Glossybox Limited Edition Black Friday Box - Just £10*

A surprise from Glossybox this week and it comes in the form of a Limited Edition, black and rose gold designed beauty box, just for Black Friday.  There are lots of incredible bargains and deals to be had this week, some of which I have listed here.  However, if you love a good beauty box, then this one, which is priced at just £10 is worth every single penny.

Inside this Black Friday box, you will no less than 10 makeup, skincare, haircare and body care products, so not only do you get an amazing box, it is an amazing box at an incredible price and this is what you might find inside.

If you love makeup and are a fan of the brand MUA, then this Bronzed Perfection Shimmer in Sahara Sunlight will grab your attention.  Described as being a product to help you fight the winter blues and give that sun-kissed glow.  The powder is highly-pigmented and on the skin, it gives a lovely warmth look.

Hand cream at this time of the year is a hand cream and within this box, Soaper Duper with the Super Light Shea Butter Hand Cream (Tuberose) is next out of the box.  Formulated with 98% natural ingredients, it combines softening Shea butter and macadamia oil, hydrating coconut water and Aloe Vera alongside soothing kukui oil which leaves my hands just feeling so incredibly soft, smooth and soothed!  I never ever remember to wear gloves, despite owning around 4-5 pairs and when it is cold, wet, windy and just horrendous outside, my hands suffer.  I love that you need just a small pea-sized amount of this cream for your hands.

Next we have Imperial Leather with Foamburst Pampering Lychee and Lotus Flower and this smells just incredible.  Described as being a blend of lychee and lotus flower, this body wash is a treat for both your skin and senses.  It has a really rich formula which, if you have used a product like this before, you will know creates a whole lot of foam, so less is definitely more!  I adore the scent of this, it lingers slightly on the skin after using and is really hydrating.

A brand I have come to know through Glossybox is Laqa & Co and within this Limited Edition box we have Cloud Lips in the shade Daydream.  The winter months for me is all about Berry lips and deep red shades and Cloud Lips ticks both of those boxes.  It is a highly pigmented, full coverage lipstick which whilst having a warm pink hue, also has a really delicate but wearable purple tint.  It contains avocado oil to keep your lips hydrated and once applied, it lasts on my lips for around 3-4 hours before I need to re-apply.

One brand I know very little about is Unicorn Cosmetics and within this box we have the UC Beauty Egg.  Beauty blenders come in all shapes and sizes and most cosmetic brands seem to have their very own version. From Unicorn Cosmetics, is a Beauty Egg that looks very similar to other products I have used and it is designed to be used in exactly the same way, so I am looking forward to giving it a try!

Looking after your lips is an absolute must all year round and I hold my hands up and admit to being a lip balm addict.  In this box Carmex has included their Moisture Plus Hydrating Lip Tint which is not only formulated using natural moisturising ingredients, it also adds a touch of colour to the lips as well and in your box you will either find Pouty Pink, which is the shade I have or Mauved Up.

Hair care is as important as skincare as far as I am concerned and within this box we have Noughty Haircare with their Intensive Care Leave-In Conditioner. Described as being 97% natural, this conditioner states that it will revive your dry, frizzy and damaged locks. It uses sweet almond oil extract alongside argan oil to re-balance the hairs moisture levels whilst at the same time it works to protect and strengthen your hair.

I love a good face mask, so I was delighted to see Vitamasques within my box. The Diamond Gold Dust sheet mask is as the product names states - a sheet mask infused with gold dust as well as diamond powder and pearl extract. It’s job is to brighten and moisturise your skin and it needs just 20 minutes of your time!

Glossybox has treated us to two hair products this time. The second one is the Novex Mystic Black Mask. This deep conditioning mask is enriched with baobab oil which has naturally hydrating properties and is full of nutrients to leave your hair smooth, frizz free and having a healthy shine.

The final product sits within the makeup category and it is from Affect Cosmetics with the Matt Effect Transparent Loose Rice Powder.  Using mice and rice starch, this setting powder is said to give your makeup a professional-looking, matte finish.  I am a huge fan of setting powders and have used the same one for a good few years now, so I am looking forward to trying something new, especially as it is a brand I have never used.

So there you have one huge box of products, ten in total and the price of this box is just £10 for those who are subscribers to Glossybox and £15 for everyone else.  Keep your eye on the box going live right here and grab it quick!

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

SILKUP Pillowcase – the perfect beauty sleep companion

I am an absolute convert to sleeping on a silk pillowcase, not something I thought I would ever say, but I have quite a few different branded ones and if you have never tried them, I really recommend you do.  On the blog today I am sharing a new silk pillowcase from a brand called SILKUP.

SILKUP is perhaps best known for its Luna Silk Hair Wrap, which by the way looks just amazing. As SILKUP state, we all want to have stronger, healthier hair, spending money, time and effort making it look its best during the day. But have you ever thought about the damage you are causing at night when you lay your head down on your pillow?  That question is one I had never thought about until I read about the benefits of sleeping on silk and they include:

• Reduced sleep creases
• Reduced thinning of the hair and split ends
• Keeps hair moisturised
• Promotes Growth
• Kinder to sensitive skin
• Helping the body to regulate the correct temperature

I am one of those people who will wake up at night because the pillow I am sleeping on is too hot, I turn the pillow over to the cooler side. I've got cold gel inserts to help regulate the temperature, I have slept on cold towels that have spent the day in the fridge.  I have noticed the sleep creases and I have suffered from horrendous friction and frizz, all of which can only come from one thing - my pillowcase.

The SILKUP pillowcase is made from 100% mulberry silk (19 momme) and features a hidden zip fastening to not only keep your pillowcase in place but also ensure it won't snag on your hair. Each pillowcase is designed to fit a standard international/queen size pillow

I was kindly gifted a SILKUP pillow in Midnight Blue, the most beautiful shade of blue as you can see above and it comes wonderfully packaged with the minimal amount of creases, though once it has been put onto your pillow and smoothed, the creases disappear.  As well as being available in Midnight Blue, you can also find two further shades - Graphite which is black and Stone which is Beige.

As I have said, investing in a silk pillowcase is absolutely something I would now do, having been lucky enough to try a few brands now, as I have said, it has been quite the experience.  So why silk?

Benefits of Silk Pillowcases

As mentioned, not only does a silk pillowcase feel luxurious to sleep on, they have many benefits for your hair, your skin and of course you.  

Silk is a natural material and hosts anti-static properties which in turn can reduce friction on the hair as well as helping to improve your hairs quality and it has been said there has been a reduction in thinning, split ends and frizz. A silk pillowcase also helps with extending the life of a blow-dry by two days, reducing the need to restyle in the morning and therefore avoiding any additional heat damage.   The latter point I am pleased to say is absolutely true and is one of the first things I was able to put to the test.

When it comes to your skin, sleeping on a silky-smooth surface with little friction is said to minimise the look of facial lines and wrinkles.  Now thankfully, my lines and wrinkles are not noticeable and it isn't something I can claim works, but for me, the claim that helping skin to retain moisture is something I was intrigued by.  As a beauty blogger, I am lucky to receive a lot of products to try and test and there is, on some occasions, I purchase the products I have been sent, so spending money on products is not something I want to see wasted.  What I have found so that a silk pillowcase doesn't absorb anything that I apply, there are no marks left on the pillow and over the last 6 months, there has been a change to my skin and how it feels.  It is by no means flawless, but the dryness I have on both cheeks, something I have mentioned regularly on this blog, has got better, it is still there, but nowhere near as flaky and irritated as it has been.

Also important to note is that Silk is naturally hypoallergenic which can help reduce the symptoms of allergies repelling bed and dust mites, dust, pollen and other airborne allergens.

So What Makes Silkup Pillowcases different?

There are a lot of brands who now offer silk pillowcases, I have four different branded ones on my bed, one has been featured and there are two others yet to come.  But what makes SILKUP different? 

Nichola Stott, SILKUP Founder said: “Sleeping on silk is a great way to help your skin maintain its natural moisture. Not only does it feel luxurious against your skin, we have found we save money on the skincare products we use as our skin is able to retain more moisture.”

SILKUP’s also has a vision to transition the world towards zero-waste hair and beauty products through their high quality, innovative products designed to help reduce the number of products needed on your hair and skin. By using their products, you will see an improvement in the appearance of your skin and hair, meaning less money spent on products and less time spent styling hair.

Price and Availability

Each pillowcase from SILKUP is priced at £58 and they can be found right here.

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

Christmas Gifting with Emma Hardie Skincare

If you are a regular here then you will be aware that my love for Emma Hardie runs deep, especially the Moringa Cleansing Balm which I am always raving about. If you didn't know, Emma Hardie is a renowned facialist and leading pioneer in natural healing and skin rejuvenation. Emma prides itself on creating natural, cruelty-free products with integrity, avoiding skin sensitising ingredients and using natural botanicals to help the skin.

If you have never used a single Emma Hardie product, then today's gift guide is not only better than the 2018 offering, but it is one you will find tempting and not want to miss. I have something for every budget within this guide, so whether you want to spend £10, £60 or something in-between this is what you can find:

Firstly we have Merrily Moringa (£10) - The perfect stocking filler, secret Santa or something to hang on your tree, this Merrily Moringa kit is one to grab. Inside you will find Emma Hardie's Award-winning Moringa Cleansing Balm and Dual-Action Cleansing Cloth in a deluxe travel size (15ml). 

This, if you have never tried the Moringa Cleansing Balm is a great introduction to just how amazing it is.  I have featured this Balm many times on my blog and it is a purifying botanical cleansing balm that removes all traces of face and eye make-up, deeply cleanses the pores as well as balancing, hydrating and moisturising all skin types. Like all Emma Hardie products, this balm is packed full of amazing ingredients, you will find:

• Grape Seed Oil and Sweet Almond Oil rich in essential fatty acids help to plump and soften
• Moringa seed extract, Wild Sea Fennel and Vitamin E balance, purify and help to minimise the appearance of open pores
• Essential oils of Orange, Neroli and Mandarin rejuvenate and revitalise the skin whilst calming the senses
• Jasmine and Rose help to recondition dull, dry, dehydrated and mature skins

The Dual-action cloth is perfect for use with the cleansing balm.  One side of the cloth is a gentle microfibre material for deep cleansing and removal whereas the other side is a muslin cloth for polishing the skin. 

Up next is the Daily Essentials Collection Cracker (£20) - Alongside the cult favourite Moringa Cleansing Balm, this cracker has everything you need to create an easy to follow skincare routine using only Emma Hardie products. 

Inside you will find a Moringa Cleansing Balm (15ml), Dual-Action Cleansing Cloth, Protect & Prime SPF 30 (15ml), Midas Touch Revitalising Cream (15ml).  Again, a great way to become acquainted with a brand and their much-loved products before splashing out on full sizes.  

As well as the balm, Protect & Prime is an amazing product (review here) and one I have gone through tubes of.  With its SPF30, Protect and Prime is a lightweight, non-greasy skin protecting and priming cream.  Packed full of amazing ingredients such as Mongongo Oil, Oat Extract and Vitamin E, they all work to protect and guard the skin against premature ageing, sun damage and environmental exposure. It also has a unique light-diffusing formulation to prime the skin and even out the complexion as well as helping to blur the appearance of fine lines and pores. 

The Midas Touch Revitalising Cream (review here) is one of my favourite creams. With its luxurious texture which absorbs incredibly quickly into the skin, this cream is formulated with hyaluronic acid to banish signs of fatigue and stress as well as to hydrate and plump the skin. Other ingredients include a powerful blend of marine and botanical extracts such as antioxidant edelweiss stem cells which work to condition and tone while brightening properties are delivered by natural polymatrix algae film extract.  Also found within this cream are the natural oils of Moringa, Primrose and Rosehip which work together to moisturise, nourish and soothe and it smells just incredible.

If you are already a fan of Emma Hardie and have used a few products, then the Brightening Collection (£50) is one to be adding to your wishlist.

This Collection has been specially designed to hydrate, cleanse, revitalise and brighten for naturally radiant skin. Inside you will find a Moringa Cleansing Balm 50ml, Dual-Action Cleansing Cloth, Rosehip Exfoliating Seeds 5g, Purifying Detox Pink Clay Mask, Moisture Boost Vit + C Cream.

The Rosehip Exfoliating Seeds I first came across earlier this year and it is such a good inclusion and a real skin treat. All you need to do is to add just a pinch of the seeds to the Moringa balm for a gentle exfoliation action whilst you cleanse, they are not at all abrasive on the skin and it really does give a wonderful bespoke at-home facial.

The Purifying Detox Pink Clay Mask (full review here) is described as being a botanical-rich, purifying and detoxifying mask that deeply cleanses and balances skin, exfoliating gently to remove impurities and refine pores. It is formulated using Australian pink clay which is said to improve the skin’s natural moisture levels as it cleanses and refines. Then there is Emma Hardie’s trademarked ‘Defensil’ technology which aims to reduce redness and inflammation thereby leave your complexion looking much smoother and more even there is also the brand’s signature moringa seed oil, which is not only rich in vitamins C and E, it also provides antioxidant protection, deflecting skin-damaging environmental pollutants.

The final item within this collection is the Moisture Boost Vit + C Cream is described as being a Vitamin C enriched face cream that helps to promote your skins natural radiance. Using a pure blend of Vitamin B3 and time-released Vitamin C they help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and areas of high colour. It also increases healthy collagen production, leaving the skin looking brighter and clearer as well as reducing the visible signs of ageing. Red Algae Extract has a reversing effect on UV damage creating a luminous and refined complexion, whilst Pumpkin Enzymes, Shea Butter and Grapeseed Oil all encourage increased cellular renewal and regeneration.

The final gift that I am sharing today is incredible and it is an absolute must for any Emma Hardie Fan and it is called Glow on the Go (£60).  

The products within this collection are designed to boost your skins natural radiance and included you will find a 50ml Moringa Cleansing Balm, Dual-Action Cleansing Cloth, 30ml Brilliance Facial Oil, 20ml Moisture Boost Vit C Cream.  Again there is a skincare routine right here to ensure your skin is cleansed, cleaned and moisturised.

All of these products you will find mentioned above, except the Brilliance Facial Oil.  For me, oil is an absolute must in the winter. From Emma Hardie, this Brilliance Facial Oil is described as being a multi-active, lightweight, nourishing facial oil complex which includes nine essential oils - Palma Rose, Orange, Mint, Vanilla, Geranium, Camomile, Lemon, Rose and Lavender. These oils all come together to re-balance and replenish precious moisture while balancing sebum production. The oils work alongside Omega 3 which helps to restructure the skin and promote elasticity and Camelina 'Gold of Pleasure' oil which is known for its powerful antioxidant properties to protect the skin from environmental damage.  This oil has been on my watch list for some time and I have been using it daily since it arrived and not only does it feel incredible on the skin, I love that it is a non-greasy oil and my skin just drinks it as quick as I apply it.

There is absolutely something for everyone within this Emma Hardie Skincare gift guide and whether you are a huge fan, new to the brand or yet to discover the brand, this is such a great introduction.  You can find all of these gifts and more on the Emma Hardie website.

Do you have a favourite Emma Hardie product?

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

Black Friday beauty deal's worth knowing about!

I am sure Black Friday offerings get earlier and earlier and whilst I don't believe we have crazy offers which rival those over in America, there are some bargains to grab. For the past few years, I have shared some amazing offers here, here and here. This year it starts on Friday 29th November and whilst there will always be a plethora of brands who start their campaign a little earlier and some who will run their campaigns much longer before you know it, the Christmas sales will start!

I will be updating this page as and when deals drop into my inbox, so keep an out on what is still to come.  So far we have:

• 001 Skincare - Now I love my 001 device and if it is something you want to try, the brand will be offering 35% off all its devices and serums from November 29 to December 2.
• allbeauty - You can save up to 70% off products across the site starting now.
• Amazon - One place you can grab bargains in every section is Amazon and this Black Friday is no different.  With deals on TV, Firesticks, Makeup, Perfume, Books, DVDs and more.
• bareMinerals - From Friday, November 29, bareMinerals is offering 20 per cent off its makeup and skincare products
• BeautyBay - Are offering between 30% and 50% off online.
• Birchbox - I have listed those deals right here.
• Charlotte Tilbury - Are offering 30% off selected lines here.
• Coco & Eve - Between November 28 and 30, the brand will be slashing their prices by 35%
• Cosmetify - Amazing savings to be had of up to 95% with Cosmetify on selected items with labels like Elizabeth Arden, Dermalogica, Anastasia Beverley Hills and more.
• Deciem - From now until November 28, you can take 23% off every single Deciem hero product.
• Decleor - Decleor is offering 30 per cent off its entire website including its latest launches; the Green Mandarin, Antidote and Christmas ranges.
• Elemis - With the code 2019BF, treat yourself to 30 per cent off full-sized skin and body care at Elemis from November 25 to December 3.
• E.L.F - From November 27, you'll be able to save 50% on everything on the site and there are some amazing products.
• Elizabeth Arden - This amazing brand is offering 25% off all full-size products this Black Friday including the iconic Eight Hour range.
• Erborian - From 29th November you can grab yourself up to 50% on a selection of their most iconic products.
• Escentual - One to keep an eye out for because there is rumoured to be a huge 50% saving across many brands.
• Eyeko - There will be 30 per cent off sitewide over at Eyeko with flash sales throughout the Black Friday sales event.
• Feelunique - This week Feelunique have a whole host of savings to be had and each day there will be different offers including brands such as REN, Decleor, Urban Decay, Foreo, Huda, Kiehls, Elemis and Benefit to name a few.  Offers from 15% right up to 56% from some of these brands.
• Foreo - Regular readers of my blog will know I am a huge fan of Foreo and they will be offering 45% off on the Luna, UFO and Issa collections, including the game-changing sonic-powered Luna 3.
• Glamglow - From Thursday until Sunday 20% off everything + Free full-size Waterburst 50ml WYS £30 (while stocks last!) Using the code MUD20 / WATER60
• Glossier - I am still to try anything from this brand but the temptation of 20% is a pretty good offering!
• Goldfadden MD - There will be 25 per cent off Goldfaden MD on Lookfantastic as well as 20 per cent off Cult Beauty and 20 per cent off Feeunique from November 28 to December 2.
• Grow Gorgeous - If you are a fan of the brand, look out for savings between 20%-50% across the board.
• Illamasqua - You can save up to 50 per cent off Illamasqua as well as 25 per cent off bestsellers and around 30-50 per cent* off outlet products.
• Isle of Paradise - For the tanners out there, from November 27, you'll be able to save 50% on everything on the site
• La Roche-Posay - Grab yourself a third off La Roche-Posay including the bestsellers from November 25 to December 2 via Lookfantastic*.
• Liz Earle - One to keep an eye on is the brand will reduce some of the sought-after gift sets for a limited time.
• L'Occitane - You can grab 20 per cent off full-priced items over at the skincare and makeup label that even includes its bestselling products like my beloved Almond Shower Oil. The discount is running from November 28 to December 1.
• LookFantastic - If you are a fan of the site, LF deals are being drip-fed onto the site, so it is definitely one to be bookmarked.
• Men-U - Male Grooming brand Men-U is offering 40% off their products
• NARS - Now this is one to look out for. From November 29 to December 2 you can grab 20% off everything on the site and this includes the new Orgasm collection. Now if you also manage to spend £150 then that discount is upgraded to 30%!
• Oskia - Grab yourself a huge 25% off its entire offering. Plus Oskia is also donating 100% of the profits to Bloody Good Period, who work to end period poverty across the UK.
• Perricone MD - There will be up to 70 per off on Perricone MD from November 24 to December 7.
• Pestle & Mortar - Offerings of 20% across the brand's products from 29th November
• Ren Skincare - Will be offering 25% off their best-sellers with the use of the code BLACK. 5% of the Sales Made During this Period Will be Donated to Plastic Control!
• Roccabox - Get 50% off mystery boxes. Use the code BLACKMYSTERY
• Tan-Luxe - If you love your tanning, then you will be chuffed to know that Tan-Luxe is offering 50% off everything
• The Body Shop - Across the whole Body Shop site, there will be a 30 per cent off sale with 20 per cent off gifts - it excludes advent calendars.
• The Fragrance Shop - Get 20 per cent off when you spend £60 or more and 15 per cent off gift sets
• Urban Decay - Look out for the 30% off deals from Urban Decay and some products will have even more to offer! These offers are available now and if you are quick the Naked Cherry Palette has 40% off meaning it is less than £26!

Already there are some amazing deals and it is worth finding products you have had on your wishlist forever and a day.  Have you found any Black Friday or Cyber Monday bargains?

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

Birchbox Black Friday Offers

Black Friday for Birchbox gets up and running from this coming Monday and if you are wanting to grab yourself, a friend or loved one a bargain for Christmas, then there are some amazing offers.

Black Friday Offers from Birchbox

BIRCHBOX SUBSCRIPTION 

Anyone as Disney mad as I am will love everything about this Frozen II box! However...the offers are:

• Self subscription offer - First 2 boxes for £5 when you subscribe (usually one box for £10), running from Monday 25th November - Monday 2nd December. Available at birchbox.co.uk/subscribe.
• 20% off all gift subscriptions (3, 6 and 12 months) running from Monday 25th November - Monday 2nd December

THE BIRCHBOX SHOP (full-size product)

25% off everything on The Birchbox Shop from Friday 29th November - Monday 2nd December

• Birchbox Kits with sequin bag:
• The 'Out Out' Kit featuring Benefit, Eyeko, Polaar and Nuxe. Was £30, now £15.00. Products in the kit are worth over £89.00.
• Other kits on offer include Back to Basics, Sleep Tight and Birchbox Exclusives. All kits were £30, now £15.00.

THE £5 SHOP - Birchbox subscriber exclusive offer

The first-ever '£5 Shop' will launch at birchbox.co.uk/shop5 which is an exclusive shop for Birchbox subscribers only. Customers will be able to shop a selection of specially sourced items, both beauty and lifestyle, with huge savings. 

The £5 shop will be live from Monday, 25th November - Monday 2nd December. The deals include, but are not limited to:

• Eve Lom 50ml Cleanser - RRP £40.00. Exclusive Birchbox subscriber price: £5.00 (£35 saving)
• Swell 17oz Water Bottle - RRP £35.00. Exclusive Birchbox subscriber price: £5.00 (£30 saving)
• The Beauty Crop Espresso Yourself Eyeshadow Palette - RRP £25.00. Exclusive Birchbox subscriber price: £5.00 (£20 saving) as seen above.

I am sure there is more than enough within this post to tempt you over to Birchbox to grab some bargains!

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

Erborian - My Perfect Routine with Ginseng Gift Set

One of the brands I have really loved getting to know over the last few years is Erborian and if you click on the K-Beauty section of my blog, you will see just how much I like the brand.  This holiday season, Erborian has handed over the reins to an incredible Tattoo Artist, Sasha Unisex.  Sasha draws inspiration for designs from nature and uses water-coloured tones to create some of the most vibrant, lavish and poetic tattoos. It is said that Sashas style is world-renowned and recognised.

This Christmas, Erborian has a whole host of gift sets on offer and each and every single one is just fantastic, with prices ranging from £18 right up to £80 and if you have never tried anything from Erborian before, this is a great way to try the products.  

I was kindly sent the 'My Perfect Routine with Ginseng' (£50 but worth £69.90). Ginseng is quite the ingredient to be used to Erborian and it is said that for over 2,000 years, Ginseng Root has been part of the traditional South Korean pharmacopoeia. Requiring lots of love and care, Ginseng takes 4-6 years to reach maturity before it can be harvested. After harvesting this prized root, it goes through a steam distillation process stabilising the many rich compounds. Ginseng gathers so active ingredients that it takes nearly 15 years for the soil to be suitable again for suitable cultivation.

This is a Limited Edition Box which features five products from the range and they include:

• EAU GINSENG 30ml - One of the first products I ever used from Erborian, this Eau Ginseng Lotion is inspired by Korean skincare routines and is described as being a product which helps to make your complexion glow whilst immediately hydrating skin and providing a feeling of comfort. Incredibly hydrating and an easy step to add to your skincare routine. Full review here.
• GINSENG INFUSION 5ml - Described as being a tensor effect day cream enriched with natural ginseng extract for a plumped, radiant and soft complexion. Infused with ginseng, this cream helps the skin to look and feel firmer, not only is it hydrating but this cream also works to nourish the complexion beyond its surface. This cream is really lightweight on the skin, it isn't greasy or tacky and what I really like is just how hydrating it is.
• GINSENG EYE PATCH 5g - I am a huge fan of eye-patches and find them really relaxing to use. From Erborian, these patches are described as being steeped in a tincture of ginseng root, these masks are said to plump up the delicate skin around the eyes, helping to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet and fine lines, while glycerine delivers a dose of hydration. Silica power acts to mattify any oily patches while extracts of tara fruit and red seaweed boost suppleness. On the skin, these patches are so soothing and are ideal for giving you at least 15 minutes of downtime as they work their magic. Once removed, any leftover product should be gently patted onto the skin until it is fully absorbed.
• BB CRÈME CLAIR 45ml - With its SPF20 UV Protection, this product is described as being the beauty essential which is a smart combination of skincare and makeup. On the skin, it melts almost instantly on contact and as it does, it also moisturises and helps to even out and mattify the complexion while giving a non-oily, velvety finish. This Ginseng BB Cream is available in four shades, from the lightest to the darkest: Clair, Nude, Doré and Caramel.
• CC CRÈME CLAIR 15ml - The formula is enriched with SPF 25 and is described as being a multi-purpose formula which has an ultra-fine texture, contains pigments to enhance your skin's appearance while enriching and improving its texture and quality. When applied to the skin, this cream appears white, but upon application, it adapts precisely to match your skin tone which then gives a more even complexion, leaving skin luminous and soft as well as a reduction in the appearance of blemishes. I personally prefer the CC cream to the BB cream on my skin, but both products do exactly what you want them too.

If you have never used a product from Erborian, then sets like this are a great introduction to the brand and a really nice way of getting to know some of the hero products from the range. Ginseng is a fascinating ingredient and one which my skin absolutely laps up whenever I use it, especially within the Ginseng Infusion, which I use when my skin is feeling really parched.

You can find this set and the rest of the Christmas offerings from Erborian right here.

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

Ark Skincare Face Masks

I love a good face masking session, whether it is the application of one mask, a sheet mask, a gel mask, a clay mask or a cream mask, I am a huge fan of masking, even more so of multi-masking when my skin is in need of some TLC.  Ark skincare is a brand I have become quite familiar with over the last 6 months and in recent times have featured the Skin Perfector SPF30 Primer and the Age Defend Collection.  Today sees the turn of two masks that I have been using - the Triple-action exfoliator and the Hydration injection masque.

I am lucky enough to not suffer from a breakout of spots, even when it is that time of the month, but in exchange, I do have combination oily skin which has dry patches and that means using masks and other treatments is a must for me. The first mask I tried was the Hydration Injection Mask (£35) which is described as being an intensive multivitamin hydration injection masque to quench skin, plump wrinkles and restore vibrancy. This rejuvenating treatment masque is the ideal weekly pick me up for skin which looks tired, stressed or lacking in radiance.

This mask is also full of some pretty incredible ingredients which include Vitamin A to regulate collagen synthesis; Vitamin B5 for smoothness; Vitamin C to fade pigmentation and Vitamin E to act as an anti-inflammatory and to prevent UV damage. A Hyaluronic Acid Booster drenches skin with moisture, optimising the circulation of water through all skin layers and providing 24-hour protection against water loss. Finally, we have the inclusion of both Sugar Beet and Abyssinian Oil which work to intensely nourish the skin for a plush, luxury skin feel.

On the skin, this mask is really soothing, I have regular flare-ups of redness on both my cheeks, usually stress-related, but annoying none-the-less and I am always keen to use products to calm down the redness.  Using a thin layer on my skin, I tend to leave this mask on for around ten minutes before removing with a warm cloth.

The second mask is my favourite of the two and it is the Triple Action Exfoliator Mask (£35) which is described as being an innovative triple effect exfoliator with physical, fruit acid and enzymatic action to create exceptionally smooth skin.

This mask is described as being an innovative triple effect exfoliator with physical, fruit acid and enzymatic action to create exceptionally smooth skin. It uses Bamboo micro-particles gently slough dead skin and debris from the surface, creating a flawless, polished texture. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) from Bilberry, Sugar Cane, Sugar Maple, Orange and Lemon increase the range of cell renewal, helping to diminish acne scars and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Skin Regenerating Enzyme dissolves desmosomes to release dead skin cells, fade pigmentation and improve nutrient absorption.

What I love about this product is how it feels on the skin, rather than being overly abrasive and once applied to the skin, you can feel that it is working.  When I use it, I ensure my skin is damp and then apply a small amount to my skin, massage it on using circular motions and then leave it on my skin, as directed for up to two minutes before rinsing it off.  The feeling afterwards is soft, smooth skin with no irritation or tingling.

More Information

If you have never come across the ARK Skincare brand before, it is developed & manufactured in Britain. It is Cruelty-Free and you will find that many of their products are Vegan-friendly. There is a lot more information about the entire range on their website www.arkskincare.com and tailor your skincare for your specific skin concerns and age.

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

Burt's Bees Hand Cream with Shea Butter

At this time of the year, using a hand cream is almost like second nature for me, I always have one or two (maybe 3 or 4) tubes on the go, one in each handbag, on my desk, on the bedside table and usually one in the bathroom as well.  One of my favourite brands, Burt's Bees has just released some pretty amazing hand creams, which if you read this post last week, you might notice some similarities.

New to the range are these Moisturising hand creams with Shea Butter and there is three different ones to choose from - Lavender & Honey, Rosemary & Lemon and Orange Blossom & Pistachio and each one is the perfect size for travelling with.

I have been using two of the lip butters in Lavender & Honey as well as the Orange Blossom & Pistachio and the two accompanying hand creams are just as divine to use.  

All three of these hand creams are formulated with 99% naturally moisturising ingredients such as Shea Butter, Baobab Oil and Pumpkin Seed Oil for softer, smoother hands. 

Each hand cream really does have an amazing texture when applied to the skin, lightweight and non-greasy, they absorb quickly without leaving any trace behind other than the most wonderful fragrance.   The skin on my hands tends to become quite dry on my palms rather than anywhere else, so this is the place I ensure I rub in a little extra cream and regularly exfoliate to ensure the issue doesn't get worse.

The Orange Blossom and Pistachio hand cream is one I absolutely love the fragrance of and it is one I hope the lovely people at Burt's Bees extend the range of, it is zesty and fresh scented and as the Orange Blossom comes to life, the Pistachio is also present, but it isn't overbearing.  The Lavender and Honey cream again smells exactly as you might expect it will, the Lavender is really fresh and there is a slight sweetness to it too.  The final hand cream is the Rosemary and Lemon scent and I love the earthy notes of this mixed in with sharpness of the Lemon makes quite the fragrance.

If you are in need of new hand cream, then Burt's Bees ticks a lot of boxes.  My hands absolutely love this and as the formula is dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic, it is definitely worth looking out for.  You can find all the new products from Burt's Bees on Lookfantastic and they have some amazing gift sets too.

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

Holistic Silk Pure Mulberry Silk Anti Ageing Pillowcase

Getting a good nights sleep is something we are all told is absolutely paramount, Not sleeping properly can mean that both your body and brain don’t function properly the next day. It could impair your attention span, concentration, strategic thinking, risk assessment and reaction times. A good nights sleep also keeps your heart healthy, looks after your immune system, reduces stress levels and your mental health.  Our skin also repairs itself overnight - your skin's blood flow increases and the organ rebuilds its collagen and repairs damage from UV exposure, reduces wrinkles and age spots, to name just a few benefits of a good nights sleep, but it is getting into bed and drifting off to the land of nod that I often have problems with, many a time I fall asleep only to wake again a few hours later, sometimes because the pillow is hot and I like my pillow to be cool, sometimes the cat decides it is the best time to play hunt the human feet and other times, simply switching off and sleeping doesn't come easy.

Holistic Silk is a brand I have seen on social media and it is one a few of my friends rave about when it comes to the pillowcases.  I have been kindly gifted a pillowcase and a pair of Heliotrope earplugs which just fascinated me and they will appear in a post on their own, today it is the turn of the Pure Silk Pillow Case.

Holistic Silk is a niche English brand with a global presence and has remained since its inception, a London and Cornwall based family-run enterprise, driven by its original founder and creative heart Joanna Weakley. All Holistic Silk products are designed, tested, developed and refined in house by Joanna and her team. Holistic Silk was created as an antidote to the fast pace and pressure of modern life. Having observed the negative effects that stress, overwork and air travel can have on our minds, bodies and sleep and finding a lack of beautiful supportive products available to combat this, Joanna discovered for herself how effective and transformative alternative health, Chinese medicine and good sleep can be. These principles are rooted in the very core of Holistic Silk.

Silk pillowcases are becoming a really popular must-have accessory and it is something I was told to invest in a few years ago because it would change my life.  I have been kindly gifted the Pure Mulberry Silk Anti Ageing Pillowcase in the shade Jade.  This silk pillowcase has a generous weight of 22 momme Silk the Pillowcases are Fair Made to Holistic Silks own unique design with a fully piped finish, French seams inside and a no gape reverse closure.

So why do you need one of these in your life? Well, I was sceptical, it is after all just a pillowcase... wrong! The first time you lay your head on a silk pillowcase your life will change, trust me. Not only does your hair glide over the pillowcase, so does your skin, but the silk also doesn't crease or scrunch up, it seemingly never alters position, it never gets hot which is an absolute dream for me. It also said to help reduce friction, minimising skin creasing and tell-tale sleep lines as well as eliminating bed head and hair frizz.   These Silk Pillowcases are also designed so they won't absorb your night creams, something I had never thought about until I switched my cotton pillowcases for silk, they also don't absorb your hair serums, but they do is leave your skin nourished and hair silky smooth each morning and if you have ever straightened your hair and then have gone to bed only to wake up the following morning with a frizzy knotty mess, you'll find you don't with this, less crinkle, less static and a lot less flyaways.  These Holistic silk pillowcases also have the addition of a removable pure Lavender sachet to gently fragrance the air and promote good rest too and as someone who loves the scent of lavender and finds it relaxing, I love it.

I have been using this pillowcase for almost 9 weeks now and it is life-changing and friends who told me it was a smart investment are absolutely right. Despite having the most horrendous cough and head cold, I have still managed to drift off to sleep and stay asleep for much longer bursts than I had been doing.

This pillowcase is sized to fit a standard pillow of 75cm x 50cm and comes available in 8 other shades, so hopefully, you can find one to match the colour of your bedroom. Priced between £80-£110 I honestly cannot recommend this pillowcase enough!

Have you tried a silk pillowcase?

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