Temple Spa - Relax and Unwind

When life is incredibly busy and you barely have two minutes for yourself and then one blink and it is already Monday again. Taking time out to relax, even when you have been incredibly busy is really hard, I am naturally a fidget... I sit down after doing some chores and then have itchy feet and get up to do something else, I am one of those people who just has to be busy.

Temple Spa has the mantra "Your Body Is A Living Temple. Honour It. Enjoy Your Life and Live It To The Full" and that really is quite something to think about.  As a brand who started over two decades ago right here in the UK, it is quite amazing to see just how many products there are within the collection.  Whether you want something for stress problems, sleep enhancing, detoxing or hydrating there is something for you, as well as looking for products per issue and concern such as redness and sensitivity, oiliness, combination or sensitive to name to just a few. I was lucky enough to meet up with Liz, one of the Co-founders of Temple Spa to talk through some of the products and get a little about their history and learn a little more about what I could be using to help with rest and relaxation.

The first product Liz suggested as Repose which is an Aromatherapy Resting Cream which is said to calm your soul while it moisturises your skin.  Using a blend of hops valerian, chamomile, frankincense, lavender, patchouli, geranium, bitter orange and clary essential oils are all renowned to aid deep relaxation and bring a sense of calm. On the skin, the silky soft texture of the cream glides onto the skin and absorbs and as it does so, the scents of the essential oils come to life and it is just so incredibly hydrating.

To use, you simply need to take just half a teaspoon size of Repose, I use the enclosed spatula and rub the cream into my palms and then put my hands to my face and breathe deeply before massaging it onto my face, neck and shoulders. As always with Temple Spa products, the ingredients in the formula have been chosen for their natural ability to help aid a night of restful sleep and for Repose, so alongside Lavender which is known for its calming and soothing properties we have:

• Frankincense which helps to bring a sense of calm and deepens breathing to induce the feeling of peace, relaxation and satisfaction
• Chamomile which is known for its soothing and relaxing properties, it has a calming effect and can be used to aid sleep.
• Hops which is known for their calming benefits, they help to control anxiety and stress and relax your body and mind. They help to aid sleep and insomnia giving you a restful night's sleep.

For me, what Repose does is bring about that relaxation, more so when my mind is racing and I'm mentally going through that to-do list sat on my desk and pre-planning what I need to do tomorrow, rather than just taking 5 minutes and it is the winding down before bedtime that I need to get myself into a routine of doing, not checking my phone, pinning on Pinterest or checking any other social media apps.

The second product, Breath of Life is described as being a beautiful aromatherapy essence that helps to bring clarity and energy when you’re feeling tired and stuffed up. 

Breath of Life is one of those products which has a multitude of uses and is the kind of product that you should always have in your stash because you never know when you might need it.  Some of the uses include:

• A must for those embarking on long journeys or when you are in a confined space 
• The ideal product for those suffering from cold, flu, headaches and hayfever 
• Great when you need to clear your head or just feeling a little out of sorts 
• Those seeking to feel energised 
• As an inhalation treatment to clear the head and nasal passages and eliminate stuffiness

Again, if you are familiar with Temple Spa products, it contains some amazing ingredients and they include the essential oils of eucalyptus and tea tree known for their powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties and together they make a powerful duo at killing bacteria and eucalyptus is also found to be mentally relaxing and can aid those who have trouble sleeping. Then we have Mint, which for me tones down the scent of Tea Tree and adds a coolness to the Essence whilst working to help with congestion.

I use this in two ways currently.  The first is to dab a few drops onto my pillow if I am feeling a little bunged up with a cold, the scent helps with making breathing much easier but if I am feeling really run down, then I put a few drops into a bowl of hot water and allow the steam vapour to linger around my bedroom for around half an hour before I go to sleep. You can also inhale the steam over a bowl of hot water, covering your head with a towel and then breathing in to help clear your head.

So two very different products to help when you are feeling really run down and just need to take time out to relax and unwind and just allow yourself time to slow down.

Have you tried any products from Temple Spa or has anything caught your attention from their incredible range of products?

T&C’s:

Excludes all offers and collections on TEMPLESPA.COM/OFFER. Temple Spa reserves the right to withdraw or change promotions at any time. Your unique code is valid against the purchase of REPOSE aromatherapy resting cream only. Your unique code may not be used in conjunction with any other promotional code. Enter your unique code at the checkout at TEMPLESPA.COM. Your unique code is valid until 30th June 2019. All information stated is correct at time of printing and subject to change without notice. We have a no worries no quibbles returns policy, for more information please visit TEMPLESPA.COM/RETURNS. Your unique code saves you an exclusive 20% off your order and free express delivery, no cash alternative available. All orders placed by midday will be dispatched the same day for next working day delivery. To opt out of receiving further communications please visit TEMPLESPA.COM/CONTACT-US. Redeemable online at TEMPLESPA.COM UK only and telephone orders, not available or redeemable in SPATOGO, Spa, in hotel or any other Temple Spa distributor.

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

The Three Steps Towards Finding the Perfect Wedding Ring

Ah, weddings. Who doesn’t love them? They’re often immense fun – especially for the bride
and groom. Preparation for the big day isn’t usually without stress, though. 

Photo by Tikkho Maciel

After all, there’s plenty to consider, from venue booking to curating a playlist. Before any of that, however, your suitor must find the right ring for you. Unless, like many, you’ve decided to buck tradition and buy a band together. 

If this applies to you, but you aren’t sure what to look for, look no further than our three-step guide. 

Wedding Dress 

Like most people, you may already have a style of wedding dress in mind. Perhaps you’ve been thinking about it ever since you were small – and if you have, you certainly aren’t alone. 

The perfect wedding is a lifelong dream for most of us. What does your ideal piece look like? Before you and your betrothed head to a jeweller, you may want to consider this. 

What style will it be, for example? Will it be made of lace or strapless? Pinpoint the general look of your dress, and you may be better able to select a ring that suits it. 

That way, you can guarantee that it compliments your outfit for the big day. 

Colour Scheme 

If your wedding follows a colour scheme, you’ll no doubt want your ring to match it. That’s why it’s typically useful to take this into account when you come to browse for this jewellery item. 

Obviously, classic designs – such as a precious metal band with a diamond centre – are unlikely to look out of place anywhere. But bright stones, like topaz and ruby, may not blend in with certain shades of décor. 

So, why not consider your decorative theme ahead of ring browsing. If you do, you could avoid the risk of tonal clashing. 

And as a result, you’ll be better able to achieve your ideal wedding look. 

Personal Value 

Your wedding ensemble is important – but what the day means to you is crucial. And this extends to your ring. 

At the end of the day, it tends to be more than just a piece of jewellery; it’s often a symbol of the love shared between a couple. 

Look for a ring that holds personal value for you and your beloved, and you’ll be reminded of your special relationship whenever you look at it. 

Keep sentiment in mind, and you might just find the perfect piece. If you’re not sure where to begin, look back to when you and your fiancé first met, specifically the time of year. 

Why don’t you invest in a ring that sports the birth stone for that particular month? Or perhaps a gem that holds significance for the two of you? 

However you decide, look for a ring that you’re likely to love for years to come. 

Finding a wedding ring is generally regarded as a tricky task – but it doesn’t have to be. With these tips, you’ll be able to secure the best style for you.

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

Pixi By Petra - Hydrating Milky Peel

There are so many new releases from Pixi Beauty right now that I just love that there is no much to try, get to know and wait with excitement as to what could possibly come next.  If you have never come across Pixi Beauty before, then the term 'Glow Tonic' should hopefully mean something to you.  For me, Glow Tonic was my introduction to the brand some years ago now and it is still something I have on my bedside table.  

The latest launch I have been loving is the Hydrating Milky Peel (£24) and it is something I was introduced to in the Carnaby Street store when I went in to repurchase a few products as a gift for a friend.

I love my lazy skincare, there are some days when I don't want to be spending half an hour to an hour taking the day off my face using numerous products and I always look to a group of products within my stash that helps me to complete the task in minimal time, whilst still being effective. The Hydrating Milky Peel is described as being a gentle micro-peeling cream which is so gentle, you can use it daily if you wish too.  Its job is to clear away dead skin cells for delicate brightening of the skin.

Coming from Pixi, there is always going to be a whole host of incredible ingredients used to make the product and within the Milky Peel it you will find it is enriched with calming and hydrating coconut which sit alongside some skin-balancing probiotics and natural humectant, cellulose which gently exfoliates the skin, without stripping it, to lift away dead and dry skin cells, as well as dirt, impurities and toxins and it, does all of this without aggravating the skin.  There is also the inclusion of arginine which helps to increase collagen and elastin production for firmer, plumper skin but it also acts as an antioxidant to the skin too.

Packaged inside a squeezy tube, you need just a thin layer adding to cleansed skin whilst avoiding the eye area. The instructions state that you should gently massage and rinse away after 3 minutes. So for me, this is where the lazy but effective skincare aspect comes into play because 3 minutes really isn't going to delay you or stop you from getting on with your day. I always add mine before getting into the shower and I rinse it off there using a cloth that has been under warm running water.  I really like the texture of this Peel, if you have used the Peel and Polish, then it is similar to that, but without the fruity scent, this one instead has a slight Coconut scent, which I absolutely love.

The end result using this Milky Peel is for me, quite something.  I have mentioned quite regularly that I have combination skin which leans to the oily side but in doing so, I have dry patches of skin on the cheeks and often between my brows, so those are the areas I tend to pay the most attention too when it comes to exfoliating.  I always opt to use something that is non-abrasive unless I feel the need to add more pressure and this Peel does everything I really need it too.  I love that it can be used daily, though I tend to use it just a few times a week for the time being.    I find the Milky Peel to be instantly cooling on my skin and it definitely hydrates and works incredibly well on those dry patches of skin without exacerbating the problem.

The Pixi Hydrating Milky Collection contains no less than 8 products which includes a Cleanser, Tonic, Makeup Remover, Lotion, Serum, Mist and of course this Peel. For me, this is definitely a line of products I want to explore fully and I have my eye on both the Cleanser and the Serum right now.

Are you a fan of Pixi by Petra Beauty and do you have a favourite product?

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

Alpha-H Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask

It is no secret that I absolutely adore Alpha-H Skincare and one of my favourite products right now is the Essential Skin Perfecting Moisturiser which I wear every single day! I also, naturally adore Liquid Gold and if my skin is incredibly dry to the touch, I use a thick layer of the Essential Hydration Cream and it solves the problem! The latest launch to the Alpha-H family is the Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

We all know that daily stresses, hormonal imbalance and toxins in our environment can play havoc with our skin when our body is under attack from stress, hormone cortisol rises, activating the skin to produced thickened sebum, which can lead to oily complexions and clogged pores. Modern-day environmental aggressors such as pollution can also damage the skin's natural barrier function, creating holes in its protective layer and leaving the skin vulnerable.  These are just some of the reasons Alpha-H have created the Clear Blemish Control Mask.

Alpha-H Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask is a deep cleansing mask with white Clay to gently draw out toxins and impurities while rebalancing the skin.  The Natural Antiseptic properties of tea tree, eucalyptus and aloe vera help to calm the skin and reduce inflammation.

This mask is perfect for applying after thoroughly cleansing the skin. You only need to apply a thin layer to the skin and leave it on for a maximum of 10 minutes before removing using a warm cloth. You can also apply it at night as an emergency 'spot' treatment to target individual blemishes.  

Key benefits:

• Cooling, detoxifying and purifying mask
• Absorbs excess sebum to inhibit the formation of blemishes
• Works to clear pores of debris which may cause acne
• Smooths, softens and revitalises skin
• Perfect for calming hormonal outbreaks during pregnancy

The Alpha-H Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask is not the white colour I was expecting it to be, instead, it is a pale grey coloured cream which has a fairly thick texture, but it is easy to spread over the skin, but I do use a brush and not my fingers. I unexpectedly really like the strong tea tree scent of this mask, usually, it would put me off, but here is another ingredient which masks the total potency.  Also, if you have a cold, as I did, then my gosh this is an absolute dream to apply because it does a great job at helping you to be able to breathe.

On the skin, this mask does go hard owing to the inclusion of White Clay but is easy to remove with a cloth and warm water. As this is a Blemish Control Mask, then you don't need to apply it to your entire face, but instead just to the areas where you are prone to breakouts. For me, this would be my jawline and because I suffer from redness on my cheeks, then I have used it there and across my nose. This mask is also Ideal for oily skins which require frequent mattifying treatments and because there is the inclusion of Macadamia Seed and Jojoba Oils which nourish the skin, after using, instead of feeling stripped and in need of moisture, my skin is left feeling hydrated and smooth to the touch.

I do have combination/oily skin, so I like to use products which will draw out impurities and unclog my pores without irritating my skin more than is needed and often with clay in masks, I find my skin does flare up and become irritated, so I will always do a patch test before using.   This is not one of those masks to irritate my skin and I love that it is something you only need to apply for 10minutes at a time, meaning it is quick to use and because I am only using so little, it is going to last a very long time.  I am especially looking forward to using it during the hotter months owing to how cooling it feels on my skin.

Priced a £22.95 it is available from Cult Beauty* and is an absolute bargain!

Are you a fan of Alpha-H?

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