Super Beauty Bath Fizzers

It is a well known fact by now (I hope) that I love a good hot bath.  For me it is all about relaxation, forgetting about my worries and troubles, continuing to read a good book and just having some me time.  

Bath bombs, fizzers, ballistics or whatever you like to call them now come in all shapes, sizes and scents and I was kindly sent some Super Beauty Bath Fizzers to try.  Described as being products which are with the finest superfoods around so you can feed your skin exactly what it needs, I couldn't wait to give them a try.

The first thing to note is how brightly coloured the packaging is and that each box contains not one but three bath bombs.  

Feel the fizz and stimulate our senses with these deliciously fragranced Bath Fizzers.  A gentle burst of sweet fruitiness to cleanse your skin and help leave it irresistible and gorgeous.

I have been slowly working my way through each of the bath fizzers and of course any excuse to have a bath in the run up to Christmas when shoppers are flooding supermarkets panic buying loaves of bread and milk when all you want is some Pink Gin and not to have to queue for three days, sounds pretty good to me.

In the first packet the three bath bombs are Mango, Lemon and Strawberry and all three of them are fragranced so beautifully and not at all synthetic and it is worth mentioning that they are paraben free.  Mango reminds me very much of the Mango body butter from The Body Shop - very fruity with a lovely sharp fresh scent.  Lemon is sharp and Strawberry which is my least favourite scent when it comes to anything bath related, is actually rather pleasant.

In the second box there is Coconut, Vanilla and Pineapple bath fizzers.  For me, I adore the coconut scented one, it is very coconut like and smells just incredible once it comes into contact with the water.  Vanilla is the one I will hand over to the mister to use because as a scent, I am not a fan of anything overly Vanilla scented it gives me a headache so I stay clear of it.  Pineapple, which is a work colleagues favourite scent has been gifted to her and she absolutely love it and has been and bought a box for herself.

Far from being overpriced and overhyped, a box of three bath fizzers costs only £4.99 but if you are quick and get to Boots they are on offer for just £3.33 (here) and they are well worthy of their price tag and of course they would make a great stocking filler for anyone you still have left to buy for, a bath fanatic (like me) or just because you feel you deserve some down time, me time and some relaxation.

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

THE ROCCABOX ULTIMATE GIFT BOX

The Roccabox Ultimate Box landed on my doerstep a few days ago and it is no only a limited-edition beauty hamper it is absolutely massive and contains 14 pamper products. Worth more than £60, this is a one-off purchase, not available as a subscription and is priced at just £35 here.  

Everytime I think I have found every product within the box, another one appears, so having (I think) finally found absolutely everything inside, this is what

Coconut Lane Rose Gold Marble notebook (Full size RRP £4.50) - I think absolutely everyone needs notebooks, I have quite a few stashed around the house and on my desk at work and this one is just beautiful

Spacemask Full Size RRP £3 - I did a whole post on Spacemasks (here) and in short I asolutely love them. If you need to chill out for 20-30 minutes, need an excuse to not procrastinate on Pinterest when you should be sleeping, then you need to try these masks!

Beefayre Winter Garden candle Full Size RRP £18 - With a burn time of approximately 50 hours, this candle is hand poured 100% natural plant wax and it is housed inside in glass holder with metallic sliver flower and bee print. The scent is incredibly divine and it comes from sweet earthy fresh figs, with top notes of grape and vanilla.

Blank Canvas Quick Brush Full Size RRP £14.59 - I am a huge fan of Blank Canvas brushes and this one is Brush F01 and it is a multi-purpose face brush which is handmade from extra soft, high quality anti-bacterial, easy to clean synthetic fibres, this brush is also vegan friendly.

Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick in Driver’s Seat Sample size - This beauty appeared in the August Roccabox and I love the shade. It is described as being an 8-hour, liquid matte lipstick that’s specifically formulated to be comfortable and not dry out your lips. Once applied it literally does not budge, feather, bleed or transfer, really comfortable to wear. (Full size RRP £19)

St.Tropez Self Tan Express Face Sheet Mask Full Size RRP £8 - Within the sachet you get one mask and it is described as being a revolutionary tanning infused Face Sheet Mask is the easiest way to tan your face- for a natural, healthy glow to suit your skin tone. Fake tan products still scare me, but I am intrigue by this.

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads Sample Size (Full size RRP £13) - I really like these and they are great for taking away with you given the size. These pads are soaked in Glycolic Acid to exfoliate and retexture the skin to reveal that brighter, smoother complexion and with added Hyaluronic Acid to give thirsty skin a moisture boost and dewy glow.

Soap & Glory Mini Rushower Dry Shampoo 50ml RRP £2.50 - Described as having Friction-activated TOUCH-RELEASE™ technology which gives your hair a gorgeous burst of mandarin rose and bergamot and in true Soap and Glory style, it smells just incredible

Burt’s Bees Cleansing Oil with coconut and argan oil Sample Size - This is a product I already know and absolutely love. Formulated with a unique blend of natural moisturisers, including Coconut and Argan Oils they not only gently remove dirt, grime and makeup, it also helps to keep your skin soft, clean, and beautifully nourished without leaving an oily residue.(Full Size RRP £16.99)

Bliss Fabulous Make-Up Melt Gel-To-Oil Cleanser Sample Size (Full Size RRP £24) - I haven't tried many Bliss products and this one is new to me completely. Described as being a product which gently removes make-up, surface oil and dirt and has a unique formula that transforms from a gel to a lightweight cleansing oil on application.

Milani HD Advanced Lip Colour in Candy Apple Full Size RRP £4.99 - This is a first for me with Milani, a brand I have my sights set on to try out. Candy Apple is described as being a True Red shade and the description is that it is a 3-in-1 lip colour that nourishes, hydrates, and delivers a sheer wash of colour with clarity and perfect radiant shine. It instantly comforts dry, chapped lips, and provides long-term moisturisation.

Omorovicza Deep cleansing mask Sample size (Full size RRP £60) - One of my favourite brands and an amazing product. Using Hungary's famous healing waters and mineral infused muds from the thermal Lake Héviz and it is rich in calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper, and it actively re-energises and brightens skin, evens tone, matifies shine and draws out impurities.

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser Sample size (Full size RRP £35) - Described as being a gentle but efficient exfoliator, it works in two ways by dissolving dead skin cells and renewing the skin's texture. Using salicylic, lactic and glycolic acids to encourage clarity and brightness by dissolving skin cell build-up; jojoba beads to further polish and re-texturise the skin; sodium PCA and jojoba seed oil to help counteract dryness; and liquorice extract to provide anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties to your skin. What I like about this cleanser is how gentle but effective it is on the skin.

Bloomtown Botanicals Roll-on Infused Oil, The Rose Garden, Full size RRP £4.80- Described as being a Romantic Floral, these oils are infused with nourising oils. The Oils nourish skin without clogging pores, perfect for smoothing dry patches and applying to split ends.

That is absolutely everything from the box and it is quite an incredibe collection of products, all of which come together to create quite the pampering package to have you looking and feeling good from top to toe and relaxed!

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

Getting Rid of a Verruca for Good

Most people get a verruca at some point in their lives. It is one of the most common foot problems. These small lumps of hard skin are actually warts. To be precise, plantar warts and they are pretty painful. Typically, they appear on the ball of the foot, which is a weight bearing area. This is part of the reason they are often so painful. 

A new way to treat verrucas

When it comes to treating verrucas there are several options. Unfortunately, not all of them are that effective. However, there is a new approach that has a very good clear up rate. Currently, it is available from Northwich Foot Clinic and a few other treatment centres.

Treating verrucas with microwave energy

The new verruca treatment method was developed in the UK and podiatrists in that country are now licensed to use it. Instead of using salicylic acid or cold sprays, this new method makes use of microwave energy. The energy is delivered via a wand that is held by the practitioner. They can calibrate the equipment to make sure that exactly the right level of power is delivered. This ensures consistency. 

Microwave energy has been used in clinical settings for over three decades now, so it is considered safe. In some countries, it is used to treat certain types of lung, liver, breast and kidney cancer. For example, in Japan, this technology is used in the treatment of some forms of liver cancer.

How microwaves kill off the verruca

When the microwave energy is delivered to the verruca cells heat is generated as the water molecules collide. This highly, localised energy quickly kills the infected tissue. 

The microwaves penetrate fast and go deep enough to destroy all of the infected tissue and verruca cells. Acids and freezing can be effective, but they work at a slower rate. The acids have to slowly work their way through the layers of the verruca and cold sprays only penetrate so far. Sometimes, it feels like the planter wart has gone, when in fact there are a few rogue cells left that gradually grow into another verruca.

A high first time clear up rate

Usually, with the microwave system only one treatment is needed. To date, most practitioners report an 80% clear up rate. This is the case, even with stubborn verrucas that have not responded to other forms of treatment. If one treatment does not work, having one further microwave session is usually enough to get rid of it for good.

Other advantages of microwave energy verruca treatments

The treatment can be delivered in seconds, so it is something you can easily get done during your lunch break. It is virtually painless. Naturally, it stings a bit when the area heats up, but most people find it no more painful that the acid or cold spray treatments. As a result, no anaesthetic spray is needed. Last, but by no means least, you can walk as normal immediately after treatment. So, you can easily go back to work.

Stop yourself from picking up more verrucas

Once you have had your verrucas treated, you will want to avoid getting anymore. You can read about how to do this, by clicking this link.

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

Getting Cosy with Christmas Candles

One thing I love about the nights drawing in is being able to come home, close the curtains, put some lamps on and light a few candles and relax.  For me having candles lit is an important of relaxation, it is said that a candle flame can help relax the mind and the association with a candle flame flickering helps to de-stress.

Christmas time is all about scents and smells from the pine needs on a Christmas Tree, to the spices of Christmas Cake and transferring those scents into that of a candle is really quite something.  Today I thought I would share some of the candles I have been burning, each scent is completely different but absolutely incredible.

Timothy Dunn London Votive collection - Presented in a limited edition box, inside are three 70g Votive Candles which smell just incredible. 

Inside the box you will find :

• Violette de Lune - The description reads: This deep, exotic, floriental scent is intertwined with seductive amber woods and elegant musks, opening with cassis and dark violet. An indulgent blend of the precious oils Moroccan rose and neroli flower are combined with sensual sandalwood, patchouli, red tea, wild jasmine and a hint of luxurious dark chocolate
• Arabian Fig – The description reads: A complex blend of green fig leaf, basil and clove, tenderly enhanced with frankincense, this deliciously aromatic candle has a hint of wild fig, cassis rose and jasmine with the rich base notes of sandalwood, cedarwood and musk.
• Samarkand – Alongside Etrusca and Bleu Rose this is up there with my favourite Timothy Dunn London Candles and the description reads:  Discover a rich, sensual spicy wood accord with exotic tea, bergamot, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon and clove; generously wrapped in sumptuous Madagascan vanilla, suede musks, frankincense, patchouli and vetiver. This beautiful, evocative fragrance will radiate warmth throughout your home.

You can burn these candles one at a time or together and either way, the fresh scents come to live and fill the house with such amazing scents. You can find this set right here and each Votive burns for around 15-20 hours.

Balance Me, Me Time Candle - When a candle is called Me Time, you know it is one you need in your life and that it will be really special. Formulated with a premium blend of soy and vegetable waxes to ensure a clean, even burn time it features a bespoke blend of pure essential oils, this candle is designed to relax the mind, relieve tension and evoke a sense of balance and wellbeing. With a blend of harmonising ingredients, Petitgrain, Cedarwood, Rosemary, Ylang Ylang and Lavender, designed to clear the mind of worries. 

What I love about this candle is the incredibly relaxing scent which comes to life as soon as the candle has been lit.  Even when the candle flame has been extinguished, the scent lingers for an incredibly long time afterwards.  Priced at £35 you can find this candle right here.

ESPA Winter Pine Candle - If ever there was a brand which just screams Spa Day it is ESPA.  Until recently I had no idea they made their own candles, so when Winter Pine arrived, it was opened and alight pretty quickly.  The candle comes beautifully presented in an ESPA gift box, finished with a hand-tied green ribbon to really make it look festive.

The scent of the candle really lives up to its name as it boasts the warming aromas of Cinnamon, Eucalyptus and Pine which just remind me of Christmas.  This is a 200g candle with over 40 hours of burn time and it retails for £30 right here.

La Montana Duo Mini Candle Gift Set - Nestled inside a beautiful starry box are two incredible scented La Montana Candles.   

Again if anything signifies Christmas is coming it is Winter Oranges and the Three Kinds Candles.

• Winter Oranges candle – Described as being a warm, spicy, zesty blend of Valencia orange, cinnamon, red apple, and clove for me this candle definitely brings about nostalgia from my Christmases as a child when christmas cakes and puddings were being steamed for the big day. The aroma is so fresh that again it comes to life as soon as the candle is alight.
• Three Kings candle – Despite the name, which of course reminds me of a Christmas Nativity Play, Cedarwood, Frankincense and Myrrh. It is quite a unique fragrance which brings all three scents to life in one candle and it is simply divine.

These mini candles are 80gms of top quality wax and have a burn time for at least 15 hours. This set would make an incredible gift and it retails for just £32.

Heyland and Whittle if you have never come across them before is a quality soap and home fragrance manufacturer based in England. They have an entire range of candles to die for and today I am sharing two different ones. First up is Clementine & Prosecco which smells absolutely incredible even before it is out of the box. Much like a fragrance it has top notes of Clementine, sparkling wine, yellow apple and pear, incorporated with middle notes of apricot, peach, plum and a base note of sugar and dry fruits.  Coming together this is a candle which offers a sweet and sharp fragrance which again brings about that relaxing scent of the holidays. Priced at just £23.

Also from Heyland and Whittle is Frankincense in a Tin and made from a blend of sustainable soy wax which helps it to burn very evenly down the tin, comes a scent which is most definitely Christmas. The notes for the candle state that it is a Smoky sweet and woody with a whisper of Oriental florals A sophisticated layered fragrance which is packed with notes of Rose, Jasmine, Cistus Oil and Cinnamon resting on an Oriental background of Frankincense, Oud, Musk and warm Vanilla.  This candle is priced at £13.95.

So those are the candles I have been burning of late and I would love to know which ones you have been using over the last few weeks.

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