Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel

The latest addition to my beauty stash is a product which I can say is one of my favourites from a brand both my skin and I adore.  Over the last few years, Alpha-H has become one of my absolute must-have brands, of whose products must be within my stash, products such as Liquid Gold and the Essential Skin Perfecting Moisturiser.  New to my collection is the Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel which is described as being a rejuvenating sleep mask.

Now I love an overnight product, I love the idea that whilst I erm... sort of sleep, something is working away to make me look semi-human in the morning. Beauty Sleep Power Peel with its multi-purpose resurfacing formula has not just one, but five transformative actions - exfoliate, energise, hydrate, barrier support and soothing, all while you sleep which results in a restored and re-surfaced complexion come the morning.

Formulated with 14% Glycolic Acid and Papaya Enzymes to work to slough away those dead and dry skin cells allowing the 0.5% Retinol to penetrate deeper to work its magic to firm and plump the skin.  Added into the mix we have Blue Tansy Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E and together these ingredients not only nourish the skin and help to reinforce your skin's barrier but with them, those additional benefits of a reduction in the appearance of post-blemish markings, sun damage, hyperpigmentation and breakouts.  As this is an Alpha-H product we have the inclusion of an ingredient I really love the sound of and that is Chronodyn.  Described as being a scientifically validated ingredient, it helps to tone and re-energise the skin helping it to fight against signs of fatigue.

This Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel, despite its combination of powerful acids, has a unique low pH delivery system that we all know and love about Alpha-H.

To use, the advice is to use in an evening and apply it to clean, dry skin using upward circular motions over your face, neck and decolletage, ensuring you avoid the eye area!  Once applied, there is no need to apply a night cream over the top and to get the best out of this Sleep Power Peel, you should use it twice a week.  I adore this product, it hasn't or doesn't irritate my skin, it leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth and just less dull after using.

This formula is also cruelty-free and Vegan and is priced at £54 you can find the Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel via Alpha-H,  Lookfantastic* and Cult Beauty* to name a few places.

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

Lush Shower Bombs

Whilst I would never give up my bath in favour of just a shower, there are some pretty amazing products you can buy to ensure you have quite the experience and these Lush Shower Bombs are just it.

With three shower bombs in the range, I bought all

three to test and try. They are priced at £2.75 each and you get more use out of them than I expected, even though they are quite crumbly, it just depends how you use them to get those uses. Also as a tip - place them on a soap dish after using so they don’t break into pieces all over your bath/shower.

These Shower Bombs are not the kind you just put onto the floor of your shower to soak in the scent, Lush have made them much more interesting products by asking you to add water, preferably warm and then as soon as that’s after comes into contact with your shower bomb it will foam up into a cleansing mousse that you can sweep all over your skin.

The first Shower Bomb I tried is lovely and pink and Lush have called it Comfort Zone, and with such a name, I was expecting something that resembled The Comforter Bubble Bar, sadly it is not.

Described as being like a hug in the shower, this shower bomb uses Blackcurrant Absolute for its comforting, fresh and envigorating scent. Alongside it comes fresh raspberries which are not only packed full of antioxidants, but impressively every part of the berry is used - so you have the seeds which provide exfoliation, while the juice helps to soothe and firm the skin. Following on from that we then have Cypress Oil which has properties known to soothe sore muscles, increase blood circulation and help to detoxify the skin before finally the inclusion of Chai seeds which also aid exfoliation.

What I really liked about Comfort Zone is the fruity scent that is detectable before you move into the shower but upon contact with water, that scent intensifies slightly and it is a real mood changer.

The second Shower Bomb is bright white in colour and is called Sleepy and it looks pretty much like a cloud.

Sleepy is the one you need to relax, wind down, de-stress and get yourself ready for bed. Unsurprisingly you will find that Lavender Oil is used for its absolute to quiet the mind and promote restful sleep. The Lavender flower is filled with linalool, a substance known for its sedative effects on the nervous system. Added to that we have Tonka Absolute which has a very soothing effect to the skin as well as one of the most sweet and comforting aromas. The next comforting aroma is Benzoin resinoid which is quite a versatile ingredient because it also creates a thin protective film on the skin and hair, which helps prevent moisture loss and gives hair shine. Finally we have Fine Oatmeal which is used for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it cooling and calming on the skin.

It’s hard not to like the scent of this Shower Bomb, it is definitely my favourite of the three and one which is calming and soothing and a delight to use before bedtime.

The final Shower Bomb is called Not Sleepy and not only is it bright yellow in colour, it is one which is definitely a morning product when you feel sleepy and are struggling to get a move on.

Starting with Neroli Oil, which has the most wonderful citrusy floral scent which most definitely helps change your mood! In a product such as this, as well as the scent benefits, the oil when on the skin is toning, soothing and antimicrobial. Then we have Sicilian Lemon Oil, if the Neroli wasn’t enough to kick you awake then this is absolutely going to! Lemon oil which is antibacterial, is also known for its deeply cleansing and brightening effects on the skin and hair. This oil contains alpha-hydroxy-acids, also known as AHAs and they help to break down and exfoliate those dead skin cells to reveal fresh new skin. Working alongside the AHAs we have ground white rice and it too helps to aid exfoliation. It is said that the slight roughness of the rice works to slough away surface dry skin cells to reveal a brighter, fresher looking skin.

This shower bomb does leave your skin feeling fresh and smooth and for me, I found it especially good for my shins where, after months of wearing thick tights and leggings had left my skin feeling pretty dry, this is a great product to helping to slough away that dry skin.

Each one of these Shower Bombs has amazing qualities and if you don’t have a bath to enjoy the luxury of a bath bomb, then I am glad Lush have come up with an alternative and at priced just £2.75 they won’t break the bank.

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

Oliverum Pure Radiance Facial Oil

Olverum is one of my favourite products to turn too when I am feeling run down and have a cold on its way, their bath oil is absolutely incredible, as is the pillow spray, but today is the turn of a new product to join the Olverum family is the Pure Radiance Facial Oil.

Described as being a unique formulation of gentle, natural retinol alternatives exactingly designed to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, pores, and blemishes – restoring vitality to both your skin and your spirit. If that doesn't sell it to you, read on.

This Pure Radiance Facial Oil is Suitable for all skin types and it is not only Vegan, but also cruelty-free as well as being free from artificial preservatives, fragrance and colourants, Silicone, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Sulphates, Phthalates, Parabens, Triclosan and animal derived ingredients.  It is, however formulated with Bakuchiol, the first natural retinol alternative, to firm, plump and balance the tone of skin without causing any irritation, an ingredient my skin absolutely loves and one which doesn't get as much praise as it should. Alongside the Bakuchiol, this oil also offers vitamin rich oils which are known as F, A, C and E and they include cacay oil and rosehip oil. 

If anyone is a fan of the bath oil, which I really am, this oil has a much more subtle scent but the gentleness of the scent is incredibly uplifting. Bringing together the likes of lavender, geranium, clary sage and patchouli gives you that much needed soothing at the end of a busy day. Those busy days that come with the end of lockdown approaching means that time we spend winding down is all the more important, or at least for me it is.

To use, the advice is three drops into the palms of your hand which then naturally warms the oil, then cupping your hands around your nose, take the time to breathe in that scent, something I learnt long ago with another brand on their beginners guide to aromatherapy oils and benefits is the importance of those few minutes getting to know that oil to really reap its benefits. Once you have taken in the scent, massaging the oil onto the skin, if you have a Gua Sha tool or a roller then even better, otherwise the fingertips do just as good a job. 

This is a rich oil but it is one which isn’t greasy, it doesn’t leave a film on the skin and surprisingly it absorbs incredibly quickly and in doing so, it leaves my skin very soft and smooth to the touch.  As someone who has combination-oily skin, I always assumed using an oil on my skin would just exacerbate the problem, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. With regular use, it is said that this Olverum Pure Radiance Facial Oil not only calms signs of skin irritation but also helps to brighten, plump fine lines and reduce the appearance of blemishes and pigmentation.

Priced at £60, you can find this oil via Olverum and SpaceNk*

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

Soap Making with Aromantic

Have you ever wondered how easy it is to make your own soap? Ever thought about giving it a try? Me neither, but when an opportunity came my way to do just that, I couldn’t wait to get started. 

Founded back in 1997, Aromantic is a second generation family run business who offer everything you need to make soaps, lotions, balms, toiletries and so much more. Their belief is that nothing is better for your skin than natural beauty products which have been tailored for you. So, landing on my doorstep was a soap making kit, complete with everything I need and some handy instructions.

In the kit is a bright link soap mould, some Glycerine, which if you follow me on Instagram you will have seen, some essential oils, some lavender flowers and of course a handy and easy to follow step-by-step guide to making your soap. The extras you will need include a knife, something to stir the glycerine with, a steel pan or microwaveable jug, some clingfilm and around 30 minutes of your time.

The steps to making your soap is set out into 10 different sections and all are really easy to follow and they include:

Firstly cutting the Glycerine soap into small chunks and then add them to your stainless steel pan or jug - either work fine but the method changes slightly. If using a pan, you need to check the glycerine doesn’t burn, so you cannot leave this unattended for any amount of time and you must allow a low heat to melt the Glycerine. If using the microwave, the advice is to firstly cover the jug with clingfilm and then on high-power heat for 30 seconds, remove and stir, then heat in increments of 10 seconds to repeat the entire process until the solid becomes a liquid - quite satisfying to watch too.

At this stage, the guidance says to add the Apricot Kernel oil and stir until they have been fully combined. You need to add the entire contents of the 12g bottle of oil into the mixture and give it a really good stir.

Once you are satisfied with this, the next step is to grab the water based colour and add a few drops at a time to get the colour you are happy with. 

As you add the water based colour into the mixture, it is incredibly blue and the more you add, the brighter the blue colour. So I decided to go all out with my soaps and add a fair amount of blue colouring, all the while giving it a stir after each few drops to try and ensure the mixture was really well stirred and ready to pour. 

However, before you can go any further with the proceeds, you need to allow your mixture time to settle and cool. The advice is to let it become thick like custard but without a film on top. I set mine on the side in my kitchen and left it for 20minutes and came back to find it had cooled and was quite thick.   Before you pour into the moulds, it is time to add your essential oil, stir the mixture thoroughly and then add the Lavender Flowers and stir again. At this stage, I decided to split my mixture into two and do one with lavender and one without - knowing it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to the scent.

Once you’re happy with your mixture, ensure your soap mould is resting on a baking tray, the flat surface not only helps make the pouring equal but when you transfer to the fridge, it makes the whole process a doddle.

You can see just how blue my soaps are. Once the mixture was settled into the mould, it went into my fridge for 2.5 hours to set and cool. You can leave them to sit on your kitchen side to also cool down, but when you have a kitty who wants to know what is going on, I decided not to tempt fate, though a paw print would be incredibly cute.

A slight confession because again I deviated slightly from the instructions when it came to the lavender flowers, because instead of stirring them into the mixture, I thought it would look much better aesthetically for my social media to try and make them look pretty, so I poured a layer of the petals into the bottom of the soap mould for three of the soaps and then poured the mixture on top - the hope being that there would be a lovely smattering on the top of said soap.

So it did kind of work and as someone who is not artistic in anyway shape or form, I’m pretty pleased with how they turned out. 

My soaps are now wrapped in clingfilm, following the advice on my sheet. This prevents them from sweating and becoming a blubbery mess everywhere. They now reside in my bathroom and kitchen cupboards and the Lavender is a wonderfully fresh scent. You could of course always change from using Lavender, the kit, which is priced at just £22 here, gives the option to also choose an Orange Scent instead.

I found making this soap incredible relaxing, I loved the process of cutting the Glycerine and then adding the blue water based colour. It’s a task I’ve never done before and one I would absolutely do again, perhaps adding in some Apricot Kernel Powder to make an exfoliating soap or some Coconut oil for a really creamy soap. 

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

L'Occitane Green Day 2020

The L'Occitane Green Day will take place from 14th -16th August 2020 and as they celebrate for every eco-refill purchased over this period, £5 will go to supporting our local partnership with Surfers Against Sewage! Refilling has been part of the brands ethos since L’OCCITANE’s conception, when founder Olivier Baussan sold his products at markets around Provence. He encouraged customers to bring back glass bottles to be refilled or recycled at a glass factory in Nice.

Since then, L’OCCITANE has maintained this ethos; we launched TerraCycle beauty recycling points in all UK boutiques, we have only ever used paper bags, we work with Loop Industries TM in order to achieve the goal of using 100% sustainable PET in 100% of L’OCCITANE product packaging meaning that products are encased in recycled and recyclable plastic, and we have designed eco-refills for 25 product lines across skincare, body care and hair care.

This August, as L'Occitane focus on reducing waste, and what better way to do so than by refilling your most loved L’OCCITANE products consciously, for me that is the Almond Shower Oil.  The current L’OCCITANE refill pouches launched in 2008, are available across 15 different product lines, in both skincare, and body care! I am a huge fan of the L'Occitane refill process, before the Lockdown, I used to take my empties to be re-filled as often as I could, removing the need to use plastic bottles more than necessary.  Each of the eco-refills use up to 90% less plastic, reducing L’OCCITANE’s plastic consumption by 10%. The aim for 2020 is to save at least 170 tons of plastic.

Surfers Against Sewage have a 30 year history of protecting our oceans and beaches. One of their many achievements is having contributed to 98.5% of England’s bathing waters passing the Bathing Water Directive’s minimum standards in 2016, compared to what would have been only 27% in 1990 when they started campaigning on the sewage issue.  Their Mission: Surfers Against Sewage believe in thriving oceans and thriving people. Connecting everyone to the ocean and creating communities of people who want to make real change happen.

 

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

Wake Skincare for the Generation Connected

Wake Skincare is described as being a Start-up business on a mission, to create products designed for 'generation connected'. A brand born out of the frustrations of being glued to screens, working long hours and always being switched on. The brains behind the brand, Anton and Alex decided, after some research to create a brand, to take on those big cosmetics companies and give them a run for their money. I was very kindly sent two products from the collection to try.

With both the face cream and the eye cream, the first thing to stand out is the amazing packaging, it certainly grabs your attention.

The Wake Face Cream is a really lightweight cream which doesn't feel heavy when applied. It contains a blend of pure essential oils, natural plant botanicals and natural antioxidants to help give skin a radiant appearance. 

Alongside Shea Butter and Coco Butter you will find ingredients such as Vitamin E which works to reduce blemishes and helps acne. Then we have Hyaluronic Acid which deeply plumps the skin and helps to minimise fine lines and wrinkles whilst at the same time delivering increased hydration. The Face Cream also has anti-ageing properties with Hydrolysed Collagen.

Key Features:

● Reduces blemishes caused by a non-stop lifestyle

● Targets fine lines that result from irregular sleeping patterns

● Easy to apply before and after working out without feeling thick or heavy

Priced at £19.95 for 50ml, it isn't going to be a cream which breaks the bank every time you need to re-purchase, you more than get good value for money. 

The Face cream can be purchased via Wake Skincare or Amazon*

Then we have the Wake Eye Cream, a product which certainly grabbed itself a whole lot of media attention and it isn't hard to see why when you use it. Within just two years, the Wake Eye Gel has received over 2,000 reviews on Amazon. It has consistently been No.1 in the Eye Gel category and even reached No.1 in the whole of Beauty for Amazon UK.

As with the face cream, the Wake Eye Gel is really lightweight on the skin and rich in antioxidants. The gel formula works to help reduce the appearance of fine lines as well as dark circles and puffiness. Alongside Aloe Vera you will find ingredients such as Cucumber and Elderflower which instantly awaken and soothe puffy eyes. Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant to help the delicate skin around the eyes.

Key Features

• Combats dark circles that result from late nights and early starts;

• Hydrates your skin after spending long periods looking at screens;

• Contains vitamins and antioxidants to reduce signs of premature ageing;

• Protects the environment by using glass bottles to reduce plastic waste.

Priced at £16.95 for 30ml it is an absolute bargain and one which definitely gives my high-end eye cream a run for their money!

The Eye Gel can be purchased via Wake Skincare or Amazon*

So here you have two products which are really affordable and easy to get hold of and they will give your high end creams a run for their money!

Have you tried anything from Wake Skincare?

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

Calcot Manor Country Spa Retreat Accessories

I have never been to a spa. Seriously. Never spent a weekend being pampered and whilst I always look in awe of those in my social media feed who are seemingly in the most amazing surroundings, there is something about home comforts which I adore.

Calcot Manor Country Spa Retreat is a luxury Cotswold Retreat which looks just absolutely stunning and offers everything you need for that ultimate switch off, pamper, de-stress and calm experience, not to mention an incredible food menu to boot.  But, if you can't make it to the spa, thankfully, the spa can come to you and I have been trying out a few products from the range over the last few weeks which I am sharing today.

I am a big believer in using accessories which make your skincare work, a lesson I learnt a long time ago and here I have a whole host of products, which you can find in Tesco priced upwards from just £3.

The first one if the Cactus Bristle Body Brush (£7) and what I like about these brushes, an item I have had in my bathroom for years, is that you can use them wet or dry, depending on your preference.  

Using this brush wet, you simply massage your skin using your favourite shower gel, lotion or potion of choice and what it does, is to help you reach those hard to reach places, which for me is the middle of my back.  I also use mine with an exfoliating body wash to ensure my back, the back of my legs, shoulders and rest of my body are really given a thorough work out.  To use the brush dry, I tend to grab a coffee scrub and massage it onto my skin and then use the brush in circular motions to really get things moving, it is a great way to help improve and increase your circulation.

The bristles are made from Cactus and are not overly abrasive on the skin, though if you apply too much pressure then you might feel a slight tug on the skin. It has a fairly long handle, so for me, it reaches the parts of my skin that I need it to without problems.

Next, we have the Super Moisture Bamboo Gloves and these are an incredible purchase for just £3 and if you see them in your local store or online, grab some. I have purchased an extra pair so I have a backup.

If you have really dry skin on your hands or if you want to simply give your hands a really good pampering, then these gloves tick those boxes.  To use, you grab your favourite hand cream, smoother your hands in it and then apply these gloves and then let the cream works its magic.  If you are pushed for time then you can wear these gloves for up to 20-30 minutes but for me, the best use is to wear them overnight.  As a treatment, I tend to wear these gloves overnight 1-2 times a week during the colder months and then once every other week in the summer months, unless I feel my hands need more TLC.

The Super Smoothing Scrub Mitt (£3.50) is a great alternative to a shower puff or body brush and I have really enjoyed using this one. 

The glove fits over the hand and is a great way to exfoliate the skin. Again using natural Cactus Sisal, it isn't overly abrasive, but it does work incredibly well to remove dead and dry skin.  I use mine with my body lotion and if I feel I need to exfoliate some harder to remove skin, then I apply an exfoliating body scrub too.  The softer side of the glove is great for wiping down the skin after exfoliating and it is so soft and smooth and again, it helps to lather your body lotion and give your skin a really good clean.

When it comes to face products, I absolutely love to use a Muslin Cloth for cleansing with and from Calcot Manor I have a pack of two clothes (£3) and a double-sided Bamboo Face Cloth (£3).

For me, a muslin cloth is a must have item in my skincare collection. I always have a surplus of them washed ready to be used and because I double cleanse every single day, I always use a balm as my cleanse and this is when I use them.  I find them incredibly good at helping to remove everything from my skin that the cleansing balm has just lifted and because they are slightly more abrasive than a flannel, they also gently exfoliate your skin at the same time. It was a Liz Earle event I attended some years back who encouraged me to use a Muslin Cloth with the Hot Polish Cleanser and I have stuck to using them ever since.

The Muslin Cloths from Calcot Manor are so soft and smooth to the touch and do such an incredible job on my skin, much better than some of the more expensive cloths I have.

The final product is the Double-Sided Bamboo Face Cloth (£3) and it isn't something I had used before. It is made from luxuriously soft bamboo which has been delicately woven and on the skin, it feels just divine.

Said to be naturally antibacterial, this cloth is great for using with a foaming cleanser and it brings that product to life and really does give your face a good deep clean. If you feel your skin needs a really good exfoliation, then the rougher side of the cloth is the one to use, whilst it does remove dead skin cells, it doesn't irritate or scratch the skin. I use my cloth a few times a month when my skin needs a really good work out and it is just brilliant.

For me, this has been a really good introduction to Calcot Manor Country Spa accessories and I am delighted they are all so readily available in Tesco and alongside these products is a whole host of others I am wanting to try.

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

Crabtree & Evelyn Pinkie Power - Hand Cream Trio

Every year I go through tubes of hand cream, without a doubt there is always a tube or three in my handbag, the same on my desk and bedside table.  To that end, Crabtree & Evelyn have got the perfect gift for those, who like me, love their hand creams - Pinkie Power, a Trio of Hand Creams.

I absolutely love the packaging of these hand creams, more so when the outer sleeve is removed to unveil this black and white striped box. Inside Crabtree & Evelyn have selected three of their most favoured hand creams in 25ml tubes and have brought them together in one package.

The first hand cream is one I am a huge fan of and that is the Evelyn Rose Hand Therapy. This cream is exactly as the description reads because it is richly moisturising and because it has two distinct rose extracts added to the formula, it smells just absolutely wonderful. Shea Butter and Macadamia Seed Oil are also added and this is a perfect hand cream for anyone who has dry hands because it is incredibly hydrating and soothing.

The one hand cream from this trio I had never tried until now is the Lavender & Espresso Hand Therapy. Designed to be a hand cream which calms and restores, it also uses both Shea Butter and Macadamia Seed Oil to ensure your hands are hydrated and moisturised, but the floral notes of Lavender which blend so well with coffee scent of Espresso are really what makes this an amazing cream for me because it smells just so amazing.

The final hand cream within this trio is the Gardeners Hand Therapy. This hand cream is fragranced with green clover, lavender, sage, rosemary and thyme which gives the very image of an incredible garden, it also hosts the ingredients of Shea Butter and Macadamia Seed Oil as with the other two hand creams within this collection. I have gone through tubes of this hand cream because it is just so good at its job of soothing and hydrating hands and despite its name, it isn't just for gardeners, but if you know someone who is a keen gardener, then there is an entire set or this range which would make a great gift!

This trio is such an incredible value for money set at £14 and one which is the perfect gift for anyone who loves their hand creams and it also makes for a great introduction to Crabtree & Evelyn too.

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

Emma Hardie Midas Touch Revitalising Eye Serum

If you are a fan of Emma Hardie, and let's face it, how could you not be, there is always something a little exciting about new releases arriving.  The Midas Touch Revitalising Eye Serum (£49 link) is the newest addition to the Midas Touch family, joining the Face Serum and it looks just so incredibly luxe with the signature gold coloured packaging. 

Described as being an eye treatment which has got the golden touch, this serum is packed to the brim with firming and brightening ingredients which include:

• Beautifeye - An extract from the Persian Tree, Beautifeye works to strengthen the dermal structure, lifting folds and lessening crows feet. It is also said to work to reduce pigment accumulation in order to fade dark circles and diminish puffiness.
• Hyaluronic Acid - HelpThis acts as a natural shield to protect against environmental damage
• Liftonin X-press - This is an innovative polymer matrix which provides a visible tightening effect that is instantly noticeable 
• Inca Inchi Oil - Coming all the way from Peru, this oil is the richest known in Omega3 and t helps to maintain the skin's elasticity and hydration
• Sweet Almond Oil - Rich in fatty acids, this oil also contains Vitamins A, B1, B2 and B6. Great for conditioning the skin due to its penetrating, smoothing, softening and moisturising properties.
• Raspberry Seed Oil - Again rich in fatty acids, it also contains a high level of Vitamin E which provides protection and moisture retention for the skin.
• Aloe Vera - Provides hydrating, cooling and soothing properties.

What I really like about this serum is how lightweight it feels on the skin. As a serum, it is much lighter than a cream would ever be and that means it isn't too thick either. One of my bugbears with an eye cream is those that are so thick no matter how little you use.

Whenever I have my skin scanned to look at dryness, hydration, elasticity levels and sun damage, one report that always comes back is dehydration under my eyes.  This is partly owing to the fact I spent a lot of my working day looking at a PC screen and once I am home, a few nights a week I put the laptop on.  I also have an iPhone and a Kindle and all of this contributes to the dryness, as do environmental factors.  So I always use an eye cream or serum every single day and they form part of my skincare routine.  I also, at least one a week, use under eye masks for added moisture and care.

So, for the past few months I have been using this serum from Emma Hardie and my gosh it is every bit as incredible as I knew it would be. You need the smallest amount on your ring finger, one pump is more than enough for both eyes and to apply you simply tap it onto the skin gently ensuring that you cover the entire contour area. Ideal to be used both mornings and just before you go to bed, this serum isn't greasy or tacky on the skin and nor does it contain any synthetic colours or fragrances, it is mineral oil free and there are no animal ingredients as the Emma Hardie brand does not test on animals.

Priced at £49 you can find it online via Cult Beauty and LookFantastic.

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

MasqueBar Masks

I am a bit of a fidget, it is rare I can sit still for too long without feeling the need to do something else, taking multi-tasking to the next level. One guaranteed to ensure I am sat still for a good 10-15 minutes is a face mask! 

Masquebar is a brand who I have absolutely loved getting to know over the years, from sheets masks to cream masks there literally is something for everything. Their mission is mission is to take you beyond what you will find today in stores and spas. They are determined to seek out unique products that will make a difference in your beauty regimen. Whether you want a cream mask, peel off mask or mud mask and whether it is for your face, eyes, nose, body or feet, then this range has something you can use and the products won't break the bank.

Over the past few weeks, I have been lucky enough to try out a few masks within the collection and whether or not you are familiar with the brand, there is literally everything you can think of.  New to the range is the Bronzing Self Tanning Sheet Mask and the Aloe Vera After Sun Bio Cellulose Mask.  

The bronzing mask being described as an easy to use self-tanning sheet mask which hydrates, brightens and adds colour to the skin. Using aloe extract, blueberry extract and soybean extract this sheet mask should be worn for 5 minutes to get a light tan, 10 minutes for a medium tan and 15 minutes for a dark tan but the warning is to not exceed 15 minutes of wear time. Priced at £4.99.

The Aloe Vera After Sun Mask is not only ideal for being used after being in the sun but at any time you feel your skin needs a bit of TLC. Incredibly hydrating, this mask is formulated with Aloe Vera and you simply leave it on the skin for 30 minutes and then if there is any gel left on the skin after using, massage it in. Perfect for hydration but equally, if you have spent a bit too long in the sunshine, then there is no doubt that this mask would be a welcome treat, especially if it had been in the fridge! Priced at £4.99.

With Summer considering making an appearance, it is time to ensure my feet look their best (if that is possible with feet) and I am a huge fan of foot masks.  Anything that I can use that minimises contact with my feet gets a huge tick and having spent at least 5 months trapped inside socks and chunky tights, it is time to sort out dead and dry skin.

These Gentle Exfoliating Foot Masks from Masquebar work to remove dead skin cells for smoother, softer feet. The nice thing about these masks is how snugly they fit your feet and they don't irritate at all whilst being worn. Designed to be on your feet for 60-90 minutes (I went for the full 90), they are enriched with Chamomile and Natural Botanical Fruit Extracts which soften and exfoliate. If you have never tried foot masks like these, then I urge you to, because it is quite the treat. After using the mask, there is often some solution left hanging about, so it is at this point you need to be careful about not slipping over on any non-carpeted floors, so having a towel nearby is always handy. Between 4-7 days after using, sometimes it could be a little while longer, the dead skin on your feet begins to peel. Priced at £9.99.

Eye masks are another of my favourite products and I've tried quite a lot of them from different brands.  Masquebar has two options within their collection.  The first being Pure Gold Hydrogel Eye Masks and they are formulated with hydrolized collagen which helps improve elasticity and then we have Charcoal hydro eye mask which contains both charcoal powder and coconut extracts which moisturise and soothe the under eye.

What I like about these eye masks is that they are to be sold in single pairs and will retail for around £2.99. Perfect for travelling with and a perfect little treat too.  Also, if you have never tried a product like this, being able to purchase one pair is a great introduction before you do splash out.

Staying with the Charcoal theme with these luminizing nose strips. Designed to unclog pores and remove blackheads as well as to purify, deep cleanse and detoxify the skin, these strips contain charcoal powder and witch hazel.

I like to use nose strips as a treatment at least once a month. Living in London means there is more dirt, grime and pollution in the air than you ever really need to be breathing in and having settled on your skin and in your pores, so any product that I can find and use to help remove as much as I can is an added bonus.  With these strips, which I have used, I have found them to be one of the best at staying in place one applied and when they dry onto the skin, they are not in the slightest bit uncomfortable to remove.  Using any product of this kind is always going to remove a lot of 'stuff' from your pores, but this one more than most others I have tried.  Priced at £9.99.

Next up we have the Masquebar Metallics Collection and it is here that you will find Rose Gold, Gold and Silver masks, all of which are designed to do something to and with your skin.  Available as a pod, sheet mask, peel off mask and a peel off mask in a tube.  

The Silver Pod Mask is a single use mask and again, something that is perfect for some TLC on the go. For the skin, this peel-off mask which dries on to the skin and it is enriched with natural ingredients such as Raspberry, Macadamia Oil, Peppermint, Lemon, Orange and Grapefruit oil as well as Sunflower Oil that help to brighten and soften your skin. The Sachet version is also shown above. Priced at £3.99.

The Silver Foil Sheet Mask is as you might expect is exactly as it sounds, a mask made of silver foil material. Its aim is to visibly hydrate and soothe your skin and leave it with a youthful glow complexion. It does this because it is enriched with Aloe Leaf Juice, Anise Fruit Extract and Camellia Leaf Extract.  Priced at £4.99.

The Rose Gold Foil peel off mask which is in tube form and it is enriched with natural fruit extracts such as Raspberry and Grapefruit to aid in purifying and soothing and moisturising your face.  Once out of the tube, this mask is very much a Rose Gold colour and on the skin, whilst it doesn't tingle or irritate, it does dry so you can peel it off.  Priced at £9.99.

The final mask in my collection comes from the Pretty Animalz masks and these are a lot of fun. There is a choice between quite a few animals which include a Cat, Fox, Penguin, Monkey and Panda to name just a few. Each mask has different properties, so there is plenty to choose from.

I have the Panda mask and it is described as providing the skin with intensive hydration while lavender helps to calm skin with its aromatic and skin soothing properties. These masks are priced at £4 each and are great for a girls night in, or even some one on one time.

This is just a brief introduction into Masquebar as a brand and I am still making my way through all of these amazing products, but this is not everything they have to offer. Masquebar masks are widely available from Feelunique, ASOS, BeautyMart, House of Fraser and Next.

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