MeruMaya Iconic Youth Serum

MeruMaya is one of those brands that doesn't get as much support as it should because it is such a lovely brand and each product I have tried, this being my second, I have loved.  As a brand, I love that MeruMaya integrates clinically tested active ingredients and natural resources to ensure that their products offer you the best of everything whilst taking into consideration that not all skin is the same and some are more sensitive than others.  As a brand they have everything you need for a basic, yet thorough skincare system - Cleansers, Cleansing Balm, Toners, Eye Cream, Night Cream, Face Wash, Oils, Serums, hand wash, hand cream, masks, peels, supplements and spot treatments to name just a few and even their gift sets are designed with you in mind and are well worthy of looking at.

The Iconic Youth Serum(£35.50) I loved from the first use. I am total serum convert after having a facial a few years ago and being convinced that one is needed to be part of my skincare routine. This serum is said to integrate ten 'evidence based' active ingredients, with a formulation that is carefully designed to help prevent further skin ageing, perfect existing signs of ageing and help the skin to perform better. Essentially it designed to significantly improve lines & wrinkles, elasticity, radiance, hydration, dark spots and plumpness, resulting in a more youthful, healthy-looking skin. Now it isn't going to do all of these things overnight, so you need to use it regularly. I have been using it for a few months now and one major difference in my skin is the hydration levels, which at a result skin scan, saw my skin nowhere near as hydrated as it had been just 6 months before, so that is a huge plus point. I am one of those lucky people who hasnt yet got lots of lines and wrinkles and nor do I have dark spots, but my skin looks and feels so much better after using this serum.

This Serum uses a formula which contains, minerals, stearidonic acid, stem cells, powerful anti-inflammatories, antioxidants and enhances beta defensins, endorphins, collagen and elastin while evening out dark spots and unevens skin tone and improving lines, elasticity, radiance, plumpness, smoothness. There is also Echium oil which is rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9 (fatty acids) and is clinically tested to stimulate the production of dermal tissue proteins, soothe the skin and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, restore smoothness and elasticity. 

With serums, for me the texture is quite important, this one is more of a rich balm than a runny gel which I really like. It is easy to apply to the skin and is a delight to massage in. It leaves no sticky residue behind and there is no evidence of it having been on and massaged into the skin other than the feeling afterwards of my skin left feeling just amazingly soft and smooth to the touch. I use it both morning and evening after cleansing and before adding my moisturiser and if there is any excess left, it makes a great lip balm for those dry and chapped lips.

This video introduces the Creator and Founder Maleka to you along with an explanation behind the hashtag #beautyhasnoage which you will see across social media.

Have you tried any products from MeruMaya yet?

1-2-3 Detox Ritual from Erborian

If there is one thing I have come to learn about the Korean skincare regime, that is if there is one thing you don't compromise on it is cleaning the skin. The traditional and sophisticated Korean beauty routine includes using different textures which are adapted to different types of make-up and honestly it is so fascinating. So silicone-based textures for mascaras, oil-based textures for lipsticks and water-based for water-based makeup. The 1-2-3 step routine from Erborian is based on this tradition to remove your make in three steps and it looks a little like this: 

Solid Cleansing Oil £29 - Based on the Korean double cleansing method, the Solid cleansing oil combines the performance of a cleansing oil with the gentleness of a cream. 

Once it comes into contact with the warmth of your skin, it transforms into an oil to help dissolve impurities on the face. Then when rinsed with water, it transforms again into a silky lotion, to cleanse skin perfectly and leave behind a protective film leaving your skin feeling perfectly cleansed and free of make-up. 

Double Mousse Cleansing Foam £22 - Double Mousse with 7 Korean herbs is described as being a 2-in-1 beauty solution. It's rich, fine foam gently cleanses the skin to help eliminate impurities. It also then helps to visibly refine skin's texture for a flawlessly smooth effect leaving it visibly softer, more supple and more luminous. 

To use, you apply two pumps to your dry face and leave it on for at least 30 and then rinse with water. It is designed to be used daily, both morning and the evening.

Erborian Konjac Sponge £10 - I am sure most people will have heard of Konjac sponges, but this is honestly the best Konjac sponge I have ever used. 

The Konjac sponge is made from an Asian plant that has long been used in Korea to cleanse the face and body. This natural sponge helps to stimulate microcirculation as it massages the skin.

I am absolutely loving these products in my routine, the solid cleansing oil is just an absolute delight to use and it is perfect as part of my double cleansing routine, I love how soft and smooth it leaves my skin feeling and how it feels able to breathe.  The mousse is also a delight to use and is incredibly easy to use and works so well as a second cleanse.

Have you tried any Korean skincare?

Bodhi & Birch Siam Ginger Bath and Shower Therapy

Cold, dark miserable mornings make getting out of bed a really unwelcome task and that is what it is a task, a chore and something I do not want to do. Having dragged my backside to the shower, there is one product that is guaranteed to make me feel as alert and awake had I just hopped into a cold shower and it is by Bodhi and Birch - Siam Ginger bath and shower therapy!

"Invigorate and revive body and mind with an uplifting fusion of gingery Galangal Root, sharp Cardamom and fresh Kaffir Lime Leaf. Inspired by ancient remedies from the Far East, this is your home spa rejuvenation. Body and senses are vitalised and awakened. Skin feels refreshingly clean and alive with hints of ginger and spice"

Packaged inside this beautiful brown bottle with bright label, it isn't one you will miss when half asleep. The pump action dispenser is really handy to use and a few pumps onto the palms of your hand are more than enough to make enough lather to wash and cleanse your body. As the lather comes into contact with the steam of the water, the scent comes alive and literally kicks you awake and with this amazing list of ingredients, it is not a surprise:

• GALANGAL - Warming oil with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-oxidant and stimulant properties. It is great for muscle aches and fatigue. 
• KAFFIR LIME LEAF - Kaffir Lime Leaf has a sharp, aromatic scent. An indisputably effective cleanser, it refreshes and uplifts the spirit, eases depression, anxiety and a tired mind. 
• CARDAMOM - Cardamom imparts a fresh lemony fragrance that is uplifting, benefiting those who are mentally and physically fatigued. 
• TURMERIC - Turmeric contains curcumin which is highly anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Also naturally improves skin complexion. 
• LACTIC ACID - Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid with anti-ageing and skin rejuvenating properties.

As well as waking me up of a morning, it also leaves me skin soft and smooth to the touch and you can also add it to your bath water which is perfect if you have aching muscles. I find that with a bad back, something I suffer from regularly, a bath with Siam Ginger helps to relieve that nagging ache.

This has been an absolute delight to use and one I wouldn't hesitate to purchase and one that is added to the 'must have' products for the bathroom.

New from Sleek Makeup - Lip VIP lipstick collection

Sleek Makeup have some amazing new releases to be looking out for in your local Superdrug and I am sharing them with you today. 

The NEW Sleek MakeUP Lip VIP lipstick collection boasts six velvety, on trend shades which have been inspired by the luxuries of being a VIP – think red carpet premieres, the front row of fashion shows and celebrity photo shoots. Each lipstick has a luxuriously creamy, long-lasting formula which glides on smoothly to leave an even, semi-matte finish. These lipsticks are also packed with Vitamin E, Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, a new formula which is really moisturising.

The six new shades are:

• Reserved - A sweet candy pink for everyday wear
• Private Booth - A Classic nude, a make-up bag must have
• Backstage - A warm coral pink to take you from day to night
• Guest List - Bright coral, sure to get you noticed 
• Flaunt It - A punchy, stand out orange
• Night Spot - A chic red for opulent Hollywood glamour

So there is a different shade right across the spectrum and here is how amazing they look:  

From L-R we have Reserved, Private Booth, Backstage, Guest List, Flaunt it and Night Spot

The Lip VIP Lipstick Collection are now available from Boots and Superdrug and are priced at £5.49.

Do you have a favourite shade?