi Hydrating Milky Collection contains no less than 8 products which includes a Cleanser, Tonic, Makeup Remover, Lotion, Serum, Mist and of course this Peel. For me, this is definitely a line of products I want to explore fully and I have my eye on both the Cleanser and the Serum right now.

Are you a fan of Pixi by Petra Beauty and do you have a favourite product?

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

Alpha-H Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask

It is no secret that I absolutely adore Alpha-H Skincare and one of my favourite products right now is the Essential Skin Perfecting Moisturiser which I wear every single day! I also, naturally adore Liquid Gold and if my skin is incredibly dry to the touch, I use a thick layer of the Essential Hydration Cream and it solves the problem! The latest launch to the Alpha-H family is the Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

We all know that daily stresses, hormonal imbalance and toxins in our environment can play havoc with our skin when our body is under attack from stress, hormone cortisol rises, activating the skin to produced thickened sebum, which can lead to oily complexions and clogged pores. Modern-day environmental aggressors such as pollution can also damage the skin's natural barrier function, creating holes in its protective layer and leaving the skin vulnerable.  These are just some of the reasons Alpha-H have created the Clear Blemish Control Mask.

Alpha-H Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask is a deep cleansing mask with white Clay to gently draw out toxins and impurities while rebalancing the skin.  The Natural Antiseptic properties of tea tree, eucalyptus and aloe vera help to calm the skin and reduce inflammation.

This mask is perfect for applying after thoroughly cleansing the skin. You only need to apply a thin layer to the skin and leave it on for a maximum of 10 minutes before removing using a warm cloth. You can also apply it at night as an emergency 'spot' treatment to target individual blemishes.  

Key benefits:

• Cooling, detoxifying and purifying mask
• Absorbs excess sebum to inhibit the formation of blemishes
• Works to clear pores of debris which may cause acne
• Smooths, softens and revitalises skin
• Perfect for calming hormonal outbreaks during pregnancy

The Alpha-H Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask is not the white colour I was expecting it to be, instead, it is a pale grey coloured cream which has a fairly thick texture, but it is easy to spread over the skin, but I do use a brush and not my fingers. I unexpectedly really like the strong tea tree scent of this mask, usually, it would put me off, but here is another ingredient which masks the total potency.  Also, if you have a cold, as I did, then my gosh this is an absolute dream to apply because it does a great job at helping you to be able to breathe.

On the skin, this mask does go hard owing to the inclusion of White Clay but is easy to remove with a cloth and warm water. As this is a Blemish Control Mask, then you don't need to apply it to your entire face, but instead just to the areas where you are prone to breakouts. For me, this would be my jawline and because I suffer from redness on my cheeks, then I have used it there and across my nose. This mask is also Ideal for oily skins which require frequent mattifying treatments and because there is the inclusion of Macadamia Seed and Jojoba Oils which nourish the skin, after using, instead of feeling stripped and in need of moisture, my skin is left feeling hydrated and smooth to the touch.

I do have combination/oily skin, so I like to use products which will draw out impurities and unclog my pores without irritating my skin more than is needed and often with clay in masks, I find my skin does flare up and become irritated, so I will always do a patch test before using.   This is not one of those masks to irritate my skin and I love that it is something you only need to apply for 10minutes at a time, meaning it is quick to use and because I am only using so little, it is going to last a very long time.  I am especially looking forward to using it during the hotter months owing to how cooling it feels on my skin.

Priced a £22.95 it is available from Cult Beauty* and is an absolute bargain!

Are you a fan of Alpha-H?

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