Estée Lauder Get Up and Glow Kit (Worth £40.00)

Every now again on Lookfantastic I come across a hidden gem and this is one of those, exclusive to Lookfantastic is the Estée Lauder Get Up and Glow Kit.  Practically everyone I know is obsessed with at least one product from Estée Lauder and if you are yet to find out why, want to know more about the brand or want to try something new, then at just £25.50* this is an incredible deal.

This box is worth £40 and inside you will not only find a trio of the brands bestselling daily skincare treatments but there is also a mini  and mascara included too.  So this is a really good way to try the best of what Estée Lauder has to offer and here is a full breakdown as to what is inside!

The Contents:

• Perfectly Clean Triple Action Cleanser/Toner/Makeup Remover 45ml - Described as being a multi-tasking cleanser which utilises next generation cleansing technology to calm, comfort and clarify skin, gently lifting daily grime and stubborn makeup without drying or irritating. 
• Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex 7ml - it is no surprise to see this much loved and raved about product in the box!  One of my favourites from the brand and if you have never tried it, this is the best way to get your hands on it before splashing out for a full-size option. 
• Revitalising Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Cell Power Crème 15ml - Described as being a multi-action moisturiser that seeks to unlock skin’s full potential and reinstate a radiant, youthful looking glow. 
• Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara 2.8ml - This mascara uses three different high-volume fibres which create audacious, false-lash effects. The  flexible bristles carry maximum formula, whilst solid bristles deliver clump-free definition for a fuller, longer look in just one stroke.

I have ordered this box for both of my Sister-in-laws who have been wanting to try the Advanced Night Repair for absolute ages and as they both have birthdays coming up, I can add a gift to it as well.

This Estée Lauder Get Up and Glow Kit is on sale right now* with Lookfantastic

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

This Guide will Help you to Embrace your Individuality

If you feel as though you are not embracing your individuality, then now is the time for you to change that. After all, you are perfectly unique, and it would be a shame for you not to show this side to the world.

Wear what Suits your Personality

If you have tried quite a lot of outfits in the past then try and focus on the ones that interest you, and also look at what fits you best. It may be that you have a quirky personality and therefore like to go for bright prints. On the flip side, you may feel as though you have the ability to command the room, and therefore wearing big heels and a tight blazer is the way to go. Either way, you need to grow into yourself and wearing clothing that reflects this is certainly the way to go.

Image Source

Stop Wearing what Everyone Else Wants you to Wear

Don’t fall victim to developing a style that society wants you to have. Wear what makes you feel comfortable and also make sure that you do everything you can to try and embrace your individuality. You also need to try and make sure that you are doing what makes you happy, as opposed to what will make everyone else happy. If you can do this, then you will soon find that you are able to give yourself the support you need to embrace who you are.

Invest in Body Art

If your family hate tattoos, then that’s no reason for you to not go out and get some yourself. At the end of the day, tattoo prices can vary drastically so it’s very easy to find someone who can work within your budget. If you want to invest in a tattoo then you could get something meaningful, or you can get something just because. Either way, it’s never difficult for you to embrace your individuality when it comes to body art.

Wear Jewellery

You should also try and make sure that you are wearing jewellery that reflects your style. Sure, having a nice top or even pants will help you to feel more confident, but at the same time, it’s more than possible for you to embrace this and take your style to the next level. Buy some oversized hoops if that’s what you love. It doesn’t matter whether you think they work with your outfit or not, as long as you are happy and comfortable. It’s time for you to stop following magazines or what everyone else thinks you should wear. The sooner you can let go of this, the better you will feel about yourself and your style of fashion.

Of course, there are so many reasons why you should start embracing your individuality and if you are able to follow the above tips then you will soon find that things start coming together in no time at all. If you need some help embracing your individuality, then don’t be afraid to rely on your friends for advice.

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

Pixi On The Glow Blush Tinted Moisture Sticks

The Pixi On The Glow Blush Tinted Moisture Stick collection launched some time ago, but just look at how amazing this package is that arrived a few weeks ago. Packaged inside a box which replicates the contents found inside, if you are a fan of cream blushers, then you will love these!

I am absolutely a girl who loves her bronzer and I have used the same two bronzers for a very long time, rarely ever giving a thought to using a blusher. From Pixi, the package had three cream blushers inside and they are unlike anything else I have used and I actually really liked using them much more than I expected I would do.

Of course being from Pixi, they are a little bit more than just cream blushers, they are also designed to nourish and moisturise the skin. Included within the formula is

• Ginseng to revitalise and balance 
• Aloe Vera which helps to both soothe and calm
• Fruit Extracts which nourish and renew

Together these products are hydrating and conditioning to the skin and as you apply them, not only do they glide onto the slide so easily, they immediately give a little pop of colour.  At a first glance, these cream blushers very much look like one of those stick deodorants that you twist to use and the concept with these blushers is very similar. Packaged inside their plastic casing, is a twist up solid stick cream blusher which you simply swipe, blend and go.

I was very kindly sent all three shades within the collection which are:

• Juicy - which is a lovely coral
• Fleur - which is a light pink 
• Ruby - which is deep, almost red shade of pink

What I love about each of these shades is how easy they are to use, minimal effort needed, they can be applied as light as you want them to be or you can build up your coverage. Then depending on how you like your blusher to look, it blends effortlessly with your fingers or you could use a brush or sponge.

The swatches shown above are, as always unedited and the photo was taken in the natural light. That is one swipe of each blusher on the back of my hand, so you can see how pigmented they are. If you’re not sure that these shades are for you, I’ve been using the Ruby shade on my lips as a balm, having had some left on my fingertips after blending.

These Pixi On The Glow Blush Tinted Moisture Sticks are priced at £18 each and they are on sale right here with Pixi.

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

Space NK Our Beauty Heroes Volume 3 Beauty Box Revealed!

Just launched over on SpaceNK is their Beauty Heroes Volume 3 Beauty Box, which has the name suggests, is the third box released with this theme, back in April we saw the launch of the Beauty Heroes Volume 2 Beauty Box and it was brilliant.  So what does Volume 3 have to offer?

The box, which features 7 products is priced at £90* here, and inside you will find some of their bestselling products and you will find skincare, body care, haircare and makeup all included from, as you might expect, some incredible brands. 

Keep your cool this summer with this carefully considered curation of feel-good beauty heroes to help protect and perfect skin, hair and body.

What I love about this box is the the thought that has gone in to creating something with a theme and with that theme, products to suit, it isn't just a mish-mash of brands that sort of fit. The products also come packaged inside this very pretty pastel striped box, which is in-keeping with the theme of the boxes which came before, my Volume 2 box has now been re-used to become a box which stores buttons and random ribbons that seem to just appear!

So, with that in mind, here is what you can find within this box.

Contents

• Fresh Vitamin Nectar Antioxidant Glow Water, 100ml
• Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel, 30ml
• Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant, 73g
• Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector, 100ml
• Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub, 200g
• Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara, 10g
• Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water in Medium, 200ml

As you can see, it is a really impressive line up of products and everything you might need for that StayCayVayCay that is coming up!  The sizes of each one of the products is also really generous and I am loving the sound of the Fresh Vitamin Nectar Antioxidant Glow Water!

The Space NK Our Beauty Heroes Volume 3 Beauty Box is on sale right now and you can find it here for just £90*!

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

Murad Vita C Triple Exfoliating Facial

As soon as Murad launched their Vita C Triple Exfoliating Facial, I could not wait to try it. I am an absolute fan of the brand and the description of this product just grabbed me. In times of lockdown, not being able to have a single beauty treatment, the basics of a hair cut (which I still haven't done) not happening at all, so when something is described as being a facial that delivers results similar to a spa-like microdermabrasion treatment - I need it!

As you can see, I was kindly gifted my very own at-home facial kit which was accompanied by a QR Code to start a Murad Spa Playlist to complete the process, which I absolutely did enjoy doing by the way.

I am a huge fan of exfoliating products which are both manual and chemical scrubs and my skin seems not to mind which one I use, one of my favourite Murad products happens to be the Resurgence Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel which my skin also loves.  Having combination/oily skin, I try to ensure I use a scrub at least twice a week, which I have always been advised to do for as long as I can remember.  Having had a few weeks of feeling absolutely horrendous, I really wasn't on top of my skincare routine and my skin was really dry, it looked dull and whilst I am lucky enough to not suffer from breakouts, but the dryness can make my skin feel sore.  So I used the Murad Vits C Triple Exfoliating Facial, which was so incredibly effective after just one use, I have bought another tube as a back up!

Following the instructions which came with the Murad Vita C Triple Exfoliating Facial, I gently cleansed my skin using a balm cleanser and then, as my skin was still wet, I applied the mask immediately. As the mask comes out of the tube, it is a brilliant bright orange colour and as you massage it onto the skin, it turns white, when it does change colour, Murad state that this indicates even application and sufficient physical exfoliation. At this point, you are tasked to leave it on your skin for up to 10 minutes and then once that time is up, grab your mitt to remove the mask using sweeping motions, then rinse your skin and gently pat dry. On the skin, the formula is just divine, it isn't overly abrasive like I was expecting it to be, though you can feel the small Micro-mineral exfoliants who are tasked with removing those dead surface cells to reveal dramatically smooth skin, which is incredibly soft to the touch.

This product, as you might have guessed is packed with a combination of three exfoliants and gold-stabilised Vitamin C to create that Vita-C Complex as follows:

• Physical – micro-mineral exfoliants mentioned above and their job is to remove dead surface cells to smooth skin
• Enzymatic – using high-performing enzymes to dissolve oil, debris and dulling dead cells to reveal fresh, radiant skin.
• Chemical – Glycolic, Lactic (AHAs) and Salicylic Acid (BHA) which work to exfoliate, brighten and to purify pores.

Vita-C Complex

• Pure L-Ascorbic Acid in a Gold Stabilised delivery system which ensures the stability and potency of Vitamin C to brighten skin. (55% higher antioxidant defence than traditional Vit C)
• Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD) – This is a highly bioavailable and potent Vitamin C derivative with excellent skin absorption
• Glutathione – This recycles Vitamin C which un turn works to extend its benefits in the skin.

Putting all of those together, you have quite the product and one which doesn't sting, irritate or aggravate my skin. Instead, I have skin which is no longer dull, it isn't dry and nor is it lacking in anything.

I have been using this Murad Vita C Triple Exfoliating Facial for well over a month now and I liked it from the first use, through to the second, third and I just love how it leaves my skin every single time I use it. The results are pretty much instant, as soon as you rinse your skin afterwards, there is a notable change in the texture of your skin, the softness is like nothing I have had with other products.  I also love that it doesn't strip my skin of moisture or leave it feeling taut and tight after using.  

Whether your skin is dry, combination, balanced or oily, you can use this Murad Vita C Triple Exfoliating Facial and of course, the fun part when it changes from being orange to white is the easiest instruction to ever have in terms of no more scrubbing required, consider that job complete. 

Priced at £67, whilst it is on the pricier side of the spectrum, it is worth every single penny and you can find it via Murad*, Lookfantastic* and Cult Beauty*.

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

Lookfantastic Wanderlust Edition Beauty Bag July 2021

The July offering from Lookfantastic has arrived and Ias with the June Box, I absolutely love it. As restrictions come to an end and Summer is (hopefully) on the way, the theme of the month is a travel one and instead of a box, there is an incredibly handy travel bag full of products we all might need for those vacations and staycations.

Inside the really cute cream bag travel bag, which has a see-through top section so you can see just what is inside and with a really well made zip and a handle to make it easy to carry.  Inside the bag you will find 6 products.

First up is the full sized Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick worth £7.99, which is infused with a LiquiSilk formula which is designed to seal in both pigment and softness for a long-lasting lip look.

I have the shade 255 Rosewine in my bag this month and the unedited swatch shown above it is such a beautiful, wearable every day shade. There is also a tip from  Lookfantastic in the accompanying magazine to dab some of the lipstick onto the cheeks to double up as a matching cream blush, a trend a lot of people seem to replicate currently.

The next product from the Lookfantastic Wanderlust Edition Beauty Bag is a deluxe travel sized sample of the Illamasqua Beyond Liquid Highlighter in the shade OMG and it comes packaged in a 2ml tube.

As you can see from the unedited swatch above, this  a an incredibly pigmented liquid highlighter and you need just a tiny amount! Ideal for being applied to naked skin, mixed in with your foundation or BB cream, or if desired, it can also be layered over the top of your makeup look to those high points of the face for an additional Champagne glowy finish.

The third product from the bag is from Starskin with the VIP 7-Second Luxury All Day Mask worth £1.80.

When I saw this product I had no idea what it was or could be, but it is described as being a miracle seven step skincare regime in one handy pad! It combines Starskin’s famous 7-Second Morning and Overnight Masks and is said to be a double-sided cleansing pad and it includes ingredients such as Niacinimide, Glycerin, Grapeseed Extract and Berry Seed Extract which works to hydrate and refresh the complexion all-in-one.

The next product comes from Elemis with their Superfood AHA Glow Cleansing Butter 20ml / 0.6 fl.oz and it’s a product I’ve been wanting to try for some time.

This Elemis priming moisturiser is said to give you a smooth, radiant complexion of your dreams. Blended with nourishing ingredients such as Kombucha, Ginger and Green Tea Seed Oil, it is perfect for use when your skin’s looking dull and lacklustre, the luxurious butter provides a brightening boost with chemical exfoliation and clarifying ingredients mentioned.

The fifth product within this month’s edit from Grow Gorgeous with their Defence Anti-pollution Leave-in Spray which is 60ml and worth £6.

This protective hair mist is designed to shield your hair from heat damage, colour fade and external aggressors. Vegan-friendly and formulated without para end, supplanted or silicones, it is said to be especially heat for greasy hair that is prone to product build up. It uses Green Tea Extracts, Sunflower Extracts and Vitamin B5 and should be used on towel-dried hair

The final item from this months Lookfantastic Wanderlust Edition Beauty Bag is from MineTan with their Cucumber Hydrating Face and Body Tan Mist 30ml.

This refreshing face and body spray, which acts as a gradual tanner to give you that glowy look this summer. With its lightweight formula which is said to instantly absorb and doesn’t have that fake tan scent. It uses Cucumber, Citric Acid, Jojoba Oil and Macadamia Seed oil and should be applied with the bottle being held 15cm from the face and body.

I really like this edit, I love that so much thought has gone into the theme and how that theme is delivered with the inclusion of the cream travel bag. Each one of the products would be perfect for packing for that vacaystaycay that you might have booked or are hoping to have booked!

If you like the look of this edit, it does on sale from July 1st here and as Lookfantastic Beauty Box is a monthly subscription service* membership starts at £15 per month. There is also further membership offers of signing up for a 3, 6 or 12 month subscription to save money.

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

The Body Shop Easy In-Store Refill Stations

The Body Shop is on a mission to not only scrub up your body, but to also scrub up the world and to do that they want you to play your part to clean up your act and clean up the planet and to make life a little easier, they have brought in new easy in-store refill stations. That refill revolution starts now!

Starting now, The Body Shop wants refill stations to become mainstream, it isn't a new invention, quite a few brands offered this service before Covid19 and Lockdown, but it is an important service. We have all got used to hearing the terms 'Terracycle', 'Bring it Back' and refill stations add to the importance of enabling you to do as much as you can to help the planet.

It’s a simple switch that saves a whole lot of plastic. Because when you refill, you throw away less – and it starts with one bottle to replace them all. We’re closing the loop on waste and giving you more ways to shop the products you love, without the wasteful packaging. And with our global footprint, each of our small acts can make a big difference. Make the switch to refill and together we could save over 25 tonnes of plastic per year. 

We’re constantly working towards clever ways to empower people and the planet, so have a peep at how we’re sourcing ethically and sustainably, reviewing our packaging and rolling up our sleeves to help clean up our planet.

With an impressive roll-out of over 400 refill stations being launched in stores across the globe, with a further 400 planned in 2022, this is a bid by The Body Shop to help people like you and me to opt out of the need for excess packaging and eliminate waste before the products we purcashe reach our bathroom shelves.  To do this, refills need to be easy and accessible as well as convenient for everyone as far as possible and this is a great start.

Refills from The Body Shop are currently available for 12 best selling products that are used the most - shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and hand washes for the time being though this might change over time. To get involved, all you need to do is get your Aluminium Bottle from one of the participating stores and ask a member of The Body Shop team to fill up your bottle with whatever product you had wanted to purchase and already you have eliminated the use of one plastic bottle in your home and your routine. Just imagine how much good this could do for the planet - The Body Shop estimates that together we could save over 25 tonnes of plastic every year and you personally could save 32 plastic bottles from going to waste each year and switching to refill could also save your bank balance up to £76 per year, especially if you are a regular visitor to The Body Shop like I am for my Ginger Shampoo and Conditioner!  

If you look around your bathroom, your kitchen and even your beauty stash, how many plastic bottles have you got sitting there? Scary isn't it!

I really like the idea that I can take my bottles, which I was kindly gifted, to my local store, which does have a refill station and stock up on my favourite products instead of using plastic. Better still, when my two bottles arrives, they came packaged inside a RePack bag, it might not sound exciting but it is quite a clever idea! The RePack bag is resuable packaging which you simply attached the return address label too, put it in your nearest post box and it is returned to be used time and time again.

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

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Face Primer

The Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Face Primer is a new product into my stash and is one I have seen on my social media feed and is one that I have been intrigued by for some time. Having recently reviewed the Ole Henriksen Lemonade Smoothing Scrub, I wanted to see just how this would fair as a primer as well as skincare, but anything is possible as we know.

The *Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Face Primer is described as being a vitamin C-powered illuminating makeup primer that delivers instant radiance while improving and extending makeup wear. It was inspired by the much loved 'Banana Powder', a makeup artist must-have product.  It can be worn on its own, used as a primer underneath your makeup, mixed in with your foundation or you can also use it on top of your makeup as a highlighter.

It comes packaged inside a bright orange tube which features a white pump and I really like the consistency of this, with its almost gel like formula, it has an incredible banana scent, which whilst subtle, is noticeable. 

When using this Banana Bright Face Primer, you only need a small amount because it really does give that glow and if you use too much, you end up looking like a shiny disco ball v Edward Cullen in Twilight as he shows himself in the sunlight to Bella (if you know, you know)! On the skin, which I apply with a beauty blender, it is really hydrating and doesn't have that dreaded silicone feel to it, definitely more skincare than makeup feeling.  Depending on my mood, I either wear this on its own and have worn it under my tinted moisturiser when my skin has felt particularly dry, so I can avoid anything sticking to my dry areas of skin. 

Having read so many people rave about this primer, I can see why it is so loved and if you want to try a new primer which is everything and a little bit more, this one ticks all of those boxes because it:

• Instantly brightens
• Improves and extends makeup wear
• Blurs imperfections
• Hydrates

Plus it is also Vegan. Ole Henriksen products are back in the UK and the entire collection is now available from Boots! This Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Face Primer is priced at just £28 for 30ml  or £15 for 15ml right here*.

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

Bobbi Brown X ASOS Exclusive Beauty Essentials Gift Set

The monthly ASOS Beauty Box has really taken off with people clambering to get their hands on it as soon as it launches, but every so often they do a branded box and this time it is with Bobbi Brown with they have launched the Bobbi Brown X ASOS Beauty Essentials Gift Set.

The *Bobbi Brown X ASOS Beauty Essentials Gift Set is another limited edition box which is on sale now for just £28, that price gives you a saving of 38% had you purchased the products individually, so if you have been wanting to try some of the best Bobbi Brown has to offer, then this is a really good way to do just that, before paying for full priced products you might not actually like. 

Inside the black and white *Bobbi Brown X ASOS Beauty Essentials Gift Set you will find five of the brands best-selling products and of those products is a mixture of skincare, which includes the much loves Vitamin Enriched Face Base and two eye makeup products, which I think is a really clever idea.  

Contents

• 1 x Bobbi Brown Mini Vitamin Enriched Face Base: 15ml
• 1 x Bobbi Brown Mini Soothing Cleansing Oil: 30ml
• 1 x Bobbi Brown Mini Extra Eye Repair Cream: 3ml
• 1 x Bobbi Brown Mini Smokey Eye Mascara: 3ml
• 1 x Bobbi Brown Mini Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick in Golden Pink

As mentioned, all of the ASOS beauty boxes sell out really quickly, some within minutes of them going live, so if Bobbi Brown has been on your radar, *grab this box right here.

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

Selfridges Estée Lauder Lauder Ultimate Glow Kit

As collaboration boxes goes, the Selfridges Estée Lauder Ultimate Glow Kit is one which really grabs your attention.

For me, Selfridges is always one to watch with their beauty boxes and bags, especially with releases such as the Skincare Saviours Bundle which as simply amazing and then Project Earth Collections, which I also loved.  Today with a collaboration, solely with Estée Lauder is pretty special and here is everything you need to know.

Glow getters, gather round. If, like us, you’re looking for ways to really step up your illumination, then allow us to introduce you to the Ultimate Glow Kit from Estée Lauder.

This box features seven brightening products, of which three are full-sized and it includes products such as the Advanced Night Repair Micro Cleansing Balm which I am a big fan of! 

The products which have a value just short of £150 is on sale for £106.50* which is a great saving if you have been waiting to try some of the best products Estée Lauder has to offer, then this is a great way to try them and here is what you get:

Contents

• Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Micro Cleansing Balm 70ml
• Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer 40ml
• Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Heatwave Highlighting Powder Gelee 9g (in shade Heatwave, Modern Mercury or Solar Crush)
• Estée Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion 30ml
• Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum 7ml
• Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Rapid Brightening Treatment 7ml
• Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Ageing Crème 15ml

All of the products included within this collaboration come packaged in the bright Selfridges yellow box, this is a change to the drawstring bag they would usually use.  Again, the Selfridges Estée Lauder Lauder Ultimate Glow Kit has a value just short of £150 is on sale* for £106.50 which is a great saving.

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

Essentials For Running A Beauty Blog

Running a beauty blog is a lot of fun but also a lot of hard work. If you are thinking about starting a beauty blog, there are a few essentials about the nitty-gritty day-to-day running you might want to know about. From blog posts to photographs, these are some tips for those thinking they might have a go at running a beauty blog. 

Blog Posts

Photo by Pixelcreatures on Pixabay

It can seem daunting thinking of all the blog posts you’re going to need to write. It can help, especially at the beginning, to keep a notepad of upcoming blog post ideas. Depending on your stress levels, this can reach a week ahead, or two weeks ahead, or maybe even more. This way, you don’t have to come up with a fresh new idea each time you sit down to write a blog post. Instead, you can consult your handy notebook and get to work, 

SEO (search engine optimisation) is an incredibly important factor when hoping to get your blog out there. SEO is quite complicated and something you might not have known about before, so you might want to use SEO services to get your blog seen by as many people as possible. If not, there are courses online that you can take to learn about it yourself. 

Try to read other beauty blogs for inspiration. Keeping up with current trends in beauty blogging will ensure you stay relevant to the reader. Often, participating in trends can help to get your blog out there more. 

Photographs

Photo by Free-Photos on Pixabay

A camera is a good investment when running a beauty blog. It doesn’t have to be a fancy camera - you can work well with just a basic one. But a camera is useful for a blog. By taking your own photos, you don’t have to worry about copyright law when using others’ photos. Plus, using your own photos allows you the creative control of what you want a blog post to look like exactly. Taking photos for your blog will likely become one of your favourite parts of the process - it’s a new creative outlet you might not have tried before!

Photo editing software can help out with your photos. You can find software you have to pay for or free alternatives. The free alternatives are often just as good as the paid versions, so don’t worry if you don’t feel able to splash out on something like Photoshop. By editing the photos you take, you can create a more professional feel to your blog. This is especially important for those who might not be using the best camera out there. 

Finding natural light to take your photos in is key. Natural light does wonders for a photo - makes it look brighter and more professional. When you’re starting out, you don’t need the full setup with professional photography equipment. Later down the line, if this is something you want to invest in, go ahead! But when you’re just starting out, natural light is all you need. 

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

Temple Spa TRUFFLE DE-LIGHT Hydra-gel Moisturiser

The Truffle range from Temple Spa screams Luxe and it absolutely is, in fact every product I have tried, I have loved. New to the collection is the Truffle De-Light Hydra-Gel moisturiser and I’ve been using it for a few months and it is just delightful in every single way, here is why.

This product is described as being “A refreshing drink for the skin” and it is a lightweight, luxurious hydra-gel designed to deliver hydration and nourishment, while feeling weightless on the skin. I absolutely love how this feels on my skin, the problem with having combination skin is that sometimes creams can feel quite heavy, but this gel cream is as light as air.

The silky texture, which is rich in amino acids, minerals and what is referred to as being skin-valuable sugars is designed to tone, balance and moisturise your complexion. Using ingredients such as rose quartz and Happybelle-PE™ come together to help brighten dull, lacklustre skin thus providing a healthy-looking radiant glow. Further ingredients such as Botanical caviar and kombucha work to hydrate and firm the skin. Further key ingredients include:

• Pure Gold - this gives skin a luminous and glowing look, it helps to moisturise skin and reduce hyperpigmentation. It can help to stimulate skin and increase skin's elasticity giving a healthy and radiant complexion.
• Black truffles - these are rich in amino acids, work to improve moisture and water retention and help to deep condition and hydrate skin and hair. They work with the skin's natural renewal process to brighten skin and give a more youthful appearance. They possess anti-inflammatory capabilities which help treat acne, eczema and rosacea.
• Champagne extract which detoxifies the skin with antioxidants and helps even out the skin tone.

As you can see it sounds just incredible and it absolutely is. I’ve mentioned just how awful lockdown has been for my skin, endless hours sitting in front of a laptop computer hasn’t done me any favours, other than tick a few more tasks off my to-do-list.

The Truffle De-Light Hydra-Gel Moisturiser comes in a decadent bronzed coloured tub with gold writing and what I love is the easy pump dispenser which when pressed dispensing just the right amount of product for your face. On the skin, which you use every single day, this Hydra-gel is as cooling as it is soothing, all without being greasy and tacky to the touch and it is perfect for use every single day.

Priced at £90 for 50ml this Truffle De-Light Hydra-Gel Moisturiser can be purchased from Temple Spa or Harrods* and is an incredible treat for anyone who uses it.

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

LOOKFANTASTIC X Moroccanoil Limited Edition Beauty Box (Worth Over £92)

Lookfantastic are back with another Limited Edition Box and this time it is with MoroccanOil, a brand which definitely does not need any introduction.  Over the past few months, Lookfantastic have had some amazing boxes - Laura Mercier, the Scent Edit and Eve Lom to name a few, for me what I love is the focus on one brand, giving you the chance to try some of their best selling products.  This box is doing just that.

Packaged in a MoroccanOil blue patterned box, this Lookfantastic x Moroccanoil Limited Edition Box* is designed to give you an insight into what the brand is all about, treat your hair to an incredible pamper session and perhaps, just perhaps see what all the fuss and hype is about with one of the brands signature products!

Indulge in the blissful scents of the Moroccanoil haircare ritual with the LOOKFANTASTIC x Moroccanoil Limited Edition Beauty Box and treat yourself to luscious locks and the restorative power of the brand's signature Argan Oil.

This box has contents worth over £90 but is on sale right now, here, for just £30* and for your money, you are getting 6 products!

What’s in the Box:

• Moroccanoil Treatment Light 25ml - Worth £13.45
• Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo 250ml - Worth £16.95
• Moroccanoil Leave-In Conditioner 160ml - Worth £22.65
• Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask 75ml - Worth £8.25
• Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream 75ml - Worth £8.95
• Moroccanoil Dry Body Oil 50ml - Worth £22

I love that there is everything you hair needs for a pamper session and being a fan of the Leave-in Conditioner, I am really glad to see that it has been included. For me, one of the best things about this brand, other than how it leaves my hair feeling, is that scent each product has, simply divine.

As always with these boxes, those who are subscribed to the monthly beauty box should have had an early access email and will find that they can grab this box* for just £25 instead of £30. For anyone else wanting to get it for £25, if you subscribed today you will get £5 off when you use code MOROCCANBB also.

This is a brilliant box and with the saving of over £60, perfect for those who feel their hair needs a little bit of TLC and those who are yet to discover the wonder that is the Morccanoil Treatment!

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

Aldi x The White Company Dupes

Aldi has an incredible range of beauty products and they are well known for their dupes of Jo Malone, Pixi, Urban Decay and even Laneige. Today I am sharing some recently launched dupes of The White Company bath products.

I am a huge fan of Aldi, their bakery and flowers section is just incredible, but there is that middle aisle which people rave about and it is here that you discover these incredible dupes.

The thing with dupes is that they are similar but not the same, it is not an exact copy, despite the eye immediately assuming it is.  Today is the turn of Paradise, Aldi’s version of The White Company’s bath and body products, in particular the bestselling Seychelles range, which I absolutely adore.

The Aldi Paradise collection, of which I have a bath and shower gel, a hand wash and a hand lotion has a very similar scent - bergamot, amber and vanilla but that is where the similarity ends because it doesn’t feature the additional scent of orange, coconut and green jasmine found in The White Company’s collection.  So whilst the packaging is clearly inspired by The White Company, for me that is all there is.

The hand wash, which costs just £2.19 looks every bit the luxury item in your bathroom from afar. When used, it has a rich and foamy lather which is really moisturising on the skin without being harsh. The scent of bergamot, amber and vanilla most definitely evident too.

When paired with the hand lotion, which is also priced at £2.19, they make quite the duo and it makes a lovely accompaniment to the hand wash. As most of us have been washing and sanitising our hands more than ever before, the choice of hand wash and lotion are important to ensure our already drying skin is soothed. This hand lotion has a luxurious texture which absorbs quickly into the scent, leaving behind that wonderful scent.

The final item within this trio is the Paradise Bath and Shower Gel and again it costs just £2.19.

As the gel comes into contact with the steam of your bath or shower, the scent I’ve described of both the hand wash and lotion is slightly more noticeable and it lingers on the skin after using. Texture wise it is a little thicker than the hand wash and in the bath it creates a good amount of bubbles or in the shower a decent lather.

These Aldi Paradise products are impressive given the price they are sold, especially given each one saves you between £11-13 per item and some of these Aldi products are available online as well as in store, but as with all products, they only hang around for a short amount of time before disappearing or selling out.

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

#WeAreAllies

When great brands come together to form an alliance for a world-first campaign to tackle and highlight the amount of packaging waste in the beauty world, it grabs your attention!

Coming together with REN Clean Skincare is a collection of brands who form this alliance as part of the #WeAreAllies campaign.  Highlighting the fact that 70% plastic containers and packaging waste ends up in US landfills, a shocking figure I’m sure you will agree, with such a high figure, one brand on its own can only do so much, but with allies agreeing to join that campaign and to make a collective effort to make a positive change for our environment, that message becomes much more powerful.

By working together, sharing ideas and pioneering new solutions while at the same time raising awareness that will inspire other brands to follow suit with their own sustainable efforts.

So who are these brands and why are they part of the #WeAreAllies campaign? Working alongside REN Clean Skincare we have 4 other brands, from which I was sent some products as part of the campaign:

• Biossance - From Biossance is the 2021 Beauty Inc Award "100 Greatest Products of all time" and the 2020 Marie Claire Skin Awards "Best Facial Oil". This Biossance Squalene + Vitamin C Rose Oil. This is a luxurious lightweight oil which is said to deliver trifecta of skin-loving goodness in just 3 drops - hydrating, brightening and firming.  This oil is also housed inside a recyclable bottle and is EWG verified to reduce the environmental impact with every product created.
• Caudalie - From Caudalie is the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum which works to reduce all kinds of dark spots as it evens out the skin tone and boosts radiance. House in recyclable packaging, it is powered by Vine sap Viniferine which is proven to be 62x more effective than Vitamin C at brightening and to reduce dark spots appearance after just 1 bottle. Full review here.
• Herbivore - From Herbivore we have the Cloud Jelly Plumping Hydration Serum. This is a naturally derived plant-based serum which is formulated with Tremella Mushroom - an hyaluronic acid alternative, that leaves the skin feeling intensely hydrated, soft and visibly plump.  It also includes Vegan Collagen to moisturise and nourish skin while Strawberry Extract which is rich in antioxidants, including Vitamin C, to visibly brighten the skin.
• Youth to the People - From YTTP we have The Your Skin Goals Start Here nutrient-rich cleanser which is loaded with cold-pressed superfood extracts from kale and spinach which work to effectively cleanse the skin, remove build up in pores and at the same time balance pH without drying.

Finally from REN Clean Skincare we have the Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic, which I have reviewed here. Housed in a 100% recycled plastic bottle, this tonic exfoliates, brightens, tightens and hydrates to give your complexion a smooth, even and energised complexion that gives your skin that glow without irritation.

I absolutely love this initiative, the fact that five brands can come together in a fight to protect our planet, by not being competitors but instead being Allies.  I hope more brands join REN Clean Skincare and the rest of these brands in their campaign.

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