Caudalie Suncare Collection

Sunscreen is one of those products I wear every single day of the year but absolutely hate. There is something about the smell, which although reminds me of beach holidays, I really don't like, along with the texture of most sunscreens, especially those for the face.  Over the years I have probably made my way through the entire shelves of products available on the Highstreet and found very little I like.  So could the new suncare collection from Caudalie be the answer?

Every year, it is said that 14,000 tons of sun cream is discharged into the oceans which pollutes the marine ecosystem and gets discharged into coral reefs, causing the bleaching and death of these marine animals. The new sun care collection from Caudalie has been formulated without any chemical filters suspected of the disruption, such as Octinoxate, Octocrylene and nanoparticle filters. These products from Caudalie are not only highly biodegradable but also water resistant, do not contain hydrosoluble filters, are non-toxic, silicone-free, alcohol-free, photostable and thermostable. In creating the collection, Mathilde Thomas, one of Caudalie's co-founders said:

For my new suncare range, I didn’t want to compromise between protecting the skin and protecting nature. For many years, we have been working on skincare formulas that give the senses an experience and are eco-friendly.

We all know that when the skin is exposed to the sun, the UVB rays on the surface of the skin cause sunburn whilst the UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the dermis are responsible for photo-ageing which can lead to irreversible damage.

As you can see, the sun care collection features three products which have an SPF30 or an SPF50 and I have been using them daily since they arrived.  As mentioned, I hate that thick, caked on cream feeling you get from most sun creams, the one which makes it feel as though the product is sat on the surface of the skin.  From Caudalie, what you get is a product that is lightweight, it doesn't linger, it isn't greasy or sticky and the scent is just absolute heaven.

For the face, which is the part of my body I really dislike applying sun cream, but still do, we have the Anti-wrinkle Face Suncare in both SPF30 and SPF50, so it is nice to have a choice as to which one would be your preference.

A cream which protects the skin and is enriched with Caudalie's patented antioxidant complex which uses grape polyphenols, offering maximum protection and a powerful anti-wrinkle action.  The cream is really lightweight and for once I love how it feels on my skin, think the texture of a light face cream which absorbs as quick as a serum and this is exactly what both products are like.

• Using Spruce Extract which is rich in specific polyphenols, its job is to strengthen the skin's natural defence system and it works in synergy with the antioxidant action of Grapseed Polyphenols.
• Vitamin E which protects the skin against free radicals and of course
• Organic Grape Water which moisturises and soothes the skin, an amazing ingredient if you have redness on the skin.

There is no sun cream smell to either of these products and because the fragrance comes from the inclusion of Frangipani leaves, there is something just beautiful about the product. I started off using SPF50 and then after a week I switched to SPF30 and I am delighted there is no difference in the texture or how it feels on the skin, as I had fully expected the SPF50 to be a much thicker texture.

When it comes to sun cream for the body, again my issue revolves about the texture, how it feels on the skin and that smell.  Caudalie have two offerings within their collection.  The first is the Beautifying Suncare Oil SPF30 and it offers the skin maximum UVA/UVB protection and leaves the skin with a luxurious, satin-like finish.

Formulated without alcohol and silicones, this oil blends nourishing Grapeseed Oil with Sesame and Sunflower Oils which also help to protect the skin. This oil is also rich in Vitamin E.  As an oil, the first reaction is to assume it will be greasy and tacky on the skin, but it isn't. Thankfully Caudalie has created a dry oil which protects the skin from UVA/UVB rays and one which feels really moisturising on the skin.  It comes in a pump action bottle, so you can spritz it onto the skin and massage in using your fingers and again, there is no residue left on your hands once you have finished using the product.

The scent again comes from the Frangipani Flowers which makes it as beautiful on the skin as it does smell.

The final body products for sun care take the form of a Milky Sun Spray and again you have the option of SPF30 or SPF50.  Again, offering the skin maximum protection from UVA/UVB rays, the Milky Sun Spray can also be used on the face as well as the body.

Again, the summery fragrances come from the use of Frangipani Flowers and as with the rest of the product range, the Milky Sun Spray is enriched with organic grape water but I really like about is the light, milky, non-sticky texture which feels soothing when spritzed on to the skin and it is, as you would expect from Caudalie, moisturising too.  

Until these products arrived from Caudalie, I had given no thought to the consequence of using sun protection on the ocean and Marine Life, the protection of my skin being of sole importance.  But, as we are becoming more Eco-aware of the damage we cause as humans, for me, this has been quite the learning curve.  We can all do more than stop using plastic straws, bags and fast fashion and it is brands like Caudalie that start such conversations, ones for which I am thankful for.

You can find the entire Sun Care collection right here* and with prices starting at £18, it is definitely worth looking into, especially if like, you are simply not a fan of the high street and traditional sun care brands we have all been using for years.

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

Wedding Ready with Cosmetify

Wedding season has arrived and I’ve already been to one and have two more to attend so far this year. Knowing I could see the same people at the next wedding as I did the first, I don’t intend to wear the same outfit or accessories. 

When I got married I eloped abroad, Vegas in fact and because I didn’t have to worry about anyone other than myself and what I was wearing, it was a little bit more relaxed. Attending as a guest to what will be a huge wedding in a few months’ time is a little more stressful. What to wear, keeping in with the chosen theme, how to have my hair, nail polish colour, open sandals which could have a heel or be flat, lipstick shade, eyeshadow... do you have neutral or something slightly more dramatic to see you through to the evening.

Cosmetify is a site I have used a few times recently to help make some of those decisions above. As a beauty discovery website that features over 150,000 products from thousands of brands, you have everything you need right there in front of you. Whether you want something for your skin, makeup, hair or even electrical items and toiletries, they have thought of everything and it is one of the best platforms I have ever used. Like most people, I love to shop online, but having to open numerous windows can sometimes be a bore, so using Cosmetify, what you get is a powerful search engine of products which are shown across multiple retailers, including the likes of John Lewis and Feelunique and what you get is not only the best price but it also means if a product is sold out with one retailer, you can simply buy with another. If your favourite product is sold out with all the retailers, sign up to receive alerts and they’ll let you know as soon as it’s back in.

For the next wedding I am attending, it is a neutral rose gold theme, guests have been asked to keep their colour scheme neutral, which is harder than you think when dresses and outfits are all brightly coloured. Hats are not to be worn and as it is in a coach journey from the church to a stately home, comfort will be key. So my hair will be straight which is the easiest of all options but makeup I’ve found more difficult to choose. 

I love the less is more neutral look with the option of a smokey eye, but as I will be on the go during the day, I wanted a palette I could have the option of using for both looks.

Cosmetify kindly gifted the Stila Perfect Me, Perfect Hue Eye & Cheek Palette which features a selection of easy-to-use eyeshadows and blushers. Within the palette, there are five eyeshadows and two shades of blush, in a variety of matte and shimmer finishes.

Firstly we have Alluring which is a soft pale pink shade and perfect as a base product, Breath-taking which is a soft neutral white which can be used as a highlighter, Passionate is a champagne pearl, Dynamic is a soft taupe which is perfect for the crease or as a lighter shade over the lid, Glamorous is a stunning warm chocolate brown which as well as being used for a smokey eye, can also be used a liner so everything you need to go from a neutral eye look to something a little more smokey. The blush shades are called Romantic is a really soft pale pink and Playful is a soft rose pink and of the two Playful is the one I have used the most and it is stunning.

When it comes to perfume, again, I am a huge fan of the DKNY Apple fragrances and the latest addition to my collection is Be Tempted Eau So Blush Eau de Parfum. A floral-woody fragrance it is perfect for Spring.

Featuring top notes like pink grapefruit, magnolia, red currant and red-orange it opens with quite a stunning citrus fruit scent that is just stunning. Leading into the softer heart notes of peony, jasmine and cedarwood which bring to life the floral notes which really simmer down those fruity notes. The base of creamy woods, apricot and solar musk bring together the top and heart notes to create a wonderful light powdery scent. Perfect for a wedding.

What do you use to get wedding ready? 

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

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.