Caudalie Divine Scrub

Caudalie is one of my go-to brands when I need something a little special and when it comes to a body scrub, right now I cannot get enough of the Divine Scrub (£22) which is described as being a natural sugar exfoliant for divinely soft skin. 

What I adore about this scrub is how gentle but effective it is when used.  Made up of four exceptional plant oils which include: 

• Grapeseed Oil - Rich in Omega 6 and Vitamin E and not only has Anti-oxidant, properties but it is also incredibly nourishing.
• Hibiscus Oil - Rich in Omega 12 it is the perfect moisturiser for dry skin
• Argan Oil - Rich in anti-oxidants, it softens, hydrates and protects against skin ageing.
• Sesame Oil - Rich in fatty acids Sesame Oil nourishes and protects the skin from external aggressors

All of these oils sit within a brown sugar base and works with them to gently exfoliate the skin. The consistency of the scrub inside the tub is almost solid and as you rub the top to loosen the scrub, it becomes much more pliable. Thankfully, I have a scoop from a face mask which I use.

Applied to damp skin, this scrub should be massaged in circular motions to buff away dead and dry skin cells and as it begins to work, not only do the sugar crystals melt onto the skin, and because it is a sugar-based scrub, the granules are less abrasive than a salt-based scrub. As you work the scrub against the skin, it emulsifies into a milky consistency and the granules melt and release the incredible signature scent of Divine Oil which includes notes of rose, grapefruit, pink peppercorn, cedar, vanilla and white musk comes to life and the scent is just divine, to use a pun.

This scrub is designed to be used twice a week to give the best results and it is such an amazing scrub, especially if you have dry areas of skin that need a little help in budging.

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

MAC False Lashes Mascara - Carbon Black

If there was one makeup item from my makeup bag that I never leave the house without, it is mascara. Whilst some people buy lip liners and eyeliners, for me, a good mascara is a definite must. The latest mascara to have made it to the front of my pile comes from MAC and it is the False Lashes Mascara in Carbon Black. I first came by this Mascara here in the Limited Edition Estee Lauder Cherish. Love. Indulge Beauty Box and I managed to lose mine during a weekend away, so bought another because I had really wanted to try it.

I am quite picky when it comes to mascara, I really dislike anything that has an overly wet formula that feels as though you have dipped your lashes in oil, as I have fairly long lashes, I don't want them to be weighted down.  I also don't want a mascara which gives the spider leg lash look after one coat, it is just not a look I can get on board with at all, if I am to give more than one coat, I want my lashes to still look evenly coated but separated rather than all stuck in a clump together.  Not too much to ask for right?

Mac False Lash Mascara is described as having a mousse-like formula that defies gravity for a dramatically exaggerated, false lash effect, with the addition of pure Carbon Black pigment for a deep, intensified colour pay off.   So, what I do love is the formula because it does have a mousse-like texture without being heavy, in fact, it is much more lightweight than I had expected it to be.  It definitely has that intensified colour pay off, so if a black mascara that is deeply pigmented is something you are looking for, then this definitely ticks that box without question.

The False Lash effect is something most mascaras claim to give and it is very rare that this pays off.  As I have said, I have fairly long lashes and for me, this mascara really does excel in delivering those longer lashes and because of the shape of the brush, it was easy to wiggle between the lashes to do the shimmy (technical term for wiggling the wand) to create a natural lift and I mean right from the base of the lash rather than half way up. The only thing I didn't get with this mascara was lashes that look beautifully thick or with some depth to them, but unless you are prepared to coat on any mascara, I suspect that is something you can only dream of having. When it comes to drying, literally 30 seconds maximum and you can apply another coat, for me with this mascara, the limit is two coats any more than that and I fear the spider legs look is on its way. Once the formula had dried, I didn't feel as though my lashes had been caked in a face mask ready to crunch and crumble, infact, as I wear glasses, I was quite surprised to find no transference of the formula onto them and removing my glasses saw my lashes bounce back into place, so the box is being ticked for flake and smudge proof!

The brush is usually a big selling point of any mascara and having a tube that looks quite fancy with its pointed end. The brush is quite large but had quite a tapered point to it, so I find no problems with reaching those corner lashes. I have worn this mascara for up to 8-9 hours and then removed once I got home, what I found was no fallout, no smudging, no flaking and it came off easily with my current eye makeup remover without the need to rub excessively.

I think it is fair to say that I am incredibly impressed with this mascara and am glad I repurchased it to give it a try.  It does come with a £20 price tag (here) which is the average price point for a MAC Mascara and if you keep a look out, it does come in a mini size for half the price too!

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

SBC Propolis TSV - Head to Toe Ritual from the Hive

SBC or Simply Beautiful Collection is a brand I became acquainted with last summer (review here) and they are a British beauty brand who was founded in 1988. Described as being a fuss-free, practical, effective, affordable pampering, which includes skincare gels, moisturisers, serums, polishes, cleansers, bath & body essentials to create a dynamic range that delivers pure, natural vitality to the skin.

Today I am sharing with you an SBC Propolis QVC TSV which is incredible value for money (it will cost less than £40) and it features a brand new product which is launching with this TSV. Propolis, if you have never come across it before, is a powerful substance made by honeybees. The bees collect resin from trees and combine it with beeswax and honey to make Propolis. Bees use Propolis to protect their hive and keep it sterile but it also has amazing properties for the skin too. The Propolis Collection is not only rich in amino acids but also in minerals, vitamins and bio-flavonoids all of which lavish face, body and hair with natural nourishing and protective care for the hair, scalp and skin.

Included within the TSV are five products which are:

A one Litre of Propolis Skincare Gel (£36 for 500ml) - Infused with natural propolis, this gel is incredibly lightweight on the skin and because it is water-based, it absorbs really quickly. What I like about this Gel is the scent because it combines sweetness with an earthy aroma. The use of Manuka honey which is sweet and moisturising works alongside the delicate ancient cypress which has quite a wood scent to it, but on the skin, it is said to host calming properties as well as working to decongest the skin, sweet basil which is said to cleanse the skin and neroli flower which again intertwine the sweet with the earthy scent.  There is also the inclusion of frankincense, patchouli and cedarwood which are all woody scents and they work alongside vanilla and amber.

I have only been using this gel for a short time, but I have been applying it after showering because I do like to have hot water when I shower, I can't stand a warm shower.  On the skin, this gel works to provide relief for dry skin as it helps to restore moisture and hydration by reducing water evaporation. it also helps to desensitise and calm very sensitive skin and strengthens fragile skin by reinforcing skin’s natural barrier and for me, most importantly, it combats many of the environmental stresses that we are exposed to every day, while an abundance of vitamins, amino acids and minerals nourish the skin.

A 500ml bottle of Propolis Scalp Care Shampoo (£24) - I have a love-hate relationship with my scalp. When I am stressed I really suffer from dryness and itching and often have to resort to medicated products to help soothe it.  From SBC we have a shampoo which is described as being a refreshing and soothing shampoo is enriched with naturally soothing Propolis, White Nettle, Ginger and Pro-Vitamin B5 for healthy scalp and hair. Formulated for those with a dry/itchy scalp in need of relief, this shampoo doesn't contain silicone, SLS or parabens.

The fragrance of the shampoo is exactly the same as the Skincare Gel and the ingredients come together to cleanse and remove build-up and impurities to refresh the scalp. This shampoo also works to help control scalp sebum secretion to ease an oily scalp, restoring balance. I have only used it a few times since it arrived, so I don't feel I have a good enough insight as to whether or not it works for me, but what I have noticed is how shiny my hair has become.

A 500ml bottle of Propolis Hair Care Conditioner (£24) - With every shampoo, there is usually a conditioner and from SBC we have one which is formulated with 3 ingredients from the hive including Propolis which is rich in antioxidants and bioflavonoids which helps soothe a sensitive, itchy scalp whilst caring for the hair follicle. Honey and Royal Jelly which work to nourish and smooth out the hair to leave locks soft and shiny. Then finally there is Argan Oil, Pro-Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E which help improve the appearance of the hair’s elasticity, leaving it looking fuller and healthier. 

Again, I have only used this a few times and what I like is that it doesn't weight my hair down or leave it feeling lank and greasy after use.

A 100ml of the brand new Propolis & Safflower Hand & Foot Cream (£18)  - This is the brand new SBC product.  Described as being a rich and sumptuous hand and foot cream, formulated to soothe, protect and hydrate dry and cracked skin. Like the rest of the products within this range, this cream is enriched with nurturing Propolis which is rich in amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and bioflavonoids. Alongside those, we have Safflower Oil which is said to be an ideal hydrator for dry, sensitive skins, due to it being rich in essential fatty acids. Finally, there is the inclusion of both Shea Butter and Glycerin which provide intense moisturisation to leave hands and feet, nails and cuticles soft and nourished.

I have been using this since it arrived. If you follow me on Instagram, you will have seen that I managed to fall over and tear my ankle ligaments and a tendon, so that has resulted in a few months on crutches and 6 months of wearing an ankle protector, the skin has become quite dry, so I need something with intensive moisture to soothe and I get that with this cream. This cream has what can best be described as a more powdery floral fragrance than anything else within this TSV and that is largely due to the heart notes of lily and rose but there is also the inclusion of sandalwood as a base note to the fragrance which I really like.

The final item within this TSV is a huge one Litre bottle of the Honey & Almond Shower Crème (£21 for 500ml) and I absolutely love this product.  As someone who hates Marzipan (devils food) but absolutely loves the scent of Almonds, this could not be a more amazing product.  Inspired by the soft, sensual feeling of cashmere against bare skin. This gentle formula won’t strip your skin of moisture because it has been specially formulated to respect your skin’s natural moisture barrier and pH. 

Enriched with Honey deeply moisturising and rich in antioxidants and Sweet Almond Extract which works to soothe and nourish skin with its high vitamin E and Protein-rich content, it feels absolutely divine on the skin and smells just as amazing. With a hint of Coconut, there is also a few floral notes which come through too and this gives it a beautiful freshness.

This is possibly the biggest TSV I have ever seen and had the pleasure to review, each one of the bottles is huge and all come with a handy pump to make them easier to handle.  I absolutely adore the Shower Creme and am quite looking forward to seeing how my hair and scalp copes with the shampoo and conditioner too.

This TSV is on sale from Midnight tonight and the price is so incredible at less than £40, it is well worth looking out for!  I would love to know if any of these products have caught your attention and whether or not you have tried anything from SBC before?

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

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.