Kiko Milano Pure Clean Water Micellar Cleansing Water

I have a love-hate relationship with Micellar Waters, pretty much all of the ones I've used I've never finished the bottles of because I grow bored of them, odd when skincare is a huge part of my routine. I am an avid double cleanser and do this task at least once a day of an evening. 

This new Kiko Milano Pure Clean Micellar Water arrived through my letterbox some time ago now and because I love the brand and adore their makeup, I was keen to see how this would work out.

Described as being a Micellar makeup removal water for normal to dry skin, it quickly and delicately removing impurities, traces of smog and makeup residue, without needing to rinse afterwards.  As you can see the packaging is incredibly basic, but everything you need to know about the product is visible to read and see, the only issue for me is that due to the size of the bottle, it isn't great for travelling with, so it is something you would need to decant if you wanted to take it anywhere with you because there are no smaller sizes available.

Inside the bottle, the formula is really lightweight and water like and to use, you simply soak a cotton wool pad and wipe it across the skin to remove makeup and anything else lurking on the skin.  The idea of a Micellar Water is that the micelles are attracted to dirt and oil, so they are able to draw out impurities without drying out the skin.  This product does a great job at removing most of my makeup, but where it lets itself down is when it comes to removing waterproof mascara, eyeliner and heavy eye makeup, even if you saturate the cotton pad and press it to the skin for a few minutes, it still doesn't remove as much as I want it to do and as such, I am left having to use a balm to cleanse my face.  If you wear just a light face of makeup and don't use the mascaras such as They're Real by Benefit, then this Micellar water works absolutely fine and will remove everything you want it too, but it just didn't work how I wanted it too.

Priced at £4.99 this Micellar Water is available online and in-store from Kiko (here).  I would love to know if you have found a Micellar Water which ticks all your boxes!

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

May GLOSSYBOX - Trending Beauty

This month Glossybox is titled Trendy Beauty and it is all about embracing high-end beauty trends.  Featuring five full-sized products, inside the box is everything from mineral makeup, nail care and skin care which have all been chosen to keep you 'en-vogue'.

The first item from the box comes from Beauty Kitchen and it is the Netruline Natural 0% Petroleum Lip Treatment.   It is said that 2019 will become all about sustainable beauty and one which is already on the case is Beauty Kitchen.  This Lip Treatment is made with 100% natural ingredients and it works to moisturise and protect your lips for up to 8 hours.  

As well as the balm being 100% natural, the packaging is also 100% recyclable and is made from recycled tinplate.  It retails for £2.99 and is an amazing alternative to other brands.

Next is a Rose Mineral Blush from Annabelle Minerals and again, mineral makeup is very much on trend right now and it is something I have been trying for a good few months.  Made from natural and lightweight ingredients, this blush is suitable for all skin types and it also helps to heal, soothe and protect your complexion.

Formulated with 4 mineral ingredients that help to maintain healthy skin, I really like the pinkness of the blush and love the fact it is 100% organic.  It has an RRP £12.50.

Mudmasky is a brand I have come to know through beauty boxes and over time I have used a few products from the range.  Inside this months Glossybox is the Aftermask Vitamin Serum.  This serum is described as being at the forefront of an up-and-coming trend.  It is the first skincare product in the world that has been designed to be used after a facemask, it nourishes your complexion with vitamins your skin will be craving - especially after an intense clay, charcoal and peel off treatment.   

This serum is lightweight, it uses ingredients such as Himanthalia Elongata which is known to balance your skin's pH as well as helping to restore the skin’s moisture levels as well as to provide high levels of Vitamins A, C and E along with essential amino acids and other natural minerals. Himanthalia Elongata also helps to balance your skin’s pH. Also included is Sea Fennel, Rose Water and Dulce, all of which are vitamin packed and help to protect and nurture the skin.

When it comes to makeup, Barry M is one of those brands I go through stages of using.  Within this months Glossybox, we have the Chisel Cheeks Contour Cream Kit.  Contouring is one of those trends you either love or hate and it shows no sign of going away.

For 2019, it is said to be time for forgetting that over-sculpted look and instead focus on subtle definition. To that end, Barry M have created this palette which includes 6 super blendable, professional cream shades in both light and dark shades and depending on your skin tone, there should be a shade which works perfectly for you.  This palette has an RRP £7.99

The final item in my box comes from Nailberry and it is the Little Treasure Nourishing Cuticle Oil.  I do the best I can to look after my nails and that also includes my cuticles, but using an oil is something I have never been too good at.

Little Treasure is a is a hydrating, protecting and repairing nail and cuticle oil and not only is it 12 free it is also Vegan, Gluten Free and Cruelty-free. It uses concentrated Sweet Almond Oil which is known to protect and repair both the nails and cuticles against peeling, dryness and cracking.  Then there is Vitamins A, E, B1, B2 & B6 which richly hydrate the nails and the cuticles.  When used, Little Treasures imparts a subtle scent of lemons which is just divine.  This Oil has an RRP £17.

Putting all of these products together, it makes for one great box again from Glossybox. If that isn't enough, this month Glossybox has partnered with Remington and inside some boxes will be a Golden Ticket and if you are one of the lucky winners, you will win one of their latest styling tools, the Curl & Straight Confidence 2-in-1 Straightener.

As always you can subscribe to Glossybox right here and if you use the code BQUEEN20 you can get yourself 20% off that first box!  

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

Relax, de-stress and wind down with Gorgeous Shop

I make no secret of how much I look forward to my Sunday Pamper, it is something that has become quite the theme on my Instagram and one I get a lot of questions about when it comes to which products I use, which products do I use to relax and unwind and ultimately how do I create a relaxing atmosphere.  The true answer is, it all depends on which scents you like, which room is your favourite to relax in and what lighting helps.  For Christmas, my main present was a Himalayan Salt Lamp, something I had been obsessing over for quite some time.  I have read so many reviews as to how they help promote a relaxing atmosphere and it is also believed to filter dust, mould, mildew and pet odour from indoor air.  As well as using lights and candles, there is a whole host of products which I have used to help relax and create that calming atmosphere. 

The Gorgeous Shop was founded back in 2007 and they feature the latest offerings from over 100 amazing brands which include bareMinerals, ELEMIS, St. Tropez, Decléor, ghd, Kérastase and many more. I love how well set out the website is and how easy it is to navigate to what product you want, whether it is choosing by brand, subject or concern. 

I was kindly sent a package of products to help me to create that relaxing feel at home, especially after a pretty hectic week in the office, a trip back to my parents for a special occasion, a catch up with the family and then back to London before heading straight into the office and then falling ill.  So I had everything I needed in this package to take a few hours off to relax and recharge.

The first product comes from Decleor and as a brand, it is not one I am all that familiar with, so I was chuffed to see it in my box.  The Rose D'Orient Bath and Shower Gel (£18 for 250ml here) and it is described as being a gentle body wash infused with aromatic Rose Essential Oil.  

I love that there is an option to use it in the shower or the bath and I have used it both ways and for me, the preference is to use it in the shower because there is something incredible about the fragrance as it comes into contact with the steam of the water vapour.  Made with 98% natural ingredients, this product is perfect for all skin types, it has the freshest and most delicate rose scent which lingers on the skin, but also notes of both Lavender and Neroli which together help to soothe and calm whilst at the same time alerting the senses.  After using, I love how smooth my skin feels to the touch.

One of my absolute favourite brands is Omorovicza and I have raved about them many times on my blog.  The Refining Facial Polisher (£60 100ml here) works to deeply cleanse dull, lacklustre skin, whilst smoothing the skin's texture for a bright, even complexion. To do this, the facial polisher has a whole host of fascinating key ingredients and they include calcium and magnesium to exfoliate the skin's dead cells and impurities, leaving pores purified. Copper Gluconate which acts as an astringent to help regulate sebum production and ground pumice stone sloughs away dead skin cells to encourage new cell turnover. If you are familiar with any products from Omorovicza, then the term 'Hydro Mineral Transference™' will mean something to you, what it does is to help the minerals to deeply penetrate into the skin and its unique formula also contains exotic fruit extracts which plump and tone skin, whilst strengthening the surface barrier to help improve firmness. 

To use, it is a simple case of massaging onto the skin in circular motions starting from the nose area before moving outwards to the rest of the face. At this point, it needs to be left on the skin for up to two minutes before being removed with warm water and a cloth, once this has been done, there is an immediate change in how my skin feels, it is not only soft and smooth to the touch, but all the dead and dry skin cells that had lingered have now gone and it makes a lovely treat to use.

Next is the Tisserand Aromatherapy De-Stress Body Massage Oil (£9.95 per 100ml here). Described as being a calming body oil designed to still the mind and soothe the senses. This oil, which is widely available, a unique blend of lavender, marjoram and mandarin essential oils which help to soothe, restore and restore and they work alongside a vitamin and antioxidant-rich omega 6 and 9 blend.  Ideally, this oil needs the help of your nearest and dearest to help apply and massage it onto and into the skin.  

For me, one of the first signs of being stressed is my shoulders, they ache and are often painful to the touch, so this is always the place I am in need of a massage and this oil really hits the spot and helps to relieve that built up tension, from there, the tension moves down my arms and towards my lower back where a dull ache sets in, so again, a massage here is just heavenly.  The scent of this oil is just divine and it really comes to life when it is rubbed between the palms of the hands and then applied to the skin, if it could be turned into a candle, it would be one of the most relaxing scents you would come across and for me, whilst the Mandarin essential Oil is most definitely present, it is actually the Marjoram which has a slightly warm and spicy scent to it, which stands out for me.

The final item in my package comes from Spacemasks and it is the Self-Heating Eye Masks (£15 per box here). If you have never tried these masks, then you need too because they are just incredible.  To use, you should ensure you are fully ready to lay back and relax for at least 15 minutes, so for me, I will have showered or bathed, completed my skincare routine and either be ready for going to bed or having an afternoon nap. Inside each of the pouches is a Jasmine-infused eye mask, which you place over your eyes, attach the strings around your ears and then lay back and allow your relaxation journey to begin.    

What I love is how relaxing the Jasmine scent is, it happens to be one of my favourite fragrances and it is one which is just incredible for helping to de-stress, wind down and soothe the mind.  As the mask is removed from the pouch, they immediately begin to warm and the heating process works by a thin layer of iron filings entwining with the oxygen molecules in the air. It is totally safe to use and does not irritate the skin. 

Putting all of these products into one relaxation and pampering session is just incredible to clear the cobwebs from your mind and help wind down and de-stress.  I would love to know what products you use and whether there is anything you would recommend.

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

Calcot Manor Country Spa Retreat Accessories

I have never been to a spa. Seriously. Never spent a weekend being pampered and whilst I always look in awe of those in my social media feed who are seemingly in the most amazing surroundings, there is something about home comforts which I adore.

Calcot Manor Country Spa Retreat is a luxury Cotswold Retreat which looks just absolutely stunning and offers everything you need for that ultimate switch off, pamper, de-stress and calm experience, not to mention an incredible food menu to boot.  But, if you can't make it to the spa, thankfully, the spa can come to you and I have been trying out a few products from the range over the last few weeks which I am sharing today.

I am a big believer in using accessories which make your skincare work, a lesson I learnt a long time ago and here I have a whole host of products, which you can find in Tesco priced upwards from just £3.

The first one if the Cactus Bristle Body Brush (£7) and what I like about these brushes, an item I have had in my bathroom for years, is that you can use them wet or dry, depending on your preference.  

Using this brush wet, you simply massage your skin using your favourite shower gel, lotion or potion of choice and what it does, is to help you reach those hard to reach places, which for me is the middle of my back.  I also use mine with an exfoliating body wash to ensure my back, the back of my legs, shoulders and rest of my body are really given a thorough work out.  To use the brush dry, I tend to grab a coffee scrub and massage it onto my skin and then use the brush in circular motions to really get things moving, it is a great way to help improve and increase your circulation.

The bristles are made from Cactus and are not overly abrasive on the skin, though if you apply too much pressure then you might feel a slight tug on the skin. It has a fairly long handle, so for me, it reaches the parts of my skin that I need it to without problems.

Next, we have the Super Moisture Bamboo Gloves and these are an incredible purchase for just £3 and if you see them in your local store or online, grab some. I have purchased an extra pair so I have a backup.

If you have really dry skin on your hands or if you want to simply give your hands a really good pampering, then these gloves tick those boxes.  To use, you grab your favourite hand cream, smoother your hands in it and then apply these gloves and then let the cream works its magic.  If you are pushed for time then you can wear these gloves for up to 20-30 minutes but for me, the best use is to wear them overnight.  As a treatment, I tend to wear these gloves overnight 1-2 times a week during the colder months and then once every other week in the summer months, unless I feel my hands need more TLC.

The Super Smoothing Scrub Mitt (£3.50) is a great alternative to a shower puff or body brush and I have really enjoyed using this one. 

The glove fits over the hand and is a great way to exfoliate the skin. Again using natural Cactus Sisal, it isn't overly abrasive, but it does work incredibly well to remove dead and dry skin.  I use mine with my body lotion and if I feel I need to exfoliate some harder to remove skin, then I apply an exfoliating body scrub too.  The softer side of the glove is great for wiping down the skin after exfoliating and it is so soft and smooth and again, it helps to lather your body lotion and give your skin a really good clean.

When it comes to face products, I absolutely love to use a Muslin Cloth for cleansing with and from Calcot Manor I have a pack of two clothes (£3) and a double-sided Bamboo Face Cloth (£3).

For me, a muslin cloth is a must have item in my skincare collection. I always have a surplus of them washed ready to be used and because I double cleanse every single day, I always use a balm as my cleanse and this is when I use them.  I find them incredibly good at helping to remove everything from my skin that the cleansing balm has just lifted and because they are slightly more abrasive than a flannel, they also gently exfoliate your skin at the same time. It was a Liz Earle event I attended some years back who encouraged me to use a Muslin Cloth with the Hot Polish Cleanser and I have stuck to using them ever since.

The Muslin Cloths from Calcot Manor are so soft and smooth to the touch and do such an incredible job on my skin, much better than some of the more expensive cloths I have.

The final product is the Double-Sided Bamboo Face Cloth (£3) and it isn't something I had used before. It is made from luxuriously soft bamboo which has been delicately woven and on the skin, it feels just divine.

Said to be naturally antibacterial, this cloth is great for using with a foaming cleanser and it brings that product to life and really does give your face a good deep clean. If you feel your skin needs a really good exfoliation, then the rougher side of the cloth is the one to use, whilst it does remove dead skin cells, it doesn't irritate or scratch the skin. I use my cloth a few times a month when my skin needs a really good work out and it is just brilliant.

For me, this has been a really good introduction to Calcot Manor Country Spa accessories and I am delighted they are all so readily available in Tesco and alongside these products is a whole host of others I am wanting to try.

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