Temple Spa Life Defence SPF30 Protecting Moisturiser

As soon as the sun shines, the conversation quickly switches to SPF protection and stores are full to the brim of brands promising to protect you from everything there is to protect you from, but as we all know, we should be wearing sun protection every single day of the year regardless of how hot it is, or even if it is raining, that skin which is exposed should be protected. I openly admit I was the worst when it came to applying sunscreen of any kind, I could never stand the thick, white almost toothpaste-like texture on my skin, now, brands have put a lot of money and research into their products and there has been a huge change and we are spoilt for choice.

I absolutely love Temple Spa products, their Cleansing Melt is one of my favourite products. I was kindly sent the new Temple Spa Life Defence SPF30 Protecting Moisturiser to try, and I’ve been testing it over the last few weeks and it is described as being a:

Feather-light daily moisturiser with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 and blue light protection to help protect against the environment, sun, wind, pollution, aircon, heating & digital screens.

Life Defence SPF30 Protecting Moisturiser from Temple Spa has been designed for use on clean skin or over your moisturiser and can be re-applied when out and about for long periods of exposure to the elements.  There is always quite a lot to factor in when it comes to protecting your skin, ultimately, I am not too sure I believe we can protect it from absolutely everything, but I am willing to do whatever I can to ensure I get the absolute best protection I can. For me, I started with the basics and that was knowing the difference between UVA and UVB. UVA light accounts for about 95% of the UV light that reaches our skin and are around every single day of the year, whether or not it is hot - as long as there is daylight, there is UVA light. UVA light can also penetrate glass, so sitting by the window or being in the car can also cause damage to your skin. UVA rays are the ones which penetrate deeply into the skin causing havoc within all levels of the epidermis and can result in premature ageing of the skin as well as deep lines and wrinkles.  UVB rays are the ones which you might associate mostly with tanning, sunburn and other discolourations to the skin and when purchasing your suncream, the SPF rating measures UVB rays.  For the record - wearing an SPF does not stop you from 'tanning', one of the comments I see bounded around quite a lot!

So when it comes to wearing an SPF on my face, I have said in quite a few posts now that I really do not like overly thick creams that leave your skin feeling as though it is caked in lard, I prefer something that has more of a fluid-like texture to it.  This moisturiser, which is white in colour, has a lightweight lotion texture to it and because the tube is squeezy, you literally need a small amount to cover your face, neck and decolletage. On the skin, it absorbs really quickly and I love that there is no whit trace left behind. I have also found it doesn't affect my makeup, it doesn't leave my skin looking sweaty or greasy.  

One thing I love about Temple Spa is that they include ingredients for a reason, in this case, we have

• Organic Ginseng Root Extract Derived from the roots of the Withania somnifera plant, it is clinically proven to protect against digital pollution – blue, red and green light exposure (from all forms of screens: iPads, phones, computers). These light rays cause additional environmental stress to the mitochondria cells in our skin which play a key role in maintaining healthy skin cells. Additionally, boosted by amino acids and withanolides, the synergetic action of these two phytochemical families supports ginseng’s high level of efficacy and restores the skin’s vitality.
• Rocket Extract Rich in isothiocyanates, which help to counter the effects of free radicals, it also has powerful soothing, anti-redness, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Vitamin E An antioxidant ingredient which helps protect cells from damage and environmental pollutants, slowing down the ageing process.
• Glyceryl Stearate A powerful skin-protecting ingredient which forms a barrier on the skin surface, slowing down the loss of water and giving the skin a soft & smooth appearance

I know there is still some scepticism out there with regards to blue light damage and admittedly, I am only just learning more about it, that said, the last time I went to my opticians to have my eyes tested, the recommendation was to have the Blue Light Protective Shield on my glasses, so if she is telling me I need it, then I need it.

Life Defence has been a great addition to my skincare routine, it is suitable for all skin types and whether you are a city dweller, sports lover, the outdoor type, digitally obsessed or even just want to do as much as you can to protect your skin, then this is a really good product to try.  It costs £38 for 50ml and can be purchased from Temple Spa and Harrods. 

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

The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser and Tumeric Moisturising Cream

I was first introduced to a brand called The Inkey List back in March has a simple aim and that is to break through all of the beauty jargon that we often have to Google to find a definition of and to deliver a straightforward take on the skin care’s most-wanted ingredients and all for the price of a few Costa Coffees. The brand has a core collection of what they call their 20 hero products and they have formulated by a team of experts and scientists, so if you like your Retinols, Salicylic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, then this range gives you absolutely everything you need to essentially customise your own skincare regime to suit your skin.

We all know brands throw around a lot of terminologies that we don't ever really understand, but what The Inkey List has done is break down all of that jargon and have made it simple to understand as well as teaching you how to pronounce each product phonetically.  

As you can say, today I am sharing my views on the Salicylic Acid Cleanser and the Tumeric Cream Moisturiser. 

If you have oily skin, then Salicylic is your friend, don't be put off by the word 'Acid' because it isn't as scary as it sounds.  Ideal for use in the morning and/or evening, the Salicylic Acid Cleanser (£10.99) is formulated with a zinc compound to help control excess sebum, while allantoin - an anti-irritant, helps to soothe and protect the skin. 

I love a good multi-use product and this Cleanser not only works to remove makeup but it also helps to control excess oil to reduce sebum, it helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, blackheads and breakouts as well as promoting a more even skin tone. 

My own skin is combination oily and I often find that I become shiny in an afternoon and this cleanser has been amazing at helping to calm that down as well as really helping to deal with blackheads.  No sign of irritation or any flare-ups.

The second product is the one I was really looking forward to trying.  Turmeric is one of those ingredients that is floated as being a wonder treatment to fix all kind of ailments, including sports injuries, whether it works or not, I have no idea, though making my own paste from Turmeric to help my with the swelling of my ankle was advised.  However, from The Inkey List, we have a Turmeric Moisturising Cream (£7.99). Turmeric if you didn't know is derived from Curcuma and contains amazing anti-inflammatory properties as well as being a fantastic antioxidant.

If you have dry and dehydrated skin, then this is one of the products you should try from The Inkey List. For me, I have dry and dehydrated patches of skin on my cheeks and the middle of my forehead, whilst exfoliation helps, they always manage to creep back to their favourite spots to make me feel self-conscious about my skin. I also have red patches on both of my cheeks too, so the use of Turmeric has helped reduce the redness whilst I have used the cream.

What I love about this cream is just how quickly it sinks into the skin, almost as soon as it comes into contact in fact. Alongside the Turmeric you will also find the hydrating, protective properties of squalane as well as antioxidant, vitamin E.

So far, I have absolutely loved getting to know The Inkey List, it isn't expensive, in fact both of these products together cost less than one of my favourite lip balms!

Have you tried anything from The Inkey List?

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

Tili Beauty Box - Heatwave Edition

I absolutely love Beauty Boxes and if ever there was a perfectly timed Beauty Box, it is the Heatwave box from Tili. If you have never come across the Tili beauty box before, it is from QVC and it stands for Try it, Love it. Each box has been filled with a carefully selected combination of the latest must-have products which includes cult brands, new launches and coveted innovations. 

The Tili Box is a subscription-free beauty box which means you can decide as and when you want the box instead of having to subscribe, but you have to be quick because these boxes are really popular. 

Embrace a sunshine state of mind with our Heatwave beauty box. Filled with a hydrating hair hero, mood-boosting fragrance, iconic bronzing powder and more, we've got the ultimate array to complement your summer look, whether you're hitting the beach or planning the ultimate staycation.

Inside the Heatwave box, you will find a collection of eight products which include items of makeup, haircare and skincare and honestly, there isn't a single product within this box that I will not use and for the price of just £20, it is an absolute bargain considering the contents are worth just shy of £120.

The first item out of the box is the Nails Inc Bright Ambition Gel Effect Nail Polish (14ml) in the shade Not Invited (bright blue) - This polish is formulated with anti-fade, non-dulling technology.  Once applied, the polish is said to offer a mirror-like, glossy sheen that enhances the look of a tan.  

So if you are going on holiday, then this would be quite the shade to choose.  I love how bright and blue it is and it is definitely one for my toes. 

The second product is the Tweak'd Dhatelo Restore Hydrating Treatment Balm (100ml) - I have never come across this brand before, so I was intrigued to find out more about it.  The description read "treat your locks with this silky leave-in conditioning balm, helping to hydrate hair when it needs a little extra care".  So it is perfect as a little TLC for your hair to help tame frizz and add moisture to dehydrated locks.  

It smells absolutely incredible and is scented with almond, vanilla with a hint of honey.

The third products is from a brand I have recently been introduced too and am looking forward to getting to know. Gym for your Skin B-HIT Vitamin B Booster Serum (30ml) - Described as being a lightweight serum which helps to add a soft, dewy look while also aiming to boost skin's natural ability to protect itself from external aggressors. 

It infused with green tea extract, plus lactic, malic and salicylic acids, fatty acids and coconut water.

Next out of the box is The Ordinary AHA 30% BHA 2% Peeling Solution (30ml) - I am a huge fan of The Ordinary as a brand and this Peeling Solution is described as being a treatment which works to exfoliate the top layer of your skin and unclog pores to leave a brighter and more even appearance.

It contains 30% alpha hydroxy acids, 2% beta hydroxy acid, hyaluronic acid crosspolymer, vitamin B5, black carrot and Tasmanian pepperberry.

From Decleor, who are next out of the box, we have the Green Mandarin Sun-Kissed Day Cream (15ml) - an innovative facial moisturiser which is described as being an anti-ageing moisturiser that revives skin’s luminosity with an antioxidant blend of citrus essentials oils extracted from Green Mandarin, Lemon, Grapefruit and Orange. 

It is formulated to deeply hydrate your skin and add a gorgeous, subtle glow.

If there is one brand I have been wanting to try for some time now, it is Tarte. So imagine my excitement when I find the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Highlighter in Sparkler (5.6g) inside my box - Described as being a strobe-effect highlighter in a gorgeous rose gold-champagne hue, this product can be used on your eyelids, cheekbones or it applied on top of blusher for a pop of shimmer. 

I am really looking forward to giving this a try.

Up next from Neom, we have a Pulse Point Rollerball (8ml) in Energy Burst (lemon and basil) - Described as being a zesty pulse point therapy designed to energise the mind and body. The calming formula combines seventeen of the purest essential oils, including grapefruit, lemon and rosemary. 

I love how easy these products are to use and in this case you simply apply to the wrists, behind the ears and soles of feet to experience an energetic burst.

Finally, we have one of my all-time favourite products - Benefit Hoola Bronzer (3g) - An iconic product from Benefit, this matte, shimmer-free bronzer is formulated without grey or red tones and it is one of those products that I have purchased and repurchased time and time again.

If you are really fair skinned like I am, this bronzer applies really lightly and it is one you can build up the coverage of.  I also use it as an eyeshadow for the more natural look too.

So there you have the entire contents of the Tili Heatwave Beauty Box and it is such amazing value for just £20!  I would love to know if anything in this box catches your eye and whether or not it is one you will be purchasing!

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

Marks & Spencer FORMULA Urban Shield SPF20

Marks & Spencer has some pretty incredible products in their beauty halls these days and one brand not to be overlooked is their very own. Formula has around 45 products within its range with everything from masks and serums to peels and Micellar waters and it doesn't end there because whether you want something for the day time, night time, sensitive skin or being on the go, there is a whole host of products to choose from.

I have been using the Formula Urban Shield SPF 20 UV Shield (£12.50 here) for quite some time now and it is described as being formulated with cutting-edge technology for the lightest SPF ever.  I have mentioned on quite a few occasions that finding the perfect SPF for the face is quite hard, I really dislike anything that is too thick or leaves white traces on the skin after use, so anything that claims to be 'light' makes me want to try it.

What I can say about this Primer is that it is incredibly lightweight and so much so, I often forget I have applied it. Said to contain an advanced antioxidant complex that helps to defend skin from pollution, making it a perfect choice to keep skin healthy in urban environments.

On the skin, the idea is that you complete your skincare routine and apply this Primer after your moisturising cream and it helps to form an invisible, protective shield over the skin helping to protect it from all of the issues mentioned above such as pollution, smog and that is definitely something you need if you live in a city like London.  

The texture of this Shield is more of a fluid than a cream, so to apply, it is done so like a dream and it produces no white traces of skin afterwards and again, because of its light texture, it also makes for a great priming base for makeup too.

So if you are in need of a new primer which isn't thick, stick,y tacky, gloopy or heavy on the skin but also one which looks after and cares for your skin without leaving a white trace behind, then for £12.50 this one is worth looking out for and trying. 

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