The Perfume Shop’s new range, ME

A few months ago I was invited along to the launch of “ME” the new range of fragrances from The Perfume Shop.  

Me consists of a new range of perfumes, home fragrances and body care products that through the power of fragrance helps you feel Tranquil, Invigorated and Empowered.

“Today we hear a lot about improving ourselves, being the best we can be, and optimising every element of our life. That’s all great, but what if we wanted to take a little time out and ask isn’t it time we were all #HappyBeingMe”

The campaign and the timely launch of these products are all about celebrating the way you feel and your moods. The range is vegan, cruelty-free and is presented in completely recyclable packaging.

Of the three ranges available, I was given a mixture of the fragrances and products. Each of the scents for each range is said to distinctive and individual and within each range, you can find - an Eau de Parfum, Body Lotion, Hand Lotion, Hand Wash, candle, reed diffuser and a shower gel. 

From the Tranquil range, I have the EDP, a unisex fragrance which comes packaged in a hefty weighted clear glass bottle with the name Granquil written clearly in the mint green colour matching the box and it features a wooden lid. 

Tranquil as a range asks you to find peace and serenity with the fresh, green scent.

“The perfect spring floral green scent with a basil top note, a middle note of neroli and base notes of Vetiver and white musk”

As soon as the scent is spritzed they earthiness of the basil top note is immediately recognisable as it settles and it works well with Vetiver but the scent of Neroli which is a citrusy orange fragrance gives this EDP a kick. Priced at £14.99 for 100ml this makes a really good gift.

From the Invigorated range I have the Reed Diffuser and the body lotion and both products are simply divine.

The Invigorated range is described as being on which helps you feel awake and energised with the fresh and floral scents.

“A fresh, fruity-floral scent with a distinctive top note of blackberry, middle notes of bay leaves and a base note of cedarwood”

Looking at the notes for this range it definitely reminds me of Jo Malone and the scent itself is not too dissimilar, for me, it is slightly stronger on the blackberry note but with the inclusion of cedarwood which has a Woody tone to it, it gives the fragrance a more balanced scent.

The reed diffuser is quite potent, I have mine in the hallway and it is a scent you notice as soon as you enter the house. The body lotion is lightweight on the skin but it is also hydrating without being tacky or greasy when applied. 

Finally from the Empowered range, I have the fragranced candle and the soap.

Empowered is described as helping you to conquer the day with its revitalising blend of zesty citrus and aromatic notes:

“A citrus aromatic scent with top notes of lime, mandarin, orange and bergamot. Middle notes of basil, lilac, iris and thyme with base notes of Vetiver and amber wood.

This is my favourite scent of the three and there is something unique about it. I love the sharpness of the citrus notes which are not too strong but definitely noticeable against the earthy tones of the basil, Vetiver and to some extent amber wood. 

The entire ME range is on sale via The Perfume Shop with prices starting at £5.99 right up to the £14.99 price of the Eau de Parfum. 

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

NEW - Urban Decay Naked Ultraviolet Eyeshadow Palette

I am a huge fan of Urban Decay Palettes, so much so I have every single one of the Naked Palettes including the petite versions, finally grabbing the original before it disappeared off the shelves, but hopefully not forever! New to the family, which I saw on Temptalia, is the new Naked Ultraviolet Eyeshadow Palette and I already love it. On sale now!

Photo via Temptalia

"Purple has been Urban Decay’s signature since day one, so we’re bringing you wildly wearable shades with the new Naked Ultraviolet Eyeshadow Palette. Our supercharged lineup is designed to look good on everyone – these 12 intensely pigmented mattes, metallics, and holographic shimmers are a lucid dream come to life. Add a versatile pop of purple to every eyeshadow look, from soft to bold. It’s time to experiment with this futuristic mix of peachy neutrals, trippy lilacs, magnetic violets and blacklight purples.”

The palette features 12 intensely pigmented mattes, metallics, and holographic shimmers and those shades, moving from left to right across the palette are called:

• Trippin’
• Mind Slip
• Dazed
• Hacked
• VR
• Lucid
• Optimized
• Warning
• Cyber Punk
• Euphoric
• Purple Dust
• Digital

I already have my eye on the likes of VR and Dazed as well as Digital and I love that there is a mixture of neutrals and deeper shades.  I love that Urban Decay has kept this palette in the exact same format of the previous palettes and it launches this Summer, though the exact date and price are yet to be announced, I am hoping it comes with an entire wardrobe of lipsticks, purple mascaras and perhaps a new All Night Setting Spray, but until then... has Naked Ultraviolet caught your attention?

Available now in the UK and US

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

Post Treatment Laser Tips, To Keep Your Skin Smooth And Healthy

Laser hair removal is one of the most successful aesthetic treatments opted by millions today because of its efficiency and remarkable outcomes. Preparing yourself after the treatment is as important as doing it before you get yourself treated with a laser. Usually, the skin turns red, swollen, and becomes sensitive after that treatment and the areas around the hair follicles may also seem to be raised.

Photo by Mel Poole on Unsplash

But these normal side effects disappear in 24 hours after the laser hair removal*. If it is your first session, all these side effects will be even more obvious as the hair will be thick and coarse during that time. But in the later sessions, as the hair will thin out, the side effects will also reduce. It is advisable to give sufficient care for your skin even after your Laser sessions as follows:

1.  Take care of the initial uneasiness

Right after your laser session, you will see your skin turning red and you will experience a burning sensation like that of mild sunburn causing slight uneasiness. The treated area will also get swollen. So it is better to wear loose clothes to and fro the laser appointment to avoid such discomfort and pain.

This initial uneasiness can be treated by using ice packs (3 times a day for 10 minutes), aloe Vera gel (use it 3 – 4 times a day and refrigerate the gel for better results), and finally pain killers (if ice packs and aloe Vera remedies are not effective). If the pain persists for more than 24 hours it is better to call your doctor.

2.     Protect your skin

As the skin will already be sensitive after the treatment, exposing yourself to direct sunlight will cause more irritation, swelling, reddishness, and discomfort. It is advisable to keep away from direct sunlight for almost 2-4 weeks. Always use a sunscreen with SPF 30 when you go out and keep reapplying it when your skin wets or sweats.

 As the laser works with heat, exposing your skin to more heat can cause adverse effects. Stay away from hot water, saunas, and steam rooms for almost 48 hours after the treatment. The treated area will heal quickly when you bathe in cold or warm water. Also, avoid excessive exercise for 48 hours.

3.     Select the right post-treatment products

It is good to keep the skin always clean and so use mild cleansers that are designed only for sensitive skin. It doesn’t matter for how long you shower but keep the water temperature cool. Wash the treated areas only 1-2 times a day. Frequent washing will again aggravate the treated skin.

As the skin heals, your skin will feel dry. Applying a moisturizer that is specially designed for sensitive skin will be good. Gently apply it 3-4 times a day and avoid irritating your skin by rubbing forcefully. Avoid using makeup or any cosmetic products as it will worsen your skin again. Keep it simple and use the right products for your sensitive skin.

Give enough care for your smooth and sensitive skin after every laser session to keep it healthy.

*this post was written by Austin K

Alpha-H Vitamin Skin Serums

Bespoke skincare shouldn't be as difficult as it sounds and the team over at Alpha-H have created an entire range of products to make finding your perfect skincare a dream. With an updated packaging for their Vitamin wardrobe, the new colour-coded design makes them much easier to identify. If, like me, you love Liquid Gold, use a cleanser and a daily SPF, the option to amplify and personalise my skincare routine with a daily dose of Vitamin is a step I am willing to take - more so when they look this pretty!

Alpha-H has four vitamins within their collection - A, B, C and E and they are described as being more than single-ingredient serums but are instead one that has been paired with complementary ingredients which enhance their effect and boost your overall results.

As well as looking pretty in their pastel colour-coded boxes and bottles, each Vitamin serum used a pipette dropper system to dispense and you only need 3-4 drops of your chosen serum, which should be applied to clean, dry skin and then using circular motions, massage over the face, neck and decolletage.  So here are the Vitamins.

Working from left to right we have Vitamin A, B, C and then E and as you can see, they look just absolutely stunning.

Starting with Vitamin A which is for Authentic Ageing and lives in the pastel green bottle - This Vitamin is suitable for skin that is showing signs of ageing. Vitamin A Serum has been formulated with 0.5% Retinolin a really hydrating formula.  Retinol can assist to fight the first signs of ageing such as fine line, wrinkles, uneven tone and loss of firmness.  Alongside the Retinol, you will find Evening Primrose, Macadamia Seed Oil and Squalane. What I love about this product is that it is one for night time and it is great for using on those alternative evenings to Liquid Gold, if like me, you are a huge fan of that cult hero. Priced at £39 for 25ml.

Next, we have Vitamin B which is for Building Moisture and it is has the pastel blue bottle. This is the one I wanted to use right away, designed for skin that is showing signs of dehydration, so using a formula which incorporates Niacinamide and Copper Tripeptides. My skin absolutely loves Niacinamide and its job is to regulate sebaceous glands as well as to enhance the skin's barrier function and if that isn't enough if also works to reduce the signs of uneven skin texture and tone. The Copper Tripeptides work to firm and smooth the complexion making it the perfect partner to the Niacinamide. We also see the inclusion of Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid and Chia Seeds which work together to assist with plumping and hydrating the skin.  This Vitamin B can be used in the morning or as with Vitamin A, an alternative to Liquid Gold in an evening. Priced at £39 for 25ml.

The pastel orange coloured bottle contains Vitamin C and it is for Collagen and Clarity.  Said to be suitable for skin that has dullness and pigmentation, this serum has been formulated using a stable form of Vitamin C in a lightweight and hydrating formula. The Vitamin C works to brighten, rejuvenate and protect the skin, so it helps to fight back against free radicals and reduces the appearance of sun damage and premature ageing. The additions within this serum are Licorice and Grape Seed Extracts which are designed to further help protect the skin. Used daily, Vitamin C serum can work in synergy with your SPF to defend your skin from the damaging and visible effects of UV exposure.  Priced at £39 for 25ml.

Finally, we have Vitamin E, which is found in the pastel pink bottle and is referred to as 'Emergency Repair'. Suitable for most skin types, Vitamin E serum has been formulated to not only nurture and protect but to also hydrate the skin. This antioxidant-rich serum also contains Macadamia Seed and Evening Primrose Oil which work to enhance the skin's natural barrier. The use of Vitamin E is important because not only has it been shown to aid in the reparative process, improving the appearance of acne scarring, sunburn and rosacea. As with the other products within this collection, Vitamin E can be used in the mornings or on those alternative evenings to Liquid Gold.

What I love about these Vitamin Serums is that they so easily fit into your routine and if you are still unsure as to which one you need, then Alpha-H has a quiz which helps you choose.  As things stand, I have been using Vitamin B in the morning and then on those alternative evenings to Liquid Gold, as advised I am using Vitamin A, though I can swap the A over for E if my skin is feeling a little dry.

You can purchase these Alpha-H Serums via Cult Beauty where they will be available separately or directly from Alpha-H who are offering all four serums (15ml sized) in one kit or £55.

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