Bowe Organics Lash Oil and Lip Rescue Balm Review

I love discovering new brands, especially the ones you don't see plastered all over your social media, though most of the time they deserve to be.  Bowe Organics is one of those brands, founded by Diane Bowe, a freelance hairdresser living in London.  She stumbled into the world of Organic beauty when she started to use organic colours and products for her hairdressing back in 2012. This is where her passion fuelled journey began.

I was kindly sent two items from the collection which includes a Lash Oil and a Lip Rescue Balm and both products are Vegan, cruelty-free and packed full of amazing ingredients.

The Lash Oil (£19.99) is described as being for everyone who wants beautiful hydrated lashes and I love that it comes packaged inside a bottle which features a pipette to ensure the application is really easy. I have used quite a few lash products over the years and whilst one or two have irritated my eyes, this one hasn't at all. 

Using the pipette, the idea is that you apply one or two drops to your fingertips and then gently massage into clean, dry eyelashes taking care not to get into the eyes. Diane claims that it works best when applied on an evening before bedtime.

Packed with a whole host of luxury ingredients which includes organic castor oil which can help thicken and lengthen lashes, Jojoba Oil which penetrates deep into the follicle and because there is a high content of vitamins A, D and E it is extremely hydrating. Also included is:

• Vitamin E Oil which is high in antioxidants and works to protect
• Rosehip Oil which is rich in Omega 6 fatty acid and Vitamin A which helps to replenish. It is also easily absorbed and incredibly lightweight.

As this is an oil, you only need a maximum of two drops for both sets of lashes and it is non-greasy and absorbs much quicker than I had expected it too and it can also be used on your brows too.

The Lip Rescue Balm (£6) is packaged inside this handy pot and is described as being incredibly hydrating for the lips.  Each balm is hand poured rather than being mass produced, so it might not always look perfect when you open it.

The Lip Rescue Balm is solid inside the pot, but as soon as you rub your finger over the top, it melts on contact. Once on the lips, there is no greasy, sticky or tacky feeling, just instant moisture and hydration.

Again, the balm is packed some amazing ingredients and they include Raspberry Seed Oil which is known for its anti-ageing properties, Almond Oil which helps to rejuvenate and Shea and Cocoa Butter which are both known for their super hydrating properties. Also included is Almond Oil which acts as an emollient, skin soother and softener.

I am really liking getting to know both of these products, I have been using the Lash Oil for a good 6 weeks now and what I have noticed is less breakage when I use mascara, so over the next few weeks, I am hoping to see other notable differences.  The lip balm is perfect for dry, chapped lips and because of the size of the pot, it is perfect for having in your bag.

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

Fairydrops Scandal Queen Waterproof Mascara Review

I am obsessed with Mascara, perhaps my favourite item of makeup to wear and it is one of the few items I never leave the house without, plus there is always mascara on my desk, in my bag, on my bedside table and in each one of my makeup bags too.  

Fairydrops is a brand of mascara I have read a lot about, so when Scandal Queen Waterproof Mascara arrived, I was really excited to give it a try. Described as being 'Jet Black with an ultra-glossy finish' and has been referred to as the 'push up bra for lashes. Quite the claims I know, but curiosity got the cat and after using it for almost 6 months, am I ready to re-purchase? Read on.

Mascara is one of those products that needs to be just right for what you want and need. Whether you are a contact lens wearer, glasses wearer, have long eyelashes, short eyelashes or sensitive eyes, choosing that mascara which is just right can be a minefield. I have fairly long lashes, so I am picky when it comes to which products I choose to use.  I don't want a formula that is overly wet, one that clumps or one which leaves my lashes feeling wet and as though they are dragging on my cheeks.  Fairydrops came to life when TV Personality and Japanese celebrity Aya Yasude struggled to find that perfect mascara to give her that wow factor, so she instead took to snipping away at the bristles on various mascara wands until she found the perfect product - this is Fairydrops.

Scandal Queen has what is referred to as an innovative bobble wand which has three distinct curves to the wand, each confined to their own 'bobble' and it is unlike any mascara I have ever used. Designed to shape, lift and separate the lashes, the formula is not only waterproof, but it is also enriched with five different treatment essences which include squalene, jojoba seed oil, panthenol, hydrolysed collagen and moisturising hyaluronic acid and these ingredients come together to help counteract brittleness and leave lashes looking as lustrous as possible, essentially becoming the mascara that looks after your lashes as well as makes them look incredible. The formula also has what is referred to as innovative film-forming polymers whose job is to create that open eye look, or as I like to call it, the awake look.

Encased inside a beautiful rose gold tube is a mascara which lives up to pretty much all of its claims:

• It doesn't smudge at all. Once it is applied, it stays there right up until it is removed
• It feels really good on your lashes, it doesn't make them feel clumped or caked
• Its formula isn't runny, over wet or gloopy, I love it
• It comes off easily with an oil-based remover and there is no need to over rub the eyes.
• It separates the lashes much better than some high-end mascaras I have tried
• It creates a little bit of length

So far so good? The things it didn't do too well for me is that there was the promised volume, but I do have long lashes, so it could be that they are too long to make that difference, but and for me, this is a big but, you can apply 2-3 coats of this mascara and there is not a spiders leg in sight, not one single clump and that is quite something when applying numerous coats.  On a normal day, I would apply two coats as a maximum, but knowing I can add more is always an option I am delighted to have.

I have already re-purchased a Fairydrops Mascara, but this time opting for the Fairy Drops Quattro Mascara which has a unique Patented 4 bobble curved brush and I am intrigued to see if it works as well as Scandal Queen, which I have absolutely loved using and would definitely continue to use or re-purchase and it costs just £18.50.

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

Tropic Skincare Clear Skin Blemish-Fighting Mask.

If you read my blog regularly, then you will know that I absolutely love Tropic Skin Care. Their mission has always been to create natural, cruelty-free products that will genuinely benefit the skin. With no toxic chemicals and instead just using nutritious ingredients, you are treated to luxurious, pampering products that always stay true to their ethos. The latest product that I have just absolutely loved using is the Clear Skin Blemish-Fighting Mask.

I love a good face mask, I love one that comes with a mission to do something other than sitting on your skin and make it just feel soft to the touch.

This spot-busting mask helps to control sebum levels, reduce redness and manage breakouts quickly and effectively by tightening pores. Created especially for acne and blemish-prone skin, this is a hero product for those who suffer from excessive oil production and a shiny T-zone.

Whilst I am lucky enough not to suffer from many spots, just the random ones which arrive around the time of my period along the jawline for a few days before retreating. But what I do have is combination oily skin and reduce on both cheeks, so there is always a need to try new things to bring issues under control.

This mask is everything you expect it to be and more, being bold green in colour and fairly thick texture, there is a spatula that you can purchase (£6) to help apply the mask and honestly, it does make the whole task a lot easier to do. 

The advice from Tropic Skincare HQ is to apply an even layer of the mask twice a week, avoiding the delicate eye area and then leave it on for around 10-20 minutes or until dry, and rinse using warm water.  Using ingredients which draw out all the build-up of grease, bacteria and pollution from the surface of your skin and from your pores whilst working to reduce oil and balance out your skin and they include:

• Bamboo Charcoal - Alongside goji berry extract, it reduces redness and calms skin while refining pores.
• Spirulina - Blended with green clay to draw out toxins and impurities, and tighten pores for a healthier-looking complexion.
• Ginger - Works in harmony with cinnamon and salicylic acids to kill blemish-causing bacteria at the source.

My skin often reacts badly to the use of clay in a mask and it intensifies the redness and makes my skin flare up and it becomes hot to the touch, so I always do a patch test before using anything with clay in it before covering my face with it.  

This mask is so incredibly gentle on the skin that it didn't exacerbate any existing problems, but what I do love is just how gentle this mask is on my skin, not only do you get that feeling of your skin being able to breathe (and yes it is just a feeling) but there is no uncomfortable dried-out skin, it isn't taut and feeling the need of moisture either, but it does look and feel clean.  I live in London and have days when I just want to scratch my skin clean because I have been out and about all day in among the pollution and the dirt and the grime and know that it is just sitting on my skin, which is why I am such a big fan of double cleansing every evening.

If you have blemishes, prone to breakouts and want something to help control that excess oil, then his mask ticks all of those boxes and many more and all for just £20 here.

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

Creative Ways to Add Colour to Your Home

AD| You will find that many people’s homes are a little bland and monotonous when you walk through the door. This is because people are often hesitant to add too much colour or style because they worry that it will not look good and go against interior design trends. The home should be a reflection of your personality so you should not shy away from adding colour and style if this is what you like.

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

Here are a few creative and unexpected ways that you can inject colour into your home. 

Paint the Ceiling

The ceiling takes up a huge amount of space in a room, yet it is usually completely ignored. Painting the ceiling an interesting shade can add colour and style to an otherwise bland room. 

Paint One Wall

Similarly, painting just one wall and having the others more neutral colours is a trend right now in interior design. This can change the focal point and make the room more visually appealing. 

Plant Life

There are many reasons why you should have plant life in the home and adding colour is one of these. Any kind of plant can add a healthy splash of colour, add visual interest, improve your mood and improve the fragrance amongst other benefits.

Curtains

Curtains can take up a huge amount of space in a room when they are drawn yet often they are an overlooked aspect of the room’s decor. Opting for a bright and colourful shade from a specialist like Direct Blinds can be a great way to add colour to any room and can work particularly well if the rest of the room is somewhat muted.

Throws & Cushions

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to add splashes of colour to an otherwise neutral room is to purchase colourful throws and cushions. These can look fantastic and highly stylish while also adding plenty of comfort to the room too.

Paint the Inside of Bookshelf

Painting the inside of a bookshelf can add colour to the room and improve the appearance of the unit. Not only this, but this is a great way to add colour without having to paint the walls (this may not be allowed if you rent) or without having to buy expensive new items for the home.

These are just a few of the most effective ways that you can add colour to your home. You should not shy away from bold injections of colour as this can make a home feel more welcoming, vibrant and a reflection of your personality.

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