Merumaya Effective Skincare - Mineral Cleansing Paste

Merumaya is a brand I have a lot of time for and it is one I am yet to find something I dislike and I have featured them on my blog a few times now with products such as the Retinol Resurfacing Treatment (here). The latest product I have almost finished using up is the Mineral Cleansing Paste, a Vegan cleanser which is gentle enough to be used daily but effective enough if you just want to use it a few times a week. 

If you feel your skin is dull, has large pores and blackheads, is flaky, oily, dry, dehydrated, is uneven in both skin tone and texture, there are dark spots, if your skin is fatigued or sleep deprived, patchy, sluggish, sallow or if you have spots and scars, then Mermumaya claim that this cleanser is for you.  Cleansing is a huge part of my skincare routine and I love discovering new products to use.

This Mineral Cleansing Paste has a beautifully thick texture, so you only need to lightly squeeze the tube, otherwise, you will have more than you need.  Full of amazing minerals, what I love about this brand is that there is always a reason to include key ingredients and every time there is an explanation as to why Meleka (Founder of Merumaya) has included them. As the name might suggest with this product, it does contain some minerals and they include the likes of:

• Magnesium - Over the past few years, magnesium has appeared in more and more beauty products and it is known for its anti-stress and anti-fatigue properties. For the skin, it provides cells with the energy to combat daily stressors and also facilitates the metabolism of fatty acids required to maintain the skin’s protective barrier, and Vitamin C needed to synthesise collagen.
• Zinc - Another ingredient I am slowly learning more about. Described as being essential for skin healing and it also provides antioxidant protection. Deficiency in Zinc is attributed to skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema. It's antimicrobial properties prevent acne and breakouts
• Copper - I have seen Copper in a few skincare products and within this cleansing paste it helps form elastin, which in turn helps to keep the skin supple and gives it bounce. It is also critical for the absorption and use of Iron as well as the production of melanin, needed for skin tanning
• Iron - It is said that Iron is essential for oxygenation of the skin, which gives a healthy glow. It also hosts anti-inflammatory properties which in turn stimulates collagen production.
• Silicon - Described as being the key in the formation of collagen to keep skin firm and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. It also improves skin’s strength and elasticity
• Corindon 100 - An ingredient I have not come until now, but within this paste, it provides microdermabrasion thanks to its powdery-fine texture. It exfoliates and polishes skin, leaving it super smooth and glowing. It's so gentle even sensitive skins can benefit. It's also biodegradable, so won’t harm fish or add plastic to our seas.
• Sweet Almond Oil - High in Vitamin E for antioxidant protection, it also acts as a ‘wash-on’ moisturiser to comfort and nourish dry and sensitive skins.

As a micro-exfoliator, there is nothing harsh or abrasive to irritate the skin and when I use it, I apply a thin layer to dry skin but then with wet hands, massage the paste in circular motions to make it work my skin.  I have combination oily skin which means I have dry patches of skin which need a little extra TLC from time to time otherwise the dryness turns flaky and it just looks horrendous.  So with this Mineral Cleansing Paste, I have the option of using this daily or a few times a week depending on how my skin is feeling. After using, my skin feels soft and smooth to the touch, not in any way dry or taut and it smells just divine.

Priced at £18.50, if you need something to give your skin a boost, then this Merumaya Mineral Cleansing Paste is definitely the one you need to be trying.

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

Simple Human Sensor Mirror Pro

I was forever moaning I didn't have a decent mirror or enough light to do my face and makeup, we have so far whilst living in this flat successfully managed to break 3 mirrors, one has survived which is part of my wardrobe, but it just isn't big enough and it isn't near enough to the light for me to see very much!  Then I was sent a Simple Human Sensor Mirror, which is just incredible.  Now, I have been using this mirror for almost a year now and this is the first time I have reviewed it and the reason is because I simply wanted to get to grips with it, give a real run for its money to see whether or not I thought it was worthy (it is) of its price tag and now I have got used to it, it has become an integral part of my life, so much so, it is used multiple times a day and I just love it. 

The clever beings behind the mirror have a simple mantra in life and that is to design everyday tools to help people become more efficient at home and they are always simple, functional, and built to last and there are quite a few products within the range which make you go 'Ah yes, that would make life easier', one of them being this Sensor Mirror.

Now it is a bit techy but it is the technology that is important and having used this mirror pretty much daily for the last three months, I think I have got to grasps with how it actually works properly. Designed so that you can see yourself in the best life, this sensor mirror lights up automatically as your face approaches and for me, it is this simple motion that is just so clever, no buttons to press, no dials to twist to get the right light, it is all done for you.

Using surgical grade LED's to disperse the light evenly with a unique pattern of micro-reflectors throughout the ring it ensures there is no loss of light and by also using its tru-lux light system to simulate natural sunlight you get to see full-colour variation. The claim is that the LEDs are supposed to outlast you even with daily use and you should never have to change a bulb:

Our mirror’s LEDs have been rated to perform like new after 40,000 hours — that’s an hour a day, everyday, for more than 100 years.

With a colour rendering index (CRI) of 90, the tru-lux light system closely simulates natural sunlight and the full colour spectrum to show every detail. So if your makeup is slightly off, or you have missed a bit of foundation when applying, this mirror will let you see what you have done because it gives 5x the magnification. If you have dry flaking skin on your cheeks like me, but from afar your foundation looks fine, using this mirror, you will see absolutely every detail.   The mirror also tilts back fully so you always have a clear, comfortable view — even while standing up. 

I wear glasses, so squinting into an ordinary mirror can be a royal pain in the backside because I just cannot see everything. The lighting with this is incredible and it really does do a good job of mimicking natural sunlight without there being any direct light and of course, because it is a ring of light, it illuminates evenly. The light isn't hard on my eyes, as it is not so bright that it’s going to light up a room and wake anyone who happens to be sleeping, it is just right for the person sitting in front of it. I like the size and magnification because again, wearing glasses means I have probably always missed something as I can't apply most of my makeup whilst wearing them, with this mirror, I can see my features more closely and I think I have done a better job at applying my products. 

It has also been designed to be cordless which is something I cheered about because I then don't need to have yet more wires everywhere and it easily recharges with the included USB cord and plug adapter, and one charge lasts up to 5 weeks and cleverly when you have finished, it automatically turns off.  I also like that there is a bit of weight to the mirror, mainly within the stand, but having three cats who like to see quite close up exactly what it is you are doing, knowing that it won't fall over easily with a waft of a tail is really reassuring.

I just love that despite the technology, this mirror is simple and easy to use. There are no long overly-complicated manuals to read, there are no parts that need to be put together, you simply open the box, take out the mirror and use it.  It is priced at £169.99 here and there are different sizes available, depending on your preference.

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

Verdant Alchemy Drift Off Bath Salts

The best day of the week as far as I am concerned is Sunday, also known as ME day to anyone who follows me on Instagram.  The one day of the week that I take an hour or two out to have some 'me' time and it usually revolves around a long hot soak, a face and hair mask.  If I find it relaxing them I am using it.

One item I am always happy to claim as being underrated are bath salts and I have said it numerous times within blog posts.  The recent addition to my bathroom comes from Verdant Alchemy and until now, I had never come across them.

Located in South East London, Verdant Alchemy was established in 2018 to provide a natural and non-toxic alternative to mass-marketed bath and skincare. Verdant Alchemy believes in harnessing mother nature most effective ingredients. Creating chemical and toxin free vegan products which are completely natural. They are committed to providing you with healthy and safe products that are sustainably packaged. We encourage re-usability of all of our packaging.

• No Phthalates, No Parabens, No DEA/TEA/MEA
• No Color Pigments, No Formaldehyde
• No Preservatives, No Isopropyl Alcohol
• No Mineral Oil, No PEGs
• No Propylene Glycols, No Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, No Triclosan, No Talc
• No Petrolatum
• No Animal Testing

The brand focuses on creating products that aren’t simply relaxing, but also beneficial to the body.  With that in mind, I was kindly sent the Drift Off Mineral Bath Salts which are designed to calm your mind and help you drift off.  I often find myself waking up in the middle of the night, then I can never drift off to sleep, so I am always keen to try and find products that ensure I get 5-6 hours sleep without resorting to medication.  Drift Away is one of those products you can smell before you open the box and it is just lovely.

What I love about these salts is the ingredients and of course how I feel after using them as well as the bathing experience too.  With a whole host of key ingredients, such as Epsom and Dead Sea Salts which host entirely different, many amazing properties and they work alongside some incredible essential oils too.  This is what you will find:

• Epsom Salt - Known for having a high content of magnesium, a mineral that helps the body maintain healthy muscle and nerve functions, it also helps to alleviate everyday stresses such as anxiety. A relaxing Epsom salt bath will help to replenish magnesium levels and fuel our body to ease inflammation, improve sleep and concentration, and help muscles recover after exercise.
• Dead Sea Salt - This is one of my favourite bath salt ingredients because not only it is known for its therapeutic properties, but it also contains 21 minerals which include magnesium, calcium, potassium, calcium, sodium, and bromide. All of these minerals help the body by promoting healing, balance and relaxation while recharging and promoting natural skin health. Soaking in Dead Sea salts are also known to work wonders for dry skin ailments.
• White Kaolin Clay - Used within a product such as this, the clay works as a mild detoxifier that helps to stimulate circulation and purify the skin, allowing the body to eliminate toxins naturally.
• Lavender - One of my favourite products in relaxing products and known as one of the worlds most versatile essential oils. It is described as being a natural relaxant which helps to calm your mind and aid sleep.
• Mandarin - A warm, slightly sweet citrus note that also helps to calm and relax as well as helping to reduce anxiety and promote sleep.
• Patchouli - This has more of a musky fragrance to give that earthy scent but at the same time it helps to uplift the mood and stimulate circulation. Known for its soothing and calming properties to help the mind to induce a restorative sleep. 
• Vetiver - Another of my favourite ingredients in products like this and one with a beautiful woody note too it.  Proven to relieve anxiety and promote relaxation and sleep.

As soon as the lid is removed from the tub of bath salts, the scent comes to life and it is one which is immediately relaxing.  

When using products like this, I always follow the advice given and that is to ensure I drink plenty of water before and after to prevent dehydration.  Once the water within the bath is running, I take a scoop of bath salts and allow the steam vapour to capture the scent of the oils as the salts dissolve into the water.  An incredibly relaxing experience and one which really does help to calm and destress making them perfect for use in an evening or later afternoon if you have had a stressful working week.  Priced at just £12 for 100g and £26 for 250g you can find these salts online via Verdant Alchemy and Wolf and Badger.

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

Tropic Skincare Pure Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum

Tropic Skincare is a brand I absolutely love and if you like multipurpose balms, then the Tamanu Balm (review here) is an absolute must-have product.  Today is the turn of Pure Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum, a product which is described as being new age and blemish-busting.

Pure Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum is said to offer transformative results for spot-prone skin with a new approach to blemish-busting. It is incredibly rare that I have a breakout of spots, one might fester painfully under my skin just before my period arrives, constantly threatening to break the skin, but touch wood, I've been lucky enough not to be much of a spot sufferer.  I do however often suffer from redness to the skin which flares up if I am stressed and having combination/Oily skin can cause a whole host of other issues.

Lightweight in texture, Pure Lagoon is packed full of amazing ingredients and I am always fascinated in reading about what is included within a product before it goes anywhere near my skin.  Firstly we have Bioflavonoids and Prebiotics which helps your skin’s natural flora to ward off spot-causing bacteria and stops the spot-forming cycle. Then we have blue Spirulina and Malachite Crystal extract which not only give this serum its blue hue, but they are rich in copper and have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Together they not only reduce redness of any existing blemishes but they also help to maintain a calmer and more clarified complexion. Hyaluronic Acid helps to deliver an intense burst of hydration and then added to that is Watermelon fruit extract, which not only gives this serum a light fragrance but also helps with moisture levels. Also included is Zinc PCA and it is said to help reduce sebum levels quickly after use and its production over time, plus when it is combined with Vitamin B3, it also helps pores to look refined for a smooth finish. Then finally we have Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) and its job is to help spot-prone complexions to turn over a new leaf by preventing dead skin cells and sebum buildup with mild exfoliation.

Depending on your skin type will depend on how you get the best usage out of this product. The advice is that if you have oily skin then twice a day will give you the best benefits whereas combination skin needs to use it just once a day. To use, you simply deep 3-6 drops onto freshly cleansed skin and pat it with your fingers. What I like is how easy it is to use and just how divine the blue colour is and of course having my own initialled bottle is rather cool!

I was also delighted to see the inclusion of some Malachite crystals within my package because not only is it an ingredient within the serum, but it is also an extremely powerful metaphysical stone, Malachite is often called the “stone of transformation” and is used for deep energy cleaning, bringing healing and positive transformation to the wearer. Something I am taking an interest currently is Crystals and their healing power.

Pure Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum is priced at £42 and is available from Tropic Skincare (here). All products are naturally derived and made fresh in the Tropic Surrey Beauty Kitchen, they are also Vegan and cruelty-free. Have you tried anything from Tropic Skincare?

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