By Wishtrend - Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water

Korean Beauty is a trend that has fascinated me for some time and it is something I just love learning more about, so much so that right here on my blog, I have a page dedicated to all of the Korean Beauty brands that I have tried.

Today sees the turn of By Wishtrend and the Mandelic 5% Skin Prep Water. Described as being a hydrating and non-irritating exfoliant that can be used daily. Formulated with Mandelic Acid, it acts as an exfoliating treatment that improves the skin tone and texture while boosting the effectiveness of other products.

As the name suggests, the main ingredient, besides water within this product is Mandelic Acid. Mandelic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) made from the extract of bitter almonds, it’s name is actually derived from the German word for almond - “Mandel”. Designed to accelerate cell turnover, remove dead and dry skin cells and to brighten complexion and improve fine lines, what I love about this product is just how gentle it is on my skin. Mandelic Acid also helps with pigmentation to improve the skin's tone and texture and it also hosts antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Further ingredients include:

• Beta-Glucan - A soluble fibre extracted from oats and it helps with reducing redness as well as being moisturising and soothing it also has anti-inflammatory properties too.
• Liquorice Root Extract - Know for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which help to control oil production to calm and soothe skin.
• Panthenol - Also known as vitamin B5, it acts as a humectant and moisturiser which improves the skin’s abilities to regenerate and to maintain hydration. It is also used to help prevent inflammation and to prevent itching.
• Sweet Almond Oil - Naturally high in fatty acids and Vitamin E, Sweet Almond Oil is a great moisturiser and it helps to keep the skin soft and supple.
• Centella Asiatica Extract - Helps to regenerate damaged skin.
• Sodium Hyaluronate - Reaches deep into the dermis of the skin to attract moisture and helps retain moisture within the skin, preventing dryness after exfoliation.

Together these ingredients work together to make quite the product and it is one I absolutely loved using and have bought a back up of.

To use, you apply a few drops to a cotton wool pad and wipe and pat it onto the skin, avoiding your mouth and eyes, just as you would do similar products. There is a slight scent of almonds, but nothing that is too overpowering but what I like about Mandelic Acid is that it feels incredibly lightweight on the skin and has an almost water like texture which absorbs incredibly quickly.   Unlike other AHA's that I have used, there was definitely no tingling of the skin, a sensation I have got used to experiencing and actually quite like to feel, it is as though the product is letting you know it is doing something, that aside, if the tingling sensation is not for you, then Mandelic Acid might just be.  After using, my skin does not feel dry or taut but instead clean, soft and smooth.  I always double cleanse before using this and then apply a hydrating toner.  Naturally, because of the nature of the product, I only ever us it of an evening and ensure I wear sunscreen the following day (which I do without thinking anyway).  I love that my skin is given a really good cleanse to remove it of all dirt and debris, including dead and dry skin.

Designed to be used 3-4 times a week, if you have very sensitive skin then you can limit the usage to 2-3 times a week.  The bottle should be kept in the fridge or somewhere which is dark and cool and it comes packaged in a dark see-through bottle to prevent oxidizing. Priced at £21 (here) Mandelic Acid is Cruelty-free, Vegan-Friendly, Ethanol-free, Paraben-free, Silicon-free, Steroid-free, Artificial colouring-free and Artificial fragrance-free.

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

Antipodes Reincarnation Facial Exfoliator

I absolutely love Antipodes as a brand and have featured them quite a few times on my blog (here, here and here) and I have yet to find something I dislike. A brand which hails all the way from New Zealand, Antipodes creator, Elizabeth Barbalich, had a desire to create premium, scientifically validated, organic beauty products. She wanted them to be made from fully sustainable sources that could be used every day plus the packaging features fully recyclable bottles and aluminium tubes, and 100% biodegradable card from sustainable forests.  Today I am sharing the Antipodes Reincarnation Facial Exfoliator.

Exfoliation as we all know if a vital part of any skincare routine and I try to ensure I use an exfoliator at least twice a week as directed to do so by a few experts that I have seen over the past few years.  From Antipodes, we have a product that is described as being a product which nurtures the skin during this innate regeneration process by cleansing, hydrating and balancing.

Suitable for all skin types, Reincarnation Facial Exfoliator has an incredibly luxe creamy formula that is vegetarian-friendly and uses Avocado Oil and Jojoba Beads work together to eliminate dead and dry skin cells whilst Calendula Oil which is known for its healing properties gently nurtures the skin. Also, included is Carrot Seed Extract helps to clear and revitalise the skin's surface.  Reincarnation Facial Exfoliator utilises an exotic blend of Sandalwood, Sweet Orange and Tonka Bean Essential Oils which not only rejuvenate the senses but also leaves the complexion feeling incredibly clean, clear and exceptionally fresh.

It works best when applied to dampened skin and when I use it, I massage it onto my skin in circular motions and then allow it to sit for a few minutes whilst I soak my flannel in warm water and then remove it using circular motions and what I love about this is just how divine it feels on the skin, not overly abrasive but you do notice it does work to remove the dead and dry skin, but it doesn't scratch or irritate because it is also designed to calm and balance the skin too.  

Priced at £21.99 via Lookfantastic (aff link) it is worth every single penny, more so knowing that the box and tube can be recycled!

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

Ouai Treatment Masque

Like my skin, hands, body and feet, a hair masque is an absolute essential in my life and at least once every month I use a hair mask on my hair. The most recent addition to my stash comes from Ouai, a brand I have got to know pretty well and just absolutely love. This isn't a new masque, it has just been re-packaged from a sachet to a tube, so it is much easier to use, less messy but just as brilliant.

Described as being a restorative healing mask that’s formulated to repair damage in minutes, leaving strands incredibly soft and smooth after just one treatment. Made with Artichoke Leaf Extract to seal the cuticle and protect hair from future damage, there is also the use of Tamarind Seed Extract which infuses the hair with a moisture barrier, making it velvety-soft before Ouai's own Smart Technology Complex infuses hair with essential Amino Acids and Keratin to help strengthen and nourish each follicle while shielding against environmental aggressors.

What I absolutely love about this mask is that you only need to use it for 5-10 minutes each time.  After washing your hair, squeeze out excess water and then apply the mask, running it through your hair with fingers or a wide tooth comb to ensure it has been dispersed equally.  Then once the time is up, simply wash out.

What I absolutely love about this hair masque is how soft and smooth it leaves my hair feeling after using not to mention that just walked out of the salon glossy look.  As with all of Ouai's products, they have a distinct scent and this masque smells just the same as the limited edition Ouai Melrose Place Eau de Parfum (review here) and it smells delightfully of  Rose, Bergamot, Lychee, Cedar-wood, and White Musk. This scent really makes my hair smell incredible and it is one that lasts a good few days.

If you are in need of a new hair masque and want something that does a little more than leave your hair feeling nice, you need the Ouai Treatment Masque. Priced around £30 you can find this scrub and the rest of the Ouai collection here.

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

Rituals The Ritual of Ayurveda Body Mist

One of my favourite candles is Jasmine Dreams by Rituals and it was the first product I had ever used from the brand. Fast forward a few years and I have used a few products (here and here) and the most recent to my collection is The Ritual of Ayurveda Body Mist.

Ayurveda originated more than 5000 years ago in India. This philosophy is based on restoring inner harmony through the old practice of cleansing and nurturing your body and soul. The Ritual of Ayurveda has been designed to support this philosophy and offers a collection of luxury home and body care products that help balance your body, mind and soul.

The Rituals The Ritual of Ayurveda Body Mist is described as being a rejuvenating spritz that can be used to refresh skin or perfume linens. It is infused with the delicate fragrance of both Indian Rose and Himalaya Honey which work with Sweet Almond Oil.

• Indian Rose - As a universal symbol of purity and love, the sweet and delicate aroma of the rose is said to evoke positive feelings. Its aroma also has soothing properties.
• Sweet Almond Oil - an ancient Ayurvedic ingredient that restores the skin's moisture balance.
• Himalaya Honey - Himalaya Honey has been known for its medicinal properties for a long time now and it has a special softening and moisturising effect on the skin. Himalaya Honey is harvested from the virgin forests in the Himalayan mountains, the most natural environment imaginable, and provides essential nutrients and vitamins.

On the mist is spritzed, those delicate aromas come to life and creates such a refreshing scent, on the skin it moisturises and nourishes and leaves a trace behind, on Linen, again the mist settles to create a subtle scent that lingers for a good few days.  For me, this mist works best once it has settled, the aroma of Indian Rose is most definitely the dominant scent until it dries down to allow the Himalaya Honey to add a delicate sweetness and it is just a beautiful scent.

Alongside the Body Mist, the Ritual of Ayurveda also has a candle, foaming shower gel, hair mist, Shower Oil, Dry Oil and much more (here).  This Body mist is priced at £16.50 and is available from places such as LookFantastic and John Lewis (aff links)

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