Ancienne Ambiance London Goddess Argan Beauty Oil

I am a huge fan of beauty oils, whether they are for the bath, the skin, hair, face or body and part of me wishes I had discovered them sooner.  Ancienne Ambiance London is a brand that has been featured on my blog before, firstly with candles and secondly with some of the most delicate fragrances I have come across.  Today, it is the turn of a Beauty Oil, the Goddess Argan Beauty Oil (£40 here).

For me, using oil is an integral part of my skincare routine and depending on how my skin or hair is feeling, I introduce an oil.  This Goddess Oil is a blend of rare organic Argan oil, produced using methods which date right back to 1550 BC when it is said the Phoenicians first recorded it as a beauty oil. Naturally rich in Vitamin E, antioxidants and skin nourishing properties, it also contains Squalene, a unique component that hydrates and protects, working with the natural oils in the skin.

A skincare magic wand, Goddess Oil has so many amazing benefits. Ideal to infuse face and body with nourishing hydration, it is also perfectly created to enrich dry split ends and relieve dry scalp concerns.

The Goddess Argan Beauty Oil is a product which is a bit of a multitasker and it can be used in so many different ways, which include:

• A Face Oil: So nourishing it helps to regenerate skin cells overnight without clogging pores.
• A Cleansing Oil: This is one of my favourite ways to use this oil as it does an incredible job at not only removing every single trace of makeup but also those hard to remove waterproof mascaras. I always use a hot damp cloth on my face before using this oil and then simply let the oil remove every last trace of makeup on my face and along with it, all On sort of other nasties.
• On the hands and body: Goddess Oil strengthens skin elasticity, reduces the appearance of stretch marks and works to prevent skin peeling and cracking. So, I have been using this oil after showering whilst my skin is still damp and I love how smooth my skin feels, especially my shins which usually resemble lizard skin. On the hands, you can add a few drops into your hand cream as an added extra, or simply rub in any excess oil from other treatments, it is said to work amazingly well for the cuticles.
• On the Hair and Scalp:I am a convert to hair oils and the Goddess Argan Oil is great for use on dry or damp hair, it doesn't leave it feeling weighed down or greasy. You can use it to tame flyaways, as a hair mask before shampooing, to dry and frizzy ends or for the scalp, using a cotton bud, simply apply the oil to the irritated and dry areas, leave it on the scalp overnight and wash out in the morning - this is something I really want to try.
• On the feet: Much as the same way you would use this on the hands, I have smothered my feet in this oil, put on my moisturising socks and left it on overnight to soak in. The end result is soft and smooth skin on my feet.
• Massaging: If you have sore achy joints and muscles, for me it is usually my shoulders, then you can sweet talk your other half into giving you a massage and use this oil.

Such a relaxing oil which smells sweetly of Grapes and sweet almonds and both are fragrances I absolutely love and enjoy.  As this is an oil, it does have quite a thick texture to it, so a little goes a long way and once on the skin and massaged in, there is no greasy residue or feeling left behind, just the fragrant sweet almonds.

Do you use an oil in your beauty regime? Have you ever tried one if you don't?

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

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.