Aldi’s Caviar Collagen Pro Skincare Range

Back in 2015, when Aldi first debuted their Caviar range and it was the first time I had heard people rave about the Lacura brand, especially given the price point of £6.99 instead of £100 upwards. In recent weeks, Aldi has once again created a line of products which sent my social media feed into a bit of a frenzy and having taken the time to try the products out over the last few months, I can see why. Introducing the brand new Caviar Collagen Pro range from Lacura.

As you might expect from Aldi, this range of products features premium skincare ingredients which includes Caviar Extract, Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Earth Marine Water and Algae Complex, this unique formulation has been specifically designed for the beauty brand and helps to reduce signs of ageing whilst plumping and protecting skin, the outcome being that the complexion if left feeling hydrated and looking all glowy.  

So why those ingredients?

• Caviar Extract - works to deliver nutritive elements to the skin as it is rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, plus it helps to reduce the signs of ageing.
• Collagen - known for its plumping and smoothing properties, it also helps to firm the skin.
• Hyaluronic Acid - helps to improve the skins water binding ability and helps the retention of moisture which results in well hydrated and supple skin.
• Earth Marine Water + Algae Complex - this is a special combination of ingredients which promotes the natural glow of the skin and helps to even out the skin tone.

Within this Caviar Collagen Pro range is four products and they retail in price from £4.99 up to £7.99 and here is what you can find.

The first product you need to hunt down and get your hands on is the Lacura Caviar Collagen Pro Day Cream with SPF 15 (£7.99, 50ml). Described as being the one to tick all the boxes, this cream helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as prevent the development of pigmentation marks. With promises to tighten and firm, this formulation has added SPF 15 to help protect against premature ageing.

What I absolutely love about this Day Cream is its texture, it sits somewhere between being lightweight and thick enough to melt onto and into the skin without any effort. It has no notable fragrance to it and whilst I don't have enough of the fine lines and wrinkles to confirm it ticks the box, what I can tell you is that it is hydrating, it moisturises, it doesn't sit on the skin, it isn't slimy or sticky and the tightening and firming, I would say not quite there, but definitely a glowy after-use.

My favourite product from the range comes next and it is described as being a more concentrated treatment, and it is the Lacura Caviar Collagen Day Serum (£5.99, 50ml). Again, it is described as being the one to take skincare routines to the next level, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improving elasticity, meaning your skin will appear firmer, tighter and plumped for a youthful looking complexion.

I like a serum to be a serum and one of my biggest bug bears are those which apply delightfully to the skin but are then sticky and tacky to the touch, a common issue with many serums.  This one comes out of the tube like a rich cream, but disappears within miliseconds on the skin and it leaves behind, soft, smooth skin. It really is delightful.

Not forgetting the eyes, the Lacura Caviar Collagen Pro Eye Cream (£4.99, 15ml) has been designed to hydrate and give that rested-eye look. For me, an eye cream shouldn't be thick, it should be lightweight to apply and absorb into the skin quickly and this does tick both of those boxes. You need just the smallest amount, I apply mine using either my ring finger or by using my metal eye cream applicator, which is dreamy.

Leaving the under-eye area feeling nourished and not causing any irritation, it is the perfect addition to both your morning and evening routines.

The final product within this quartet is the Lacura Collagen Pro Night Cream (£7.99, 50ml) and it is the one which is said to boast a natural repair system to help revitalise skin overnight.

Like most night creams, this one has a slightly richer texture to it and without being greasy or slimy, it glides onto the skin, leaving behind a soft, smooth surface to the skin.   What I have enjoyed about using this cream is how moisturising it is, especially when my skin is a little drier than usual right now.

For anyone who is looking to start a skincare routine that doesn't yet have one, or for anyone who is wanting to swap out products for something new, then this is a line of products I cannot recommend enough, especially at the price points given.

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

M&S Summer Beauty Bag 2022

After the excitement of the return to Advent Calendar from M&S, they are back with a Summer Beauty Bag and it’s pretty impressive.

For 2022, the Marks & Spencer’s Summer Beauty Bag contains a mix of skincare, haircare, bodycare, makeup and of course fragrance and it is said to be valued at over £160!

The Summer Beauty Bag contains 11 products in total and they break down to include 6 full-size and 5 travel minis.

Contents

• Autograph Mini Lip Chubby 2.4g
• Aveda Botanical Repair Leave in Treatment 100ml
• Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator 15ml
• Discover White Coconut 30ml
• Emma Hardie Plum & Glow Hydrating Facial Mist 30ml
• Nails Inc ‘No Days In Nottinghill’ 14ml
• Nuxe Mini Prod Huile Florale 10ml
• Origins New Ginzing Eye Cream 15ml
• Percy & Reed Time To Shine Mirror Mirror Shine Serum 50ml
• Prai Ageless Upper Arm Crème 30ml
• This Works Perfect Legs Body Butter 150ml

A pretty impressive little edit isn’t it and better still, it comes packaged inside a Mesh Cosmetic Bag.

Launching on 31st May, the only way to get your hands on this Summer Beauty Bag is with the Gift With Purchase Offer, much like how to get the Advent Calendar. For this bag, you need to spend £30 across Clothing, Home and Beauty and then it is yours just for £25.

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

Space NK - The Essential Gift For Him

Space NK are having some incredible launches right now, first with Tatcha, which I have had the luxury of seeing first hand pre-launch and today, I am sharing the Space NK The Essential Gift For Him Grooming Box - it is incredible.

With Father's Day on the horizon next Month, Space NK have put together a pretty amazing edit which is packed with amazing brands and their products.

Made for those who seek results-driven, skin-loving formulas, this all-new set comprises a carefully considered edit of high-performing skincare, bodycare and suncare favourites for men.

From Malin + Goetz’s award-winning, bestselling deodorant to The Ordinary’s new and innovative body and hair cleanser, it’s the edit that will instantly upgrade and complete men’s grooming routines.

The Space NK The Essential Gift For Him Grooming Box is on sale already and it is priced at £60 / $78, and the products inside this grooming box are worth £104 / $135.

 

Contents

• Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant (73g)
• The Ordinary 4% Sulphate Cleanser Body + Hair (240ml)
• Space NK Rewild Body Wash (350ml)
• Dermalogica Active Moist (50ml)
• Anthony Glycolic Facial Cleanser (237ml)

Inside this box, you’re getting a deodorant, a hair and body wash, a body wash, a moisturiser, and also a cleanser. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect Father’s Day gift, this box would be a great choice, and it’s available right now.

BUY HERE: Space NK

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

Beauty Bay - The Summer Survival Beauty Box

If you are wanting to get your hands on a beauty box that is the most incredible value, you are in luck because Beauty Bay has released their Summer Survival Box which features a bundle of 13 skincare, makeup, and hair care products.

Exclusive to Beauty Bay, this box is worth £104.96 which means you grab a saving of 67% and not only is there an amazing box of products, 10 of them are full-sized.

This is what summer ready looks like. Meet The Summer Survival Box, the ultimate haul for all your summer beauty emergencies. Featuring 13 skincare, makeup, and haircare essentials, with 10 full sized products and a saving of 67% (!!), the BEAUTY BAY exclusive bundle is here to make summer look good on you.Worth £104.96 – save 67%

In recent years, Beauty Bay has released some amazing beauty boxes and just last month saw the launch of The Routine Refresh Box, which was also incredible value for money.

Box Includes:

• By BEAUTY BAY Thirst Class Rich Moisturiser with Oatmeal and Oat Lipid, 90ml (full size) 
• By BEAUTY BAY Dot-A-Spot Blemish Stickers with Hydrocollid (full size)
• By BEAUTY BAY Highlighter Beam (full size) 
• Sunday Rain Mango & Coconut Body Butter, 90ml 
• SOSU By Suzanne Jackson Drops of Gold Hydrating Self-Tanning Drops, 30ml (full sized)
• Smashbox Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer, 5ml 
• Dr PawPaw Shimmer Balm, 25ml (full sized)
• Beauty Cooler Angel Eyes Collagen Infused Eye Gels (full sized) 
• Bleach London Reincarnation Mask, 50ml - A nourishing mask for dry hair.
• Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 with Sunflower Extract, 71ml (full sized) 
• BeYou Anti-Chafing Cream, 50ml (full sized) 
• Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel, 55ml 
• Yes To Cucumbers Soothing Facial Wipes (full sized) 

As you can see, there is a really amazing mixture of brands and their products and I am delighted to see the likes of Supergloop alongside some of Beauty Bay's own branded products!

On sale now, you can find The Summer Survival Beauty Box right here

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

Dr Jackson's Coconut Melt

I first came across Dr Jackson back in 2015 via a beauty box and then more recently just before Christmas. Launching back in 2012, Dr Jackson’s, is described as being a sustainable, science-led cosmetics company that creates natural skincare products and organic herbal teas and with that you will find moisturisers, oils, toners and cleansers. Today, I am sharing what I think is my favourite product to date from the brand - Dr Jackson's Coconut Melt.

All of the products that I have used from the Dr Jackson range have been absolutely delightful and this Coconut Melt is my favourite to date and the one I have absolutely loved discovering.  Described as being a phenomenal Everything Balm, this Coconut Melt is made from 100% pure, pharmacy-grade organic coconut oil which is naturally rich in cocoin (a potent source of hydrating glycerides), this means that it will instantly soothes and repairs skin, lips and cuticles which might be in need of TLC.

Like all products using Coconut Oil, this one is solid at room temperature, so packaged inside this little glass pot, it is easy to use as a solid balm to apply everywhere that it is needed. It will liquify quickly if the balm is stored in warmer temperatures, so this is something to have in mind when transporting it around with you.  I keep mine in my desk drawer at work, so it is out of direct sunlight.

Coconut Oil is a great source of antioxidant vitamin E as well as lauric acid, so not only is it incredibly conditioning and a must have product for skin for soothing chapped, sensitive skin, repairing brittle hair strands, conditioning eyelashes, taming brows, calming redness post-shaving and even disinfecting thanks to natural, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.  

As it is applied to the skin, it will melt almost instantly, so depending on where you wish to apply it, you might need to think about how warm that part of your body is!  I use it on my elbows, wrists, knees, ankles and often resort to using it on my lips if they feel dry and chapped.

Priced at £20 for this 15ml Jar, it is a great product to have in your stash, plus if stored correctly, it is great for using on the go too!

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

Lash Star Heated Lash Curler

Lash Star is a recent addition to my ever expanding beauty collection and they are described as offering a finely curated selection of high end innovative eyelash enhancing products.  On the rare occasion I do wear lashes, I have for many years used one brand because I find them incredibly easy to work with, but I am always up for a challenge.

Inside a lovely curated gift box, I was sent four products to use and the one which really has had a lot of good press in recent months is the Lash Star Heated Eyelash Curler, something I haven't used in a very very long time.

This is a 3 in 1 heated lash curler that is designed to not only lift but also curl and style your lashes into place. Using gentle heat which helps lock in the curl, I was quite surprised how lightweight this Curler was, weighing no more than my foundation brush, it is incredibly sleek and perfect for taking with you on weekends way, on holiday or for touch-ups on the go if you must.

Poker-straight lashes are no more thanks to the Lash Star Heated Lash Curler. Your new go-to for achieving long curly lashes, the mascara wand-shaped rod gently heats up and reaches every single lash for an instantly fuller look.

Use the Lash Star Heated Lash Curler on natural lashes, extensions and false eyelashes. Simply stroke over mascara-coated lashes for more lifted lashes in seconds.

Easy to use, this Heated Lash Curler powers on and is ready to use in just 10 seconds and it has four temperature settings to choose from - 65°, 75°, 85° and 95° which you can select from the LED Screen to suit your needs.  Once the curler has been switched on, you slowly sweep it across the lashes and rest the heated rod against the lash base which allows your lashes to settle in the deep grooves and sweep the heated rod upward just as you do when you apply mascara and the whole process takes less than a minute and the effects last for hours.

What I absolutely love is that this Heated Lash Curler uses a USB to charge, which means it can be charged so effortlessly no matter where you are and one charge gives you 75 minutes of use and only takes 2 hours to recharge.

A great gift for anyone who loves their lashes and might want something a little different for 2021, it is on sale for just £29.99 via Current Body and Feelunique.

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

SheWolf Hydrating Collection

When you read that a brand has taken years to get their product just right, to look, feel and smell how the inventor wanted it to, that is quite impressive. Enter SheWolf, a hair care brand which is the brainchild of Mariano Ruiz and through rigorous testing, feedback and consultations, the brand was born and I have been lucky enough to give a few of them a try over the past few months.

For me, hair care is something I am very picky about.  I have what is best described as being combination hair - greasy roots, dry ends and if I am stressed, run down or not well then my scalp seems to give the tell tale signs of needing some TLC. To that end, I use a weekly mask, I exfoliate my scalp, I use leave in treatments, I don't over wash or condition my hair and I try as best as I can to not use too much heat. 

I was kindly sent the Inca-Oil Hydrating Shampoo, Conditioner, a mask and a hair oil to try and together they create quite the routine, especially if your hair does need a little bit of TLC.

The Apricot Butter pre-shampoo mask (£22) is the first product I started with, anything that is pre-shampoo usually get my attention and over the years, I have tried quite a few different branded products.

From SheWolf, the mask is described as being a weekly indulgent and luxurious deep conditioning treat that is perfect for hair that is tired-out and dried-out. Designed to be applied from the mid-roots to the ends of your hair, this mask is luxuriously thick and very smooth, it uses Apricot Butter for deep conditioning and with it is the scent of Fig and Tuberose, which if I am being honest is just delightful. Once on damp hair, you need to leave it to work its magic for up to 30 minutes, or it can be left on overnight, before washing out and continuing your routine of shampooing and so on.

The Inca Seed Oil Hydrating Shampoo (£18.50) is designed for weakened, dry hair and its job is to bring dry, stressed-looking hair back to life.

As a shampoo, the formula is really silky and not too thick, so you need a really small amount to apply to your hair.  My hair is shoulder length, so a walnut sized amount is more than enough for my hair.  Using Inca Seed Oil and Brazil Nut Oil blend to help lock in moisture, you will also find the very same scent of Fig and Tuberose, which for me is much more dominant within the shampoo than it was within the pre-shampoo mask.

Then we have the Inca Seed Oil Hydrating Conditioner (£18.50) and as well as complimenting the shampoo, this conditioner is designed to make dry, stressed hair look shiny and fabulous again.

Again, as with the shampoo, this conditioner has a lovely lightweight formula to it, instead of being thick and almost mask-like.  As I have greasy roots, I tend to use this conditioner twice a week and not when I am using the pre-shampoo mask, but it is delightful to use and once again it uses Inca Seed Oil and Brazil Nut Oil blend to help lock in moisture, you will also find the very same scent of Fig and Tuberose and again, it is most definitely noticeable within this conditioner and it really does linger on your hair for hours after using.

The final product within this little group is the Tsubaki Smoothing Hair Oil (£25) and this is my favourite product so far. Designed to turn frizzy, dull, dry hair into smooth, silky, luscious locks.

What I love about using this oil is that it isn't oily, an odd description to share I know, but it is similar to a serum in texture.  You will only need 1-2 pumps of this product I have found and you warm it between the palms of your hands and then apply to clean, dry hair just before styling, or you can add it afterwards if you wish.  The main ingredient within this Smoothing Hair Oil is Tsubaki Oil and it is said to be a much treasured beauty secret of Japanese women dating back many centuries. Tsubaki oil is created from the seeds of Japanese camellia and it works to smooth the hair without weighing it down whilst also restoring shine.  Also added to it is the signature scent of Fig and Tuberose.

I absolutely love this collection, it has worked wonders on my dry ends and I am delighted to say hasn't caused any issues with my scalp and my hair has been very receptive to the smoothing oil, which tames the frizz of new hair without leaving it feeling lank and greasy.  I should also mention that the scent of this collection is incredible, it is fresh and zingy whilst being relaxing, definitely something which should be bottled and sold as room or linen sprays and maybe even a candle!

Shewolf is on sale via both the brand website and Feelunique and alongside the Hydrating Collection, there is also Colour Protecting and Volumising product ranges too.  However, if you want to grab yourself an absolute steal, QUEEN20 gives 20% off on GlamourGenius!

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

Space NK Gift With Purchase May 2022

Space NK are back once again with an incredible Gift With Purchase (GWP) offer for May 2022 and it is absolutely free if you spend £175 across the Space NK site and are a member of the NDulge programme.  

Already this year we have seen some amazing beauty boxes from Space NK, but I think this is their best GWP yet! Launching today, on 24th May, this The Beauty Discovery Gift is said to be worth £430 and it features brands such as Paula’s Choice, Dr Dennis Gross, Hourglass and Tata Harper.

In order to get your hands on this GWP, you will need to be an NDulge member, it is absolutely free to join and it’s quite a good little reward system if you shop with Space NK regularly or want to get your hands on these offers.

Contents

• Ultra Violette Cleans Screen Sensitive Skin Screen SPF30;
• Necessaire The Body Lotion;
• Sunday Riley Lunar Sleeping Night Oil;
• Patchology Flash Patch Restoring Night Eye Gels;
• Sisley Paris Hair Rituel Restructuring Conditioner with Cotton Proteins;
• La Mer – either The Moisturising Cream or The Moisturising Cool Gel Cream;
• Natura Bisse The Body Scrub;
• Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash;
• Malin + Goetz Bergamot Deodorant;
• U Beauty Super Smart Hydrator;
• Olaplex No 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum;
• By Terry Mini Mascara Terrybly;
• Institut Esthederm Bronze Repair Protective Anti-Wrinkle & Firming Face Care;
• Erborian Skin Hero Bare Skin Protector;
• Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream;
• Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster;
• Ouai Leave In Conditioner;
• Ultrasun Moisturising Anti-Ageing Sun Protection Face SPF30;
• Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe Adaptogens & Coconut Water;
• Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder;
• Kypris Beauty Beauty Elixir I;
• Dr Dennis Gross All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defence Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF30;
• NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella;
• Aurelia London Miracle Cleanser;
• Tata Harper Fortifying Moisturiser;
• Space NK Voyage Hand Wash;
• Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo;
• Kora Organics Active Algae Lightweight Moisturiser;
• Derm Institute Anti-Oxidant Hydration Gel Mask;
• Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum;
• Eve Lom Foaming Cream Cleanser;
• This Works Stress Check Kind Hands

As you can see, this is quite the GWP and as always with these offers, they are very much Limited Edition, so once they have gone, they have gone.  It is on offer right now and you can find all the details about all the products included right here.

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

Lookfantastic x Mankind Father’s Day Beauty Box 2022

If you’re looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift idea, Lookfantastic have you covered with their Lookfantastic x Mankind Father’s Day Beauty Box for 2022 and it is pretty impressive to say the least!

In recent years, brands have got a whole lot better at putting their grooming beauty boxes together and as with last year, it is great to see Lookfantastic collaborate with ManKind to release another Father's Day Beauty Box as they did in 2021.

For the special Father figure in your life...

Not sure what to treat your Dad to this Father's Day? Don't panic! We've got you sorted. Introducing the complete LF x Mankind Father's Day grooming collection that offers a seamless routine. From grooming beauty treats to everyday essentials, he'll be able to indulge in 11 essential grooming products and two fragrances for the modern man. It's as simple as grooming in 1,2,3...

The Lookfantastic x Mankind Father’s Day Beauty Box will be on sale for £50, which is a bargain considering all of the grooming products inside the box have a collective value of £134.80 and with brands such as Medik8 and Floral Street making an appearance, it is definitely going to be a great box!

Contents

• Elemis Cool Down Body Wash200ml – worth £30
• Men-U Daily Refresh Shampoo 100ml – worth £9.45
• Mio Body Motivator Revitalising Gel 10ml – worth £26
• This Works Sleep Plus Pillow Spray 10ml – worth £12
• Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse 150ml – worth £18
• Molton Brown Lip Saver 10ml – worth £12
• American Crew Pomade 50g – worth £11.05
• Bulldog Natural Deodorant– Peppermint and Eucalyptus 75ml – worth £4.50
• grüum Pür Gentle Moisturiser 50ml – worth £8
• CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion 20ml
• Mont Blanc Explorer Fragrance 4.5ml
• Floral Street – Black Lotus 1.2ml

I think this is a great box of products and it is amazing to see so many really good brands, plus I have my eye on a few of them for myself!

Packaged inside a stylish black and white cube, this Lookfantastic x Father's Day Beauty Box will go on sale shortly and it 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.

8 Fitness Tips To Stay Healthy All Year

The year is already flying by, and before we know it, summer will be here. For many of us, that means swimsuit weather! To get beach-body ready, we may start crash diets and push our bodies to the limit with hardcore workout routines. However, these methods are not only ineffective, but they’re also dangerous.

Image credit

Here are eight fitness tips to help you stay healthy all year:

1. Find an activity you enjoy and stick with it

The most important part of staying fit is finding an activity that you enjoy and then sticking with it. If you hate running, don’t force yourself to do it just because someone told you it’s good for you.

There are so many different exercises out there that there’s bound to be one that you like. If you’re not sure where to start, try a few different things until you find something that feels good, such as exercise resistance bands set for workout, a popular option for beginners, mainly due to their easily manipulated strength level and variety. Learn about good options here.

2. Set realistic goals

When it comes to fitness, setting realistic goals is key. If your goal is too lofty, you’re likely to get discouraged and give up.

Instead of saying you want to lose 5 kilogram in two months, try setting a smaller goal like losing 2 kilogram in one month. Once you reach that goal, you can set another one.

3. Don’t diet; eat healthily

crash diets may help you lose weight in the short term, but they’re not sustainable, and they’re not healthy. Instead of going on a diet, focus on eating healthy.

This means consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. And don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water!

4. Incorporate strength training into your routine

When most people think of working out, they think of cardio. However, it’s important to incorporate strength training into your routine as well.

Strength training helps build muscle and can help you burn more calories even when you’re at rest.

5. Get enough sleep

In addition to exercise and to eat healthy, getting enough sleep is crucial for staying fit. Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

If you’re not getting enough sleep, your body won’t have the energy it needs to get through the day. This can make it harder to stick to your workout routine and eat healthily.

6. Avoid injury by stretching

Stretching before and after your workout can help avoid injury. When you stretch, you’re essentially warming up your muscles and preparing them for exercise.

This can help prevent pulled muscles or other injuries that could sideline you from working out.

7. Take rest days

Rest days are important! When you work out, you’re putting stress on your body, and your muscles need time to recover.

If you don’t give your body adequate time to rest, you could end up getting injured or becoming too fatigued to stick to your routine.

8. Have fun!

Finally, don’t forget to have fun! Exercise should be something that you enjoy, not something that feels like a chore. If you’re not having fun, you’re probably not going to stick with it.

In Closing

So find an activity that you enjoy and focus on making it a part of your life, rather than just something you do to lose weight. You’ll be more likely to stick with it, and you’ll actually reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

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

Lush Co-Mingle Body Scrub

In need of a new body scrub, it was Lush to the rescue with their recently launched product Co-Mingle. Described as being a 3-in-1 Lavender Dream, it’s an absolute delight to use.

With Spring and Summer on their way, my legs have been suitably hidden underneath leggings or cozily wrapped in chunky knit tights, away from the cold and blistering wind, much like the rest of me! As the sun (finally) looks like she is to stay for a few weeks, it is time to remove the scales and the lizard skin and try my best to look presentable! Starting with a body scrub.

Packaged inside the tell-tale black pot, Co-Mingle is a cute pastel pink shade, reminiscent of Strawberry Angel Delight in colour and in many respects texture too. Lightweight and an almost whip-like mousse feeling as it touches the skin, but there is a light scrubbiness, not too harsh or overly abrasive.

Like all Lush products, Co-Mingle is packed full of amazing ingredients, in this case it starts with ground tagua nut and bamboo combo which give it that ability to exfoliate those dead and dry skin cells without being too rough and without scratching the skin. Added to that we also have the inclusion of 

• Glycerine which helps lock in moisture and effective ingredients, such as essential oils, into the skin.
• Cypress Leaf Infusion which helps stimulate blood circulation and reduce congestion
• Almond Oil - which is soothing, moisturising and packed with vitamin E
• Organic Brazil Nut Oil - which moisturises, protects and gives a gorgeous glow
• Vanilla Pod Infusion - which has soothing and antimicrobial properties as well as a sweet scent 
• Fair Trade Shea Butter - is an emollient which moisturisers and softens the skin 
• Argan Oil - knows for its ability to soothe, condition and moisturise the skin 
• Cupuaçu Butter - often used as a vegan alternative to lanolin, it moisturises and protects the skin 
• Lavender Oil - Cleanses, balances and soothes the skin as well as being relaxing and calming
• Goji Berry Juice - antioxidant rich, it has cleansing and toning abilities for the skin
• Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter - Moisturising and soothing for the skin 
• Carrageenan extract - helps to enhance hydration and soothing of the skin.

Those are just some of the ingredients within this scrub and anyone who shops regularly with Lush knows that each ingredient has its purpose.

On the skin, this scrub is designed to be used when wet. You need just the smallest, walnut sized amount, mix it in the palm of your hands and then apply to your skin, ideally in circular motions to your legs, arms, body and if you have time, paying attention to those areas which are drier than others - knees, elbows, shins and I’ve used it on my feet too! 

Priced at £18 for a 225g tub, if used once a week, it is going to last quite a good amount of time, slightly on the expensive side, but an absolute treat and better still when combined with the Sleepy collection!

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

Aldi Fragrances - dupes?

I absolutely love my fragrances and when it comes to Aldi, they do have an entire fragrance catalogue, which you might or might not have come across.  I make no secret of my love for the Aldi Lacura range, if you have never tried it, there are some absolute delights to find, the latest being the Warming Eye Masks.  However, today I am sharing some of the latest fragrances to launch and they might just surprise you.

The latest two fragrances to launch within the Aldi range is Lacura Lady Pour Femme EDP and Lacura Atom EDPP both 100ml and both priced at just £5.99.  At this stage you might be wondering where Aldi got their inspiration from for these fragrances! Well keep on reading to find out!

Lacura Lady Pour Femme Eau de Parfum is described as being a sensual scent which boasts dark notes of sandalwood and tonka bean to compliment the notes of orange blossom and Bularian rose.  So have you guessed what it might be a dupe for? The answer is Carolina Herrera Good Girl.

So where do the similarities start and end?  For anyone who is a fan of Good Girl, of which I am as you can see here, the bottle is perhaps one of the most iconic of its kind. That stiletto heel is attention grabbing, it looks stunning and is like nothing else I have ever owned. Aldi have not copied that design, instead their bottle happens to be a deep blue with a gold lid, so you could say the colour design compliments the stiletto but that's all.  

When it comes to the fragrance, they are incredibly similar, from Caroline Herrera, you have a scent which is fresh, rich, it is bold and incredibly beautiful with the citrusy floral aroma and in contrast, you get pretty much that very same scent with Lady Pour Femme from Lacura, only the sillage isn't as good and the opening notes are not as fresh.  However, at £5.99 for 100ml versus £98 for 80ml, it is worth looking out for in store.

The second fragrance is Atom and it is described as being carefully formulated with Iso E Super to create a warm fragrance that is designed to adapt to each person who wears it. So have you guessed what it might be a dupe for? The answer is Escentric Molecules - Molecule 01, which happens to also be one of my all time favourite fragrances.

It isn't easy to describe Escentric Molecules 01 as a fragrance to anyone but it is best described as being a Woody Floral Musk fragrance for women and men. Created by the incredible Geza Schoen to take the fragrance industry and give it a shake to create something completely different. Molecules 01 is designed to blend with the wearer’s natural pheromones and create a scent which is unique to each person that applies it, so much so, you might not be able to smell it on yourself. Whenever I wear this fragrance, I am always asked multiple times what I am wearing, much more so than any other fragrance I own.

From Aldi with Atom, there are no similarities when it comes to the bottle design, firstly it is much more rounded whereas as Escentric Molecules is square and whilst both are 100ml, you pay £5.99 with Aldi and £72 with ES.  However, there is for me a difference in the fragrances, they are similar on the first spritz (I am using the example of spraying them on the hubby) but when drying down, Atom carried the woody amber scent much stronger and again the silage isn't as good.  However, if you have always wondered about Escentric Molecules 01 and wanted to know what all the fuss is about, Atom isn't one to turn your nose up at, but it definitely doesn't beat the original.

Both of these fragrances can be found within the Aldi Health and Beauty range and as with many Aldi Lacura products, they come in and out of stock all the time, so worth keeping an eye out for.

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

Cult Beauty - The Cult Conscious Edit

Cult Beauty is back with another beauty box, having not too long ago launched The Sunshine Edit, the Conscious Edit is described as being dedicated to unearthing the best that beauty has to offer and better still, it is priced at just £30.

The Cult Conscious Edit is said to be worth over £155/€185 but will be on sale for just £30/€34.50 and as is tradition with these boxes, Cult Beauty states that it is a saving of 80%. 

Dedicated to unearthing the BEST that the beauty world has to offer, we unite proven products from established brands and unsung and up-and-coming companies under one online ‘roof’. And because elevating your beauty ritual is our ultimate mission, we're always curating selections of beauty finds that are destined to delight and thrill. Next in line: The Cult Conscious Edit. Powered by Provenance (read: a software solution that uses blockchain technology to log impact claims), Cult Conscious rejects greenwashing by cutting through the industry 'noise' and equipping you with evidenced facts that matter. This carefully curated edit shines a spotlight on nine Cult Conscious heroes with Proof Points — from vegan to recyclable packaging — that make them all the more covetable...

Hand-picked by the expert Buying team at Cult Beauty, you will find an edit which features five full sizes, one deluxe and three travel-sized beauty finds.

Contents

• a travel-sized Coco & Eve Bali Buffing Sugar in ‘Lychee & Dragonfruit’ (60ml); 
• a full-sized Decree SOS Revitalising Mask (1 x sheet mask); 
• a deluxe Alpha-H Generation Glow Resurfacing Essence (30ml); 
• a full-sized Larry King Hair Care Good Life Shampoo Refill (180ml); 
• a full-sized La Bouche Rouge Mascara Le Serum Noir (6g); 
• a travel-sized Fable & Mane HoliRoots Pre-Wash Hair Oil (14ml); 
• a travel-sized Pai Skincare Rosehip Bioregenerate, Rosehip Seed and Fruit Universal Face Oil (10ml); 
• a full-sized Honest Beauty Gentle Gel Cleanser (150ml) 
• a full-sized Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (30ml) from The Ordinary. 

Plus, added to this edit, you will also have a handy RecycleMe bag inside the box, so you can easily recycle your empties too!

The Cult Conscious Edit can be found right here and will be on sale soon.

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

Emma Hardie Lotus Flower Collection

I am a huge fan of Emma Hardie, you will have all seen how many times I mention the incredible Moringa Cleansing Balm on my blog, across my social feed, so when I was lucky enough to be introduced to the brand new Lotus Flower Collection, I couldn't wait to share it, so this is a first impressions post which will be updated over the coming weeks!

Harnessing the power of the calming Lotus Flower, the new three-step routine has been designed to reduce high colour, blemishes, oiliness and shine and in doing so it imparts visibly improved, clearer skin tone and texture.  If your skin is oily, stressed, hormonal, peri-menopausal or menopausal, then this collection could work for you.

The new Emma Hardie Lotus Flower Treatment Range contains an innovative combination of Egyptian and Sacred Lotus Flower, as well as wild indigo, which  work sygergistically to soothe and calm irritation and redness whilst balancing excess oil for an improved complexion.

The three products within this range include a Lotus Flower Treatment Cream, a Lotus Flower Targeted Blemish Balm and a Lotus Flower Treatment Serum. What I love about this range is that it has been extensively tested in consumer trials and it has some pretty incredible stats

• Immediately - 89% said their skin was left immediately calmed and soothed
• After 1 week - 71% said their skin was less oily
• After 2 weeks - 85% said their skin looked more radiant
• After 4 weeks - 89% said their skin was calmer, 77% saw an improvement in their skin texture and 74% said they had fewer breakouts since using the regime.

First up we have the Lotus Flower Treatment Cream (£38/50ml) a lightweight gel-cream moisturiser which helps to provide hydration, help reduce oiliness and inflammation plus it helps to strengthen the skin's microbiome to give a visibly smoother and softer skin.  

What I am loving about this cream is just how delightfully light it is on the skin, it feels almost like a serum when applied, it is cooling and soothing as advised. Packed with an amazing ingredients list, you will find:

• Egyptian and Sacred Lotus Flower - to reduce oiliness and leave the skin smooth and radiant
• preBULIN AGA - a pre-biotic super moisturiser which improves the dispersion of microbiota over the skins surface
• Pollustop - this forms an non-occlusive film over the skins surface which acts as a protective barrier against pollution
• Aquaxyl - boosts hydration throughout the skin layers
• Wild Indigo - breaks down cortisol production and helps the skin appear de-stressed, calm and even.

On the skin, you need the smallest pea sized amount, the texture of this cream means it isn't too thick, so it spreads much easier and massages like a dream.  Ideal for use in both the morning and evening on freshly cleansed skin.

The second product within this collection is the Lotus Flower Targeted Blemish Treatment (15ml/£18) and this is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory targeted treatment which works to immediately tackle breakouts, or potential breakouts, by reducing redness and blemish size within 6 days.

On the skin, this treatment is velvety soft and smooth and it glides onto the specific area of skin suffering from that breakout or potential breakout effortlessly. Within this treatment, again there is a whole host of amazing ingredients which includes:

• Egyptian & Sacred Lotus Flower – to reduce excess sebum production
• Salicylic Acid – works on reducing blemishes and conditions the skin
• Witch Hazel – provides astringent, anti-inflammatory benefits and antibacterial effects whilst reducing the appearance of large pores
• Wild Indigo – to break down cortisol production (a by-product of stress), helping the skin appear de-stressed, calm and even
• Vital ET™ – a form of Vitamin E which has anti-inflammatory benefits and is known to help with reducing redness and blemishes

To use this treatment you need the smallest amount, you can either apply using your finger or it has been suggested that you could use a cotton bud and apply it right to the breakout.   Amongst the ingredients list, you will see Witch Hazel, an inclusion for many that is a no-no because of its scent, however.... it is not at all detectable within this formula and all I need now is a spot to threaten existing so I can put this treatment to the test!

The final product within this three-step programme is my favourite and it is the Lotus Flower Treatment Serum (30ml/£40). Fragrance-free, this lightweight gel serum to reduce excessive oiliness and shine on the skin, helps to reduce inflammation, and visibly improve skin tone, blackheads and blemishes.

I have become really picky with the serums that I use within my routine. In recent months, some of the serum products I have been using have a stickiness to them, almost as though they want to stick you to the pillow you sleep on and prevent you from moving and it isn't something I am enjoying. So, whenever I am introduced to a new serum, the test is always how it feels after I have applied it immediately to my skin, if there is any sign of stickiness, then it is a no from me. This serum is not one of those I am saying no too, it is delightful.  As with the rest of the range, this serum also has a series of key ingredients which includes:

• Egyptian & Sacred Lotus Flower – to reduce oiliness and leave skin smooth and radiant
• PoreAway™ – to tighten and re‑ne the skin as well as reduce shine, blackheads and microcysts
• Niacinamide – to help regulate sebum and provide anti-in­flammatory benefits
• Hyaluronic Acid – to hydrate and moisturise
• Wild Indigo – to break down cortisol production and help skin appear de-stressed, calm and even

To use, the suggestion is that you need between 4 and 8 drops of the serum, thankfully, I have found that the pump gives enough of the product in 3-4 presses that it is more than enough to use.  Massage the serum onto and into the skin and it can be used on the face, neck and décolleté both morning and evening.

So there you have the brand new Emma Hardie Lotus Flower Collection and it has launched on both the Emma Hardie website and with Marks & Spencer.  It can be used in conjunction with other Emma Hardie products to compliment that already existing skincare routine and if like me, your skin has a little bit of a strop and is in need of some TLC, a routine like this can make all the difference.

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