Birchbox February 2020 + Offer

February is all about the month of love and this month Birchbox want you to fall back in love with your daily routine and prioritise a little me-time. So, to help you with that, Birchbox has designed a charming box of six beauty treats that are guaranteed to make your heart swell.

Inside this heart designed box are no less than 6 products to try and they range from skincare and makeup to your own wellbeing. The box design I absolutely love and the fact it opens like a drawer means it is easy to recycle and re-use for other purposes.

The first item out of the box is the newly launched rose-scented Spacemask. I am a huge fan of Spacemasks and I adore the Rose Scented edition. Spacemasks are designed to encourage you to take time out and relax when using them. The self-heating mask sits really comfortably over your eyes and heats up and stays warm for up to 20 minutes, during which time, you can just do absolutely nothing but enjoy the wonderful rose scent.

Anatomicals is a brand I haven't used for quite some time now, but what I love about them are the quirky and cheeky names they give to their products.  Within this months Birchbox is the Rose Hand Cream. This cream is nourishing on the skin and has a lovely light rose scent to it which lingers just long enough for you to appreciate it without being too much.

I love that you can now get masks for absolutely everywhere on your body and from Vitamasque this month is the Lip Mask which is made from a non-slip skin-gel formula. This mask is infused with a Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Complex which is said to be a higher strength of traditional Hyaluronic Acid. This formulation combines Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed HA and Sodium Acetylated HA together, to enhance the skin's ability to retain moisture compared to regular Hyaluronic Acid products. Then there is a Vegan Collagen Booster which is included to naturally boost elasticity levels around the lip area for subtly plumper pout. Mulberries and Wild Cherries extracts are also infused to provide a source of antioxidants and an intense repairing action, for noticeably softer lips in 15 minutes.

From Lord & Berry is the 20100 Maximatte Lip Crayon in the shade Soul. Described as being a Liner-meets-lipstick, it is designed to deliver a brilliant matte colour that glides on to the lips effortlessly. It is enriched with Vitamin E which delivers anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, hydration and suppleness properties.  Soul as a shade is a deep coral peach shade. On the lips, it glides on with relative ease and despite being matte, it isn't uncomfortable.

A brand I haven't come across before is Beautaniq Beauty and within this box is the Darling Dahlia Blusher. This is a pretty mineral blush which has a rose carved into the product to make it look even prettier to match the shade which is a warm rose.  This blush can be applied with fingers or a brush and it is a shade that can be built up to give as much coverage as you are happy with.

The final product within this box comes from Glamglow and it is the Brighteyes illuminating anti-fatigue eye cream.  Described as being an illuminating eye cream it has been formulated with peptides, caffeine and an intense infusion of hyaluronic acid to instantly brighten dark circles and reduce visible signs of fatigue around the eyes. Also included within this cream is linoleic acid and a blend of watermelon, apple and narcissus extracts which works with all skin tones to help strengthen that delicate eye area skin’s moisture barrier whilst at the same time helping to reduce visible signs of fatigue.

I really liked this Birchbox theme, it has been a while that I have shared a Birchbox here on my blog, but I am glad I have this one to do so.  Like other beauty boxes, Birchbox is a subscription service* which costs just £10 per month and if you sign up this February, you can grab yourself a FREE full-size eyeshadow palette from The Beauty Crop (worth £24!), all you need to use is the code COFFEE.

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

GLOSSYBOX x ELEMIS Limited Edition - Everything you need to know!

I love a good Limited Edition Glossybox and the next collaboration is with none other than Elemis. A brand defined by nature and led by science, ELEMIS are celebrating 30 years of innovation in 2020 and GLOSSYBOX are thrilled to announce this box for their first Limited Edition box of the year.

Filled with six products from their legendary, award-winning Pro-Collagen range and one of those products is worth more than the cost of the box!

The GLOSSYBOX x ELEMIS Limited Edition contains:

1. Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (Special Size 30ml) Filled with powerful ingredients (including Rose Absolute, Mimosa Absolute and Padina Pavonica), it will hydrate your skin, whilst increasing its elasticity, suppleness and firmness. Every morning, smooth a pea size amount onto your face, neck and décolleté after cleansing and applying your face oil. It will visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles, giving you firmer-feeling, more hydrated and radiant skin. RRP £52.20 

2. Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream (Deluxe Mini 15ml) -  In the evening, use the Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream instead of the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. Clinically proven**, its unique formula helps your skin to regenerate itself as you sleep. A blend of Padina Pavonica and Red Coral improves your skin’s suppleness, firmness and elasticity, whilst Sesame and Avocado oils protect it against free radical damage. 

To use, massage a pea size amount onto your face to wake up with a firmerlooking, radiant complexion. RRP  £34.50 

3. Papaya Enzyme Peel (Deluxe Mini 15ml) - After cleansing, you should use this award-winning peel. Formulated with natural fruit enzymes of exfoliating Papaya and calming Pineapple, it gently removes dead skin cells to reveal soft, radiant skin beneath. It also nourishes and protects your complexion. 

Use twice a week, apply a thin layer onto your cleansed skin, leave it for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. RRP £12.00 

4. Pro-Collagen Marine Oil (Full Size) - This lightweight oil will help to replenish your skin to deliver maximum hydration. Combining three seaweeds (Padina Pavonica, Golden Seaweed and Roaring Water Kelp), it boasts a plumping, moisturising and nourishing formula that keeps your complexion hydrated, whilst also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Perfect for use both morning and night, massage 3 to 4 drops over your face and neck before applying your moisturiser. RRP £67.00 

5. Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (Deluxe Mini 20g) - This powerful cleansing balm should always be the first step of your skincare routine. Blending luxurious waxes with Padina Pavonica and nourishing Elderberry, Starflower and Optimega™ oils, its unique formula dissolves away makeup, dirt and pollutants. Apply it onto your complexion, then wet your fingertips and massage it in using circular motions. 

Remove with a warm, damp cotton cloth. Cleansed, nourished, renewed and glowing skin awaits! RRP £9.50 

6. Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Mask (Deluxe Mini 1 Mask) - You can use these masks whenever your under eye area needs an extra boost. Boasting Padina Pavonica, potent Plankton extract and Hyaluronic Acid, they hydrate, tone and firm the skin around your eyes. They also help to reduce the appearance of dark circles. 

Apply the sticky side onto your under eye area, leave for up to 20 minutes, then gently peel off. RRP £8.66 

The GLOSSYBOX x ELEMIS Limited Edition* is worth over £180 and it launches on Friday 28th February. As always, subscribers will get priority access from 9am with a £10 discount making it £40 instead of £50 and then it goes on General Sale from Noon.  So if you want to get your hands on this box, 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.

Time Bomb QVC Offer - Biggest & Best Collection

I love a good QVC TSV offering and the latest one to come from Time Bomb features their ‘Biggest & Best Collection’ and purchasing it gives you savings of over 55%. This supersized collection contains all the Time Bomb hero products to resurrect your skin from the winter weather and bring back your glow for spring. Featuring four incredible products from the Time Bomb range of products, there is definitely a great skincare routine right here.

The first product is one I am a big fan of and that is the Take Off Time Cleanse + Buff (£25 200ml) - This product is described as being a daily mini-facial for clear polished-looking skin. I really like how gentle this product is on the skin, it is best described as being a lightweight milky formula within which you will find dermatological grade crystals and together this formula works to remove dead and dry skin that is clinging to the surface. 

Ideal for using as a first cleanse, this product has two main ingredients, the first  Its main ingredients are Sunflower Seed Oil and Shea Butter which moisturise the skin as the crystals buff their way around.  

The second product within this collection is the Collagen Bomb Essential Skin Fuel (£65 for 50ml) and it is described as being a unique formula to increase the skin's ability to rebuild and maintain quality collagen.

Its uses a real mixture of ingredients including:

• Pycnogenol, derived from the bark of maritime pine trees found in the South of France, has been clinically proven when applied topically to help maintain skin’s structure by 1) binding to and reinforcing collagen 2) inhibiting collagen destruction 3) promoting better quality collagen 4) scavenging collagen-attacking free radicals
• Padina Povanica brown algae, found to promote healthy collagen renewal and preserve the integrity of collagen fibres
• Davilla Rugosa leaf extract found to protect newly synthesized collagen
• Borage Oil found to enhance collagen production
• Micro-collagen found to deliver intense moisturisation

In a pump-action bottle, you can apply this peachy coloured cream both morning and evening using just 2-3 pumps and it is said that with continued use, you can expect fuller, firmer and tighter skin and boosted collagen production.

The next product is one of my favourites and it is the Complexion Cocktail with a Shot of H20mega (£30 for 150ml) - Described as being for skin that is withered, wilted and sucked dry of essential moisture, perfect for those who like their central heating on a lot and hot but are constantly on the go.

This product uses a powerhouse blend of hydrators which have all been specifically chosen to help refill and repair the skins natural hydration system, so you will find ingredients such as:

• Chia Oil - One of the richest sources of Omega 3s
• Electrolyte-Rich Coconut Oil - known for exceptional hydrating powers and another top source of Omega 3s’.

Working alongside those, you will also find Centella, Ginseng and of course Vitamin B12 and they all work to help increase micro-circulation to fight dullness and uneven skin tone. You only need a few drops of this tonic on clean, dry skin and I absolutely love the smell of this, to me, it smells like summer in a bottle.

Finally, within this quartet of goodness, we have the Powerball Intensive Moisturiser (£80 for 100ml) and it is described as being an exceptional moisturising formula that works to replenish critical water and counteract acute to chronic dehydration thus making it perfect for those who suffer from chronically dehydrated skin.

Featuring 21 natural hydrating agents which include: Bio-protectant Trehalose which is designed to preserve the skin’s internal fluidity, keeping it supple, elastic and resilient. Followed with a proprietary blend of Hyaluronic Acid and Aqua Cell Complex (lentil, watermelon and apple extracts) which is said to load and refill the skin’s essential moisture reserves, for softer, smoother, plumper tone and texture. What I like about this cream is that it is fairly thick but when applied to the skin, it absorbs really quickly and doesn't require a lot of massaging to ensure it disappears.

As you can see, these four products come together to make an amazing routine and each product compliments the next. Over time, everyone’s skin inevitably slows down. There are four key functions, that when no longer performing at optimum levels, cause the skin to look older: loss of sloughing ability, loss of moisture, loss of oil (sebum) and loss of collagen. If you haven't come across Time Bomb before they have Lulu as their brand ambassador and they have a really simple and straightforward reasoning

"Time Bomb is a radically simple, remarkably new approach to skin care. A collection of powerhouse formulas and breakthrough innovations developed to help women of all ages “stop the clock!”.

So, this TSV goes lives on February 28th and as a reminder, the products and their RRP are as follows: Time Bomb Biggest & Best Collection:

• Take Off Time Cleanse + Buff (200ml) RRP £25 -
• Complexion Cocktail With A Shot of H2Omega (150ml) RRP £30
• Collagen Bomb Essential Skin Fuel (50ml) RRP £65
• Powerball Intensive Moisturiser (100ml) RRP £80

= over 55% discount on RRP £206.50 but you can grab them from 28th February for around £62 via the QVC website.



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

REN Clean Skincare - Beauty Pioneers of Infinity Recycling

I feel I have been on quite the journey with REN Clean Skincare over the past few years with their formulas and their packaging.  Living in an era when recycling, recyclable and being plastic-free is of such huge importance, the beauty industry is really having to pick up its pace and be as accountable for their waste as supermarkets are.  I have become so much more aware of how much waste I produced and how many changes I have made - no plastic bags, I try and shop with the least amount of plastic that I can and if a product I use and love is refillable, then you can bet I am using it.  For REN it started back in 2018 when their cleansers became carton free and the moisturisers started to use an airless system, both in an effort to cut waste whilst at the same time, protecting that all-important formula.

Having then moved through using 100% recycled plastic, introducing recycled beauty bags (still one of my favourite finds ever) and then signing up with Terracycle to continue the efforts to become zero waste by 2021, REN has now done an industry first and they have done it whilst celebrating their 20th anniversary and that is by debuting their new pack including Infinity Recycling material and what better way to do it than with the iconic moisturiser EverCalm Global Protection Day Cream.

In partnering with SABIC and Aptar, REN has become the first luxury beauty brand to use Infinity Recycling tech in the beauty industry, but, what exactly is Infinity Recycling? Essentially, by using groundbreaking technology to recycle that mixed plastic waste which would have been on its way to an incinerator or landfill and instead fully regenerate it to deliver certified recycled plastic that is identical to virgin plastic. By doing this, it opens up the possibility of indefinite plastic recycling without losing its quality or physical properties hence the name 'Infinity Recycling'. 

Not one to do things by half, REN has debuted their new Infinity Recycling material in their iconic EverCalm Global Protection Day Cream, which you can see pictured above. The tube within which the cream sits feels no different to any other skincare product I use that is in plastic packaging, other than feeling slightly lighter and naturally knowing it has been recycled does make you feel much better. 

This Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream is REN Clean Skincare's best selling moisturiser. Described as using a synergetic blend of powerful antioxidant and free radical scavengers, together with soothing and nourishing seed oils, this cream helps to protect the skin against dehydration and oxidation damage from modern life pollution, a known contributing factor to visible premature ageing. Key ingredients within this cream include:

• Blackcurrant Seed Oil which is rich in Omega 3 - helps nourish and soothe skin.
• Seabuckthorn Oil which is rich in Omega 7 - softens skin.
• Camellia Oil which replenishes the skin.

The formula is incredibly moisturising without being greasy on the skin and because it has a lightweight texture, it sinks and absorbs into the skin effortlessly. I adore the clean scent of this cream which does have a slight hint of blackcurrant, but not one which is too overpowering.  If you have sensitive or sensitised skin, then this day cream is the one you absolutely need to have within your routine and it is the one from REN Clean Skincare which is most recommended and sold.

As well as being an incredible day cream and one I absolutely love having in my stash, I am blown away by just how much though REN Clean Skincare put into their journey to being zero waste by 2021 and they have done so without passing on the higher costs to you and I the consumer and they do this in the hope more companies join them on this very same journey, using the same technology thus making it less expensive in the future.  You can read more about this journey with REN Clean Skincare* via their website.

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

Alpha-H Lip Perfector - Nude Blush

Whenever there is a new launch from Alpha-H, it is going to be a good one and new to the family comes the Absolute Lip Perfector in Nude Blush (£19.95).  Right now with the weather coming in with a different storm every week moving from Ciara and Dennis we are awaiting the arrival of both Ellen and Francis before Gerda and Hugh make their appearances!  My skin doesn't cope too well with the everchanging weather and as I suffer from something called Barometric headaches, sometimes all I want to do is lay in bed and sleep the day away. 

The team over at Alpha-H ask:

"Have you ever wondered why our lips are so easily affected by the elements, seemingly drying out, cracking and peeling at the first sign of a breeze or season change? Well the answer lies in the fact that the skin on our lips is quite different to the skin elsewhere on our bodies as it lacks oil and sweat glands, meaning it loses moisture quickly and then struggles to regain it"

So we need to ensure we give our lips extra TLC and nourishment with the right lip care and if we do that, then we are on the way to ensuring our lips can wear that matte lipstick perfectly.  Having tried the original Lip Perfector from Alpha-H as part of a TSV, I was excited to try Nude Blush.

Nude Blush promises to let you say goodbye to dry lips and say hello to soothes, smoothed, hydrated and perfectly kissable lips all year round.  This lip balm is both nourishing and plumping and it works to not just add moisture to the lips, it works to lock that moisture in. As this comes from Alpha-H you can only imagine what an amazing product it is going to be, anyone who loves Liquid Gold and the rest of the skincare range will know how much thought and effort goes into creating each and every product.  With Nude Blush there is a whole host of amazing ingredients which include:

Key ingredients

• Powerful plumping and moisturising ingredient Hirulip™ blends the well-known hydration prowess of Hyaluronic Acid with the collagen-boosting properties of Tripeptide-1. Unlike some Hyaluronic Acids which as we know are molecularly too large to make it past the surface of the skin, Hirulip™ delivers it in tiny microns which are small enough to make it into the deeper layers of skin.
• Honeycomb Extract which helps to lock in all that moisture by forming an occlusive layer on the outside of the skin
• Zinc Oxide - The addition of Zinc means this soothing formula can also aid in the healing process for lips which are already dehydrated or chapped from exposure to the elements.
• Peppermint and Wild Mint - Both of which are refreshing also add their anti-inflammatory properties alongside a super cooling effect to this soft balm.

What I have loved about this Absolute Lip Perfector is how it feels when it has been applied to the lips.  I take issue with balms which leave your lips feeling as though you have just rubbed a block of lard on them, I also don't like sticky or tacky balms.  I want a lip balm or product that sinks into the skin of my lips to add that missing moisture, to help repair and protect from the inside out and where possible just do the job it is meant to do.

With the Absolute Lip Perfector from Alpha-H, you can use it under lipstick as a conditioning, plumping primer or on its own to impart a subtle sheen. You can also use it as an overnight lip plumper and hydrator for the lips which is a great addition to your routine. I always ensure I use a lip balm as the last part of my routine.

Availability

Priced at £19.95 you can find this Alpha-H Absolute Lip Perfector in Nude Blush via Beauty Bay*, 

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

CND Vinylux 2-in-1

I absolutely love CND Vinylux as a nail polish brand and have featured them a few times on my blog now, the last collection being The Crystal Alchemy Collection and today I am sharing something that I think it is a little bit genius and it is the CND Vinylux 2-in-1.

"Save on the suitcase space this year and make your life easier with the brand new CND Vinylux 2in1"

Giving you the ability to create the perfect mani on the go, CND has created an innovative two-step system to make painting your nails on the go, on your holiday or quickly. This portable applicator features a high-shine Vinylux long-wear colour at one end and then a fast-drying topcoat at the other, so you have everything you need in one product, which is no bigger than your average mascara wand.

This long-wear CND polish formula is infused with Vitamin E, Keratin and Jojoba Oil which works to condition and strengthen the nails, therefore, creating a healthy base for smooth colour application. Lasting for up to 7 days, the polish helps to minimise the drying and damaging effects associated with regular nail polish wear.

I was kindly sent three of the five shades available and I love all three of them which are:

• Negligee - A sheer opalescent baby pink
• Field Fox - A beautiful nude
• Lobster Roll - A bright red with a slight hint of orange as it dries down.

I like CND polishes because they are long-lasting and the applicator is really easy to use as it covers my entire nail in one stroke. These polishes I've found need between one and two coats depending on how deep a coat you want to have, for Negligee as an example because it is so sheer, it definitely needs two coats.

I really like having the nail polish and then the topcoat on one applicator, the polish dries within a few minutes, much quicker than I had expected and then applying the topcoat afterwards means you need to have around 3-4 minutes time to apply, let dry and add your topcoat. It doesn't streak or smudge and I have found Field Fox lasts at least 7 days without chips, which for a normal polish is really impressive, Lobster Roll I had for 6 days but impressively Negligee was the longest lasting and I have had 8 days wear from it, all using the topcoat.

This 2in1 from CND is perfect for travelling and it helps with maximising space in your makeup bag. Priced at just £16.95 each and can be found at Lookfantastic*.

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

Cult Beauty The Founders Goody Bag - worth over £270

The Founders Goody Bag from Cult Beauty* is one of the best Gift with Purchases (GWP) that I have seen in quite some time and it features some amazing brands. This 19 piece edit, which features five full-sized products is yours when you spend £160 and that is incredibly easy to do on Cult Beauty from the new releases alone.

Picture taken from Cult Beauty

Has this GWP tempted you in any way?

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

GO2 Inhaler Sticks

Everyday life can be stressful, it can be hard work and there is absolutely nothing wrong with admitting that life has been tough of late.  I have been learning how to use the power of smells and scents to change my mood and there are a few products which I have loved using, the first being these Go2 Inhaler Sticks and if you read my tips on getting a better nights sleep, you have noticed the inclusion of one right there.

Go2 Inhaler sticks are the brainchild of brothers Marc and Benjamin Shipman and are the first UK-based company to launch 100% natural essential oil inhaler sticks to the UK market.  I have always been fascinated by Essential Oils and their properties, wanting to know what they do, why they do it and what works best for which reason as well as knowing how to use them to the best of their ability.

Essential Oils can help you relax, deal with cramps, help with the symptoms of PMT, help with sleep, aches, focus and stress. So finding a product such as an inhaler stick has absolutely fascinated me since I came to have to them to try out and use. They came about when Marc found juggling life too much and what started out as small internal worries soon manifested themselves into stress-related anxiety, which in turn led to poor sleep and a lack of energy.  Having tried different routines and activities, it wasn't until the suggestion of essential oils was mooted to Marc that the idea of Inhaler sticks came about and wanting to ensure it wasn't a placebo effect, he spent over two years researching, trialling and testing. So, with all of that in place Inhaler sticks were born and they are not only affordable but also accessible at £3.99 each.

Why Essential Oils? When inhaled, the olfactory receptors in your nose are activated, once activated they send signals to the higher regions of the brain, the neocortex and the limbic system and it is the limbic system that then sends messages to the hypothalamus which in turn sends messages around the body.   The benefits of essential oils aren't something new, they have been known for 6000 years but thanks to today's use of science, those benefits are now proven. Essential oils come from plants and they create both the flavour and fragrance of that plant and it is how those oils are extracted to create a product which is important - cold-pressed, with water or by using steam distillation will determine the quality and purity.

There is essentially three ways to benefit from essential oil usage - through your skin, internally via your digestive system or aromatically such as Inhaler sticks.  When inhaling one of the GO2 blends, odour molecules are released and the olfactory receptors in our nose are activated and it is these different odour molecules which result in different messages being sent.  The GO2 essential oil blends are uniquely formulated to maximise the response for each described mood and with that, we have B.Calm, Sleep, Energy and Focus.

Each of the GO2 Inhaler sticks is packaged in bright colours so that you can see which one of which and each outer packaging gives details as to what the stick is for, how to use it and what essential oils it uses.

• Helping to boost your performance we have Energy. This stick which is recognisable from its bright red packaging is designed to support performance, be it with work, life, sports or just generally.  Made from 100% natural oils, this blend uses Eucalyptus which is uplifting and help promote clear breathing, Peppermint which helps to stimulate and aid focus before finally Lemongrass which helps to combat feelings of fatigue.
• Helping with focus is the Inhaler stick called Focus.  This stick which is packaged in bright blue is said to help with focus and concentration. Whether you are sitting in front of a computer, studying or just need to be completely focused on your task in hand, this is the stick for you. Using Rosemary which supports memory function, Peppermint which is stimulating and aids focus and then we have Lime which is uplifting for both the body and the mind.
• Helping to promote inner peace we have B.Calm.  With its baby blue packaging, B.Calm is said to help promote inner peace in those times when you are feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed or simply just need a break. The essential oils included within B.Calm are Cardamom which promotes the feeling of calmness and warmth, Lavender which is relaxing and soothing for both the body and mind, Bergamot which helps to promote inner calm and finally Sweet Orange which is deeply relaxing and works to promote well-being.
• The final stick is one I featured within my sleep post and it is called Sleep. Designed to help promote your quality of sleep, assisting to help give you a deeper and better sleep, this inhaler stick uses Lavender which is relaxing to the body and mind, Red Mandarin which helps support a restful sleep before Frankincense, which helps to promote a sense of inner peace and contentment.

Right now, whilst I have tried each and every one of these Inhaler sticks, I have found to be of most use is Focus because it works the best for what I need because I have just been in the middle of a huge work project and needing to just sit there and work my way through an Excel spreadsheet of doom is something I've had to get on with, so knowing that I can use Focus has been a huge help.

These GO2 Inhaler Sticks are priced at £3.99 each and can be found via Amazon or the Go2 website.

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

REN Clean Skincare Perfect Canvas Clean Jelly Oil Cleanser

Whenever there is a new release from REN Clean Skincare I am always as equally intrigued as I am excited to find out what the product is, what it does and why I need it in my life.  New to the Perfect Canvas family is the Clean Jelly Oil Cleanser* (£25) and I have already ordered another tube.

Cleansing is definitely one of my favourite parts of my skincare routine, especially of an evening when I get to take the day off and begin to wind down from a day in the office. This Clean Jelly Oil Cleanser is described as being an all-new makeup removing, 100% naturally derived oil-based jelly cleanser that melts makeup, impurities and SPF. 

Perfect for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin, this three-phase cleanser is, as you might expect from REN, it is packed with three amazing oils, the first is Sunflower Seed Oil which not only protects skin’s natural moisture barrier to prevent continued dryness, it also contains Vitamin E which is an antioxidant helps to protect skin from free radicals and from adverse effects of the sun.  The second oil is Meadowfoam Seed Oil which helps to replenish the skin’s barrier with essential fatty acids Omega 3 and 6. Finally, we have Grape Seed Oil which is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, so it helps restore skin health and protect against free radicals. REN also include Glycerin which locks in hydration as you cleanse your skin.

Unlike some cleansers, this one should be used on dry skin, to use, you need a small amount which should be warmed between the palms of your hand until it becomes an oil. Then apply, using circular motions over your entire face, it is gentle enough to be used near your eyes. The oil this jelly turns too is rich, luxurious and it feels divine on the skin, as the oil comes into contact with warm water it emulsifies into a milky texture and once your skin is clean, you wipe away with a cloth.  I always judge a cleanser on how it makes my skin feel after using it, if it strips my skin of moisture and leaves it feeling dry and taut then it is a no from me, but this cleanser does neither of those, in fact, what it does is leave my skin feeling hydrated to the touch, as well as being free from all my skincare and makeup that had been on my face. 

As part of RENs pledge to become Zero Waste by 2021, in that all of their packagings will be 100% recycled, recyclable and reusable. this Jelly Oil Cleanser is housed in a 50% post-consumer recycled tube with a 100% post-consumer recycled cap.

You can see all of the products Ren has to offer online and here for those in the US here. 

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

Top tips for combatting sluggish and sallow winter skin with Emma Hardie Skincare

During the cold and dark winter months, our skin can often appear dull and flat and can definitely be in need of a bit of a radiance boost! Jane Foulston, from Emma Hardie Skincare, shares her top tips for combatting sluggish and sallow winter skin and all you need to use are 4 products.

When your skin starts to look sluggish and your complexion sallow, Emma Hardie Skincare has a few products which you can add into your routine to help it look healthier and reinvigorated. 

The first piece of advice is to look for products that contain brightening ingredients, such as Vitamin C, and then add them into your routine where you can.  Starting with the Emma Hardie Moisture Boost Vit + C Cream (£49), something I was introduced too just before Christmas as part of the Brightening Collection. This cream contains a pure blend of Vitamin B3 and time-released Vitamin C to reduce pigmentation and increase healthy collagen production, leaving skin looking brighter and clearer. It also contains Red Algae Extract which has a luminating effect to give you a gorgeous glow and it also aids in reversing the effects of UV damage and they work alongside Pumpkin Enzymes, Shea Butter and Grapeseed Oil all encourage increased cellular renewal and regeneration.

Evening skincare is my favourite and I enjoy the double cleanse part of my routine the most, something I honestly thought I would never say.  In the evening you can up the ante with a more supercharged product such as the Vit C Intense Daily Serum (£54). It is said that stable Vitamin C will release slowly overnight to help reduce pigmentation caused by UV damage, brighten the skin, and create a more evenly toned and refined complexion. You can then also use the Emma Hardie Brilliance Facial Oil (£39) again, a product I started to use before Christmas. I absolutely love having an oil within my routine, especially in the winter when I feel my skin needs a lot more help with moisture.  This oil is described as being a multi-active, lightweight and nourishing facial oil complex which is infused with nine essential oils including - Palma Rose, Orange, Mint, Vanilla, Geranium, Camomile, Lemon, Rose and Lavender. Coming together, these oils work to re-balance and replenish precious moisture while balancing sebum production. Also included within the oil is Omega 3 which helps to restructure the skin and promote elasticity and finally we have Camelina 'Gold of Pleasure' oil which is known for its powerful antioxidant properties to protect the skin from environmental damage.

The final product of the four is one of my favourites and it is the Moringa Renewal Treatment Mask (£49) which I fully reviewed on my blog some time ago.  A divine treat for the skin, this mask should be used at least once a week. With ingredients such as Resistem™ and Red Algae Extract to visibly improve the evenness of complexion and stimulate cell regeneration to restore skin’s natural glow. Moisturising and conditioning Hyaluronic Acid and Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil leave skin feeling vibrant, plump and radiant.  I love that this mask can be used in two different ways depending on your preference too, the first is as a treatment mask which should be applied to freshly cleansed skin and left for up to 15 minutes or it can be used as an overnight intensive treatment mask if you feel your skin really needs a little bit of TLC.  If you are familiar with the Emma Hardie Moringa products, then this one is up there with the deliciousness of fragrance!

Four products which add a little something extra to your skincare routine.  Have you ever tried anything from the Emma Hardie Skincare range or is there anything you have got your eye on?

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

Pop Beauty Permanent Pout Liquid Lipsticks Review and Swatches

Just when you thought you had enough Liquid Lipsticks, in comes Pop Beauty to shake it up.  As a brand, Pop Beauty has been around for quite some time and to me, are known for their slogan "Shake Up Your Make Up".  

When this amazing package featuring nine shades of their Pop Beauty Permanent Pout Liquid Lipsticks arrived in a bright almost Fuschia box with some plastic glasses, intrigue got the better of me - why did we need the plastic glasses? 

“Get pouty with this full-coverage liquid lipstick with a velvety, matte finish. Extremely long-wearing and kiss-proof, these lip colours are 15 shades of audacious! Lasts all-day & all-night. Paraben free. Not tested on animals.“

So it would seem the plastic glasses had cleverly been included so that we could try the transfer-proof formula for ourselves.

The Pop Beauty Permanent Pout Liquid Lipsticks are packaged inside a metallic silver tube with a clear lip-shaped window which allows you to see the shade of the lip colour inside. The doe-footed applicator is really easy to use, picks up enough product without overloading and I really like that there is quite a long handle. 

With fifteen shades available within the range, I had been sent nine of them which are:  

• Butter Babe - a nude but with a slight pink undertone
• Plump Peach - a peach which is on the orangey side
• Pink Tutu - Is a pretty pink
• Berry Boost - a bright berry shade
• Red Velvet - A dark red berry shade
• Poppy Pout - a red but not as bright as Red Velvet
• Razzle Rose - a loved muted nude and my favourite
• Coral Crush - a pretty coral shade with a red undertone
• OMG Violet - An amazing shade of purple

The Permanent Pout liquid lipsticks are priced at £8 each. Within this collection of shades, there are some that I am more comfortable wearing than others, but they are all really pretty and have a really sweet almost fruity to scent to them when you first apply or swatch them.

Give that these are liquid lipsticks, I would always advise ensuring you have exfoliated your lips and if they are still dry, applying a base of sorts, for me, I tend to opt for a lip balm, let it settle for a few minutes and then apply these lipsticks.  As the given name is Permanent Pout, they are exactly that, the longest-lasting liquid lipstick I have ever come across, even swatches proved to be testing to remove, but in the end, I managed it with some Micellar Water and then makeup remover.

Priced at £8 via the Pop Beauty website, they are worth every penny if you want a long-lasting, never budging liquid lipstick.

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