Elemis Peptide4 Plumping Pillow Facial

As a brand, Elemis is not one I have featured on this blog unless it has been within an Advent Calendar or Beauty Box which I was quite shocked by, but I am now about to put that right with the Peptide Plumping Pillow Facial which I have been using for the past few months after being given it at a blogger event.

I love a good night cream, serum, gel and so on, it is for me the best form of skincare because essentially it is lazy skincare, something that works for you as you sleep and what's more, it is usually pretty good too! At night your body temperature tends to rise as it goes into repair and recovery mode. As a result, your skin loses hydration while you sleep. This overnight mask helps seal in hydrating actives, so your skin is softer and plumped with moisture in the morning.

Wake up to skin that looks radiant and rested with the Peptide4 Plumping Pillow Facial from the luxury body and skincare brand, Elemis. Referred to as an all‐in‐one ‘facial in a jar’ that works overnight when skin is most receptive to repair, this night cream helps to restore radiance to overworked and tired skin and delivers a cooling effect when your body’s temperature rises during sleep, preventing moisture loss.

Ideal for all skin types, this Peptide4 Plumping Pillow Facial is an absolute luxury to apply, as it glides onto the skin, it creates what is referred too as a biometric veil which locks in vital moisture and to do that it uses some key ingredients which include:

• Star Arvensis™ and wild-harvested Indian Night Jasmine work overnight to help leave thirsty skin looking rehydrated and refreshed.
• Peptide4 helps to balance and support the skins barrier function encouraging the skin's natural processes, for a radiant complexion by morning.
• Night Scented Stock, Ylang Ylang and Sweet Orange help soothe the senses.

Once on the skin, this gel is so lightweight it really does feel as though there is nothing there on your skin, other than the coolness of the gel.  To use, it is said that after moisturising in an evening, you only need a pea-sized amount of this product to be applied to the face and the advice is to apply it using upward strokes, then leave it to work its magic as you sleep and wash off any residue in the morning.

I absolutely love how hydrated my skin feels after using this and I am currently using it when my skin is feeling really dry or dehydrated, rather than every single night and the difference is amazing.  It costs £49.50 for 50ml via Lookfantastic.

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

Alpha-H 3 Piece Glow Collection with QVC Beauty

I would guess by now that Alpha-H needs little introduction on my blog, I am a massive fan and recently shared the Hyaluronic 8 Serum and the Blemish Control Mask, both of which are two products I absolutely love.  If you have never tried a product from Alpha-H, one of the best ways to get your hands on an amazing bundle is via QVC. Alpha-H is described as being a pioneering Australian skincare brand who combines active natural ingredients and the latest in scientific technology to bring a range of skincare and anti-ageing products that will help you achieve a brighter, smooth and visibly more radiant complexion.  

Exclusive to QVC this time we have an incredible Today's Special Deal and it contains three products, two of which will be known to anyone who is an 'Alphaholic' and one brand new product that will launch exclusively on QVC with this deal until 9th September and then it will be launching on both Cult Beauty and Beauty Bay!

The first item is the cult Alpha-H product and that is the award-winning Liquid Gold. Described as being a powerful nighttime resurfacing treatment, Liquid Gold works to tighten and revitalise tired, ageing skin as well as helping to radically improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, open pores and acne-prone skin conditions. 

Packed full of amazing ingredients such as Liquorice which helps combat acne and hyper-pigmentation and Glycolic Acid (derived from sugar cane) to jump-start the skin's metabolism - refining its texture by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, so they're sloughed away with your morning cleanse to reveal a more luminous, glowing complexion. 

Then we have the Alpha-H Absolute Eye Complex and this one is supersized.  A hydrating, skin-perfecting serum specially formulated to use over the entire orbital area to combat dark circles, puffiness, hooded eyelids and fine lines.  

Packed with key ingredients which include

• Hibiscus Flower Extract – gently exfoliates and lightens dark circles. 
• Niacinamide – firms and reduces puffiness. 
• Matrixyl 6 – tightens the skin; plumps out fine lines and wrinkles. 
• Olive Leaf Extract - powerful antioxidant, improves skin elasticity and accelerates cell renewal. 
• Beech Tree Extract - promotes and supports skin hydration and health. 
• Pomegranate - contains high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants; brightens dark shadows.
• Hyaluronic Acid – attracts and binds moisture to the Skin

This is an eye gel which is ideal for dark circles, dark shadows, puffiness and pigmentation under the eyes and is ideal for use both morning and night and you literally need just the smallest amount on your ring finger, which you then pat around the entire orbital area right up to lash level and over the eyelid. Also, because it is so refreshing you can use this treatment as an eye makeup primer because it can also be applied over makeup, during the day, to revitalise and refresh.

The final item of this trio is a brand new Alpha-H release and if you follow them on Instagram, you might have seen a few teasers!  The latest addition is a Vitamin C Paste. Described as being an Anhydrous formula (it means no water!) it delivers micro-sized molecules of Vitamin C through a surface-active polymer matrix, creating a weightless, elastic lattice over the skin and drip feeds it with pure ascorbic acid; a mechanism which enhances the skin's contact time with the Vitamin C; allowing it to be trans-dermally absorbed.

Vitamin C is well known for its ability to stimulate collagen production, fight pigmentation and protect against photoaging, but if you are familiar with Vitamin C you will know that there are several challenges that come in to play when delivering it directly to the skin in a stable and bioavailable manner.  What Alpha-H have done is to create this waterless formula which resists oxidation associated with water-based products and have come up with an intensive and transformative treatment which delivers pure Vitamin C to the skin with total stability.

To use, you apply to your face, neck and decolletage morning and/or evening, remembering that when you do use it, you need to use SPF.  I have only been using this for a few days, so there will be a full review to come in a few weeks time.

In the meantime, you can find this 3 Piece Glow Collection - Item Number 240250 launching from Midnight tonight - 2nd September on QVC and it will run right through until the end of the day on Sunday 8th September.

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

Fenwicks Beauty Advent Calendar 2019

For 2019, Fenwick has announced its exclusive, limited edition Beauty Advent Calendar and it is just absolutely beautiful to look at. With design work by Fenwick’s 2019 Artist in Residence, Julie Verhoeven whose “desire was to create a fanciful world of make-believe at Christmas. A box of treats sprinkled with fairy dust. It illustrates the Christmas fairy’s journey, darting through open windows, fireplaces and into the twilight. The domestic Christmas setting becoming somewhat confused, upside down, inside out, magical and fun”. I love that the packaging has a story to tell.

Inside you will find a whole host of cult beauty classics from bestselling skincare, makeup, fragrances and body heroes to name just a few and this calendar is said to be worth over £450* making it the perfect early Christmas gift for a loved one (or yourself) this Christmas.

The entire contents of this calendar are listed below, so if you don't want to know what is inside, then no peeking! 

• REN Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash (deluxe travel size 50ml)
• REN Moroccan Rose Otto Body Lotion (deluxe travel size 50ml)
• Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate Serum (deluxe travel size 10ml)
• The Ordinary Buffet (deluxe travel size 30ml)
• Lancer Skincare The Method: Nourish Moisturiser (deluxe travel size 7ml)
• Neom Organics De-stress Scented Travel Candle (full size)
• Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood lips in Screen Siren (full size 6.8g)
• BioEffect EGF Serum (deluxe travel size 5ml)
• Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (deluxe travel size 7ml)
• Chantecaille Rose de Mai Face Oil (deluxe travel size 4ml)
• Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo (deluxe travel size 50ml)
• Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Conditioner (deluxe travel size 50ml)
• Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight (deluxe handbag-size 3.6g)
• Molton Brown Vitamin Lip Saver (full size 10ml)
• MAC Prep and Prime Fix+ (full-size 30ml)
• MAC Complementary 30 mins Service bounceback card
• Benefit Bad Gal Bang (deluxe handbag-size 3g)

Available at all Fenwick stores, plus online at www.fenwick.co.uk from 21st October for £150.

*based on RRP of all items at full size




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

Topshop Beauty arrives at Very.co.uk

As we leave Summer behind and move to Autumn, I always look forward to dusting off my Berry Lips, darker neutral shadows - think dark browns as opposed to beige and light brown, burgundy nails and of course everything black when it comes to clothing.  Fragrances become much deeper and less fresh and floral as blankets and candles become an everyday essential must-have item.

Topshop Beauty has just launched at Very.co.uk so there is now a portfolio of more than 500 fashion brands, along with Topshop Beauty range, the business will also become the first UK retailer outside of the Arcadia Group to stock Topshop Beauty. I literally had no idea the entire Topshop Beauty range had changed and expanded as much as it has, not only do they now boast they are cruelty-free and have that all-important Leaping Bunny logo, the new look packaging is incredibly swish and right now it is also currently on offer at a 3 for 2, so well worth having a look. 

I was kindly sent a whole host of products to play with and share on my blog and it is quite the change to the Dalmation spotted products I used to purchase from the Oxford Street store, it has been quite the makeover.  I love the sleek black and almost grey metallic packaging, I definitely wouldn't have known it was Topshop Beauty from a first glance.  Included within my package I have a really incredible selection of products which includes some amazing products.

The Illuminating Primer (£14) - I love a good primer and from Topshop, we have a primer that has a really lovely pearl shimmer, without leaving you shiny. 

Quite thick in texture, you only need a small amount to be buffed on to the skin, or as I do, mix it in with my moisturising cream on no makeup days or in with my foundation if that is the order of the day too.  It leaves the skin with a really lovely finish and I have found myself reaching for it daily since it arrived.

Make-Up Fixing Spray (£12) - Called 'Fresh As' which comes packaged inside the sleekest of black bottles and again, the makeover of the product is rather lovely.

If you're searching for a fine spritzing mist that prevents makeup from fading or settling into pores this one does quite a good job at doing just that.  It has no fragrance to it, not even anything chemical, which for some will be a huge box tick and when you do spritz it, the lightweight list is light enough that you don't feel it on the skin.  I also found it quite refreshing too!

You never can have too many highlighters in my opinion and the Of Mother Pearl is a Chameleon Highlighter (£15) and it is just beautiful. Infact it was my favourite Topshop Highlighter before the relaunch, so standards had been set for it to be just as good, if not better!

I was not at all disappointed in this highlighter.  It is just stunning and depending on whether you like a lot of highlight, just a little bit or somewhere in the middle, this is one to tick all of those boxes.  Described as being a pearly prism powder, in the light, this highlighter shimmers and sparkles, almost changing colour to a light gold and is perfect for applying with a brush or even your fingers.

I openly admit that eyeliner is not something I ever rush out to purchase because it is something I rarely use, it tends to be special occasions only rather than an everyday must have item.  From Topshop, we have two different eyeliners - a Kajal crayon and a liquid matte liner.

I am an absolute mascara fiend and I love discovering new products. Keyboard (£12) from Topshop Beauty is described as being an Intense Mascara and is packaged inside a chunky black matte tube.

Said to be a lengthening, curling and volumising mascara what I like is that it has a buildable formula, meaning you can add 2-3 coats without getting the dreaded spider leg clumpy looking lashes, but again this will depend on how you apply the mascara. I applied this mascara allowing each coating to slightly dry before adding the next, I am lucky that I have fairly long lashes, so I don't need to add too much product. Formula wise this one isn't overly wet, it doesn't smudge easily and nor does it flake when applied.  The brush for me does hold a little too much formula, so I do have to wipe the brush before applying, but other than that, this is a pretty good product.

Soot is described as being a long-wear matte eyeliner (£10) and for those who prefer the liquid eyeliner than this is one that even I have found easy to work with.

It comes with the really delicate and it gives you the freedom to create intricate and precise strokes for that cat-like flick or if you want something a little bolder, it also works for that too.

If the more traditional and sturdy eyeliner is for you then Lucky, the Kajal Eyeliner (£10) and again as someone who isn't the biggest eyeliner fan, I absolutely love using this.

 It is big, it is bold and easy to grip onto, this Kajal can be used to create that flick, line your lashes or even use to create that smokey eye. It glides onto the waterline without dragging or pulling and you can choose to smudge it or leave it as is.

When it comes to lip products I either opt for a berry shade or a mauve nude, those are my comfort zones and it is rare I ever move away from it be it a crayon, lipstick or even a gloss.  Within the Topshop Beauty range, there is a whole host of lip crayons in eight amazing shades and I have two of them - Feather and Impressive.

The Ultra Matte Lip Crayons (£10) are described as being a creamy all-in-one formula which creates an intense lip colour.   Feather is a really lovely pinky nude shade and Impressive is the cool toned Berry shade which will get me through the Autumn months. 

What I like about the formula, as well as being creamy, is that it glides onto the lips and doesn't feather.  I always prime my lips before applying anything because I hate that look of lip colour clinging to the tiniest bit of dead skin and amplifying it to a point where it looks horrid.

The swatches above, which are totally unedited, show Lucky the Kajal Eyeliner Crayon and then both of the lip crayons.

Staying with lips for the next product because I have two of the Chameleon Lip Glosses (£12) in shades Epaulette and Charm School.  I always have two requests when it comes to using a lip gloss and that is for them not to be sticky or tacky on the lips, nothing too over the top, but there is nothing worse than having a lip full of your hair.

These glosses are described as being high shine lip glosses which glide on effortlessly and create an irresistible iridescent effect with crystals and light-reflective pigments. They thankfully are non-tacky when applied and what I love is that they have duo-chrome light reflective pigments which almost change the colour of the gloss in the light.  Charm School is shown in the top unedited swatch, it is almost a clear gloss with a few light reflective pigments running through it, I like to wear this over a nude lip because it really shows.  Epaulette is a bronze almost gold looking gloss but when it catches the light it has flecks of purple and pink pigments which again change its colour and for me, this is one I also like to wear over a nude lip or on its own because it does have a pretty good colour pay off for a gloss.  Neither product is drying on the lips and again, they don't dry and feel tight either.

The final item in this amazing bundle is eyeshadow and it is well known that I adore my nude and neutral shades and every now and again I get a little bit daring and add a bit of colour... well show me some glitter and I want to use it from.   From Topshop Beauty I have three of the nine Glitter Shadows (£10)

I have shade Bandstand which is a beautiful bronzed glitter shade, Trip which is a black glitter and if ever there was a perfect name for eyeshadow, I have Beauty Queen which is a light pink glitter.  Each one of these eye shadows is described as giving a sequin finish and they have a light reflective formula which intensifies that shimmer.  On the eye, these shadows are not itchy or scratchy, they apply like a dream and don't feel as though they have 'bits in' like some glitter shadows.  They don't dry onto the lid making them comfortable to wear, they are long-lasting and from the swatches above, again unedited, that was the result of one finger swipe on the pan them onto my wrist.  Bandstand and Trip are a real stand out shades whereas Beauty Queen is a little bit like me - shy and reserved.  For me, Beauty Queen works best as an eyeshadow topper to really bring out the sparkle or you can also use it in the inner corner of each eye as well. 

This has been an amazing re-introduction to Topshop Beauty after its makeover and recent launch onto the Very.co.uk network.  Alongside the products, I have featured within this review is a whole lot more to be discovered including Lip Balms, Metallic Eyeshadow, Brow Pencils, Blushers, Nail Polish, Makeup Brushes, Liquid Lipsticks and Liquid Foundations to name just a few of those products.  Prices for the Topshop Beauty range start from £8 and rise up to £16 with the option of buying products in a set for a little more.  What I am impressed with is how the makeover of the brand has changed the look entirely, I think it looks much more high end than it is but I am equally impressed that the prices have not been increased, meaning they are still affordable and as mentioned, currently are on a 3 for 2 option!

What do you think to the new look Topshop Beauty range?

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