Kevin Murphy FRESH & EASY Set

I have been loving getting to know the hair care brand Kevin Murphy, I have been lucky to try quite a few products from the range including a Spray Wax, A Dry Conditioner and today the Fresh & Easy Collection.

The collection consists of three products - a shampoo, conditioner and a dry shampoo which work to complement one another.

The Smooth.Again.Wash is described as being a targeted smoothing and refining shampoo which cleanses, smoothes and softens thick, coarse or unruly hair. My hair is combination oily with dry ends, so at least once a week, I ensure my hair is treated to a mask to keep in as good a condition as possible.

This Smooth.Again.Wash smells absolutely wonderful and it is packed full of amazing ingredients which work to cleanse and smooth the hair and they include:

• Monoi Oil - A weightless restorative oil rebuilds the hair from the inside out.
• Sunflower Seed Extract - Which is rich in Vitamin E and Oleic Acid to smooth and soothe the hair.
• Murumuru Seed Butter - This is rich in essential Fatty Acids to help even out the moisture levels in the hair.
• Olive Fruit Oil - This oil mimics the hair’s healthy oils and protects from heat and styling

Putting these ingredients together, you have a product which balances the hairs moisture without being overly heavy and weighing the hair down and leaving it greasy. 

The Smooth.Again.Rinse is my favourite product in this collection. I tend to use a conditioner just a few times a week and this has been the one I have used the most. As with the Wash, the Rinse is a targeted smoothing and refining conditioner for thick, coarse hair. It uses ion-based cationic technology, so the Keratin Protein mimics the structure of proteins within the hair to fit seamlessly where it is needed most for smoothing and refining.

With this conditioner, you only need a really small amount, a little goes a very long way and resisting the urge to cover myself in the product because it smells that good is always hard. Once applied to wet hair, the advice is to leave it for a few minutes to work its magic. I only ever apply it to the lengths and ends of my hair. Upon washing out, the straggly mess, due to no hair salon visit for over 3 months, is actually silky smooth and those natural waves sit nicely rather than looking like a frizzy mess.

As with the Wash, this Rinse is packed full of amazing ingredients, four of which need a mention:

• Monoi Oil - Also present in the Rinse, it contains a high concentration of Lauric Acid to penetrate hair shaft and smooth cuticle and control frizz.
• Biomimetic Keratin Protein - This offers a highly targeted repair of damage to leave hair restored while adding a luminous shine.
• Cocoa Seed Butter - works to improve the hair’s flexibility while adding moisture and softness.
• Brazil Nut Oil - Thiis oil not only nourishes but also moisturises and reconstructs hair to smooth hair, fight frizz and tame curls.

This has been one of the best conditioning products I have used in a very long time and I have tried a few!

The third product within this collection is the Fresh.Hair Dry Shampoo and one thing about Kevin Murphy and his haircare range is that they know how to make a dry shampoo.

Described as being a dry shampoo for the hair that removes odours, excess oil, and all those nasties which make your hair look and feel dreadful. My one issue with some Dry Shampoo's is the white residue they create, often making your hair look worse and your head itch. With Fresh.Hair, the product is so lightweight it doesn't create residue and a light spritz across the hair and a brush through leaves no trace other than a light citrus scent which comes from the use of antioxidant and vitamin-rich tangerine oil, which not only protects the hair against environmental stresses but also stimulates the senses with its refreshing citrus scent. It also adds shine to dull, lifeless hair.

This set retails for £45 via Kevin Murphy and each product can also be bought separately.

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

Antipodes Baptise H20 Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel

Antipodes is one of those brands you didn't know you loved until you tried the Aura Manuka Honey Mask and then you need to try absolutely everything else is there is to offer. Pronounced An-Tip-oh-dees, the brand which hails all the way from New Zealand, its creator, Elizabeth Barbalich had a desire to create premium, scientifically validated, organic beauty products. She wanted them to be made from fully sustainable sources that could be used every day plus the packaging features fully recyclable bottles and aluminium tubes, and 100% biodegradable card from sustainable forests.

At the beginning of lockdown, I was sent this lovely packages from Antipodes which features their brand new Baptise H20 Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel which I will declare my love for now!

The Antipodes Baptise H20 Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel is described as being a weightless, intensive moisturiser that immerses thirsty skin in natural moisture without heaviness or oiliness.

Suitable for absolutely all skin types and once applied it absorbs so easily to hydrate the skin and it very much feels as though you have just had your face immersed in water only better. It glides onto the skin, it doesn't stick, it isn't tacky and I could bathe in it because it is just so refreshing.

If you are familiar with Antipodes, then you will know that their products have some amazing ingredients and this one is no different. Firstly we have Plant-originated hyaluronic acid which works with New Zealand manuka honey and harakeke gel to deeply hydrate skin.  Then we have Mamaku black fern which helps regenerate and foster healthy cells.  Finally, there is the addition of South Pacific hibiscus flower which gently exfoliates deadened skin cells to freshen your complexion. To make this product even more amazing, it has the most beautiful fresh rose scent, which doesn't actually linger on the skin at all.

If you are looking for a product to soothe and hydrate your skin, then Antipodes Baptise H20 Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel is definitely worth looking at. It can be found via Lookfantastic, Beauty Bay and Feelunique and is priced between £25 and £29.

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

Three Beauty Expert Must-have products

At Beauty Expert, there have been regular collections detailing some of the best the site has to offer, such as the Serenity Edit, which I featured on my blog just a few weeks ago.  More recently, I was kindly gifted some credit to spend on the website to buy and try some products from my wishlist.

As you can imagine, I had quite the wishlist of products that I want to try and I managed to narrow it down to three, which I had been wanting for quite some time.

The first product is from Peter Thomas Roth, a brand I have seen across many social media channels that I follow, yet a one I haven't tried. This Cucumber Gel Facemask is described as being a soothing face mask that is ideal for skin post peel, waxing, sun exposure or extractions. On the skin, this gel mask, with its gel formula, is really cooling and soothing on the skin

As the name suggests, this gel mask is enriched with Cucumber Extract and Aloe Vera, a blend of Papaya and Chamomile extracts which come together to comfort and soothe any irritation. Then we also have the inclusion of Pineapple, Sugarcane and Sugar Maple extracts which perform a visible brightening effect.  To use, the advice is to apply a generous amount to freshly cleansed skin and allow it to work for 10 minutes or for a more intensive treatment, it can be left on the face overnight.

I bought the sample size mask which comes perfectly packaged in a 14ml tube and is priced at just £6.72, a great idea for trying a product before purchasing a full-sized tub.

The second product is the Neom Organics Real Luxury Standard Scented Candle. I had intended to purchase a lipstick from Lipstick Queen, which is a brand I adore, but I got sidetracked by this candle. 

Described as being a refreshing, balancing aroma designed to relax, soothe it is perfect for those evenings and weekends when you just want to sit back and create an environment which just allows you to do just that. It uses a blend of 24 of the purest possible essential oils which includes lavender, Brazilian rosewood and jasmine with which not only smell wonderful but can help bring a feeling of calm.

This candle has been hand-poured using 100% natural wax and it has a burn time of up to 35 hours. It is priced at £36 for a single wick candle but there is the option of a 3 wick candle and even a travel edition.

The final item from my wishlist comes from ByTerry and it is the Beauty Essentials Kit, a collection of the brands iconic cult favourites housed inside a limited-edition pouch.

This Beauty Essentials Kit contains three products:

• Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder (1.5g) - Described as being an ultra-lightweight and completely invisible powder which controls shine without leaving skin looking dry or chalky. This loose powder contains whipped Hyaluronic Acid Microspheres that are designed to 'fill in' pores as well as to blur imperfections, leaving the skin looking and feeling smooth and more even-toned and it comes with the cutest mini sponge I have ever seen! I had been wanting to try this powder since it was released and now I have, I have already ordered a full size.
• Mascara Terrybly (4g) - I am a huge fan of mascara and am always wanting to try new ones. Included in this Essentials Kit is the Mascara Terrybly in Black Parti-Pris. This mascara is enriched with what is referred too as ‘Lumicoat Care Technology’ – a cocktail of glycoproteins, collagen and hyaluronic acid which conditions and promoted thickness of the lashes.  I really like the formula which isn't too wet when applied to the lashes, the wand grips and separates each individual lash without flaking, smudging and there is no sign of clumping either.
• Baume De Rose Le Soin Lèvres (2.3g) - One of the first products I ever used from the brand was the Baume de Rose Lip Balm. Infused with Shea Butter, Rose Flower Essential Wax and antioxidant Vitamin E, this balm softens and moisturises lips, whilst delivering subtle, non-sticky shine and promoting a plump appearance. This multi-purpose balm can also be used as an overnight lip treatment or it can also be applied on the nails and cuticles to nourish, fortify and protect from dryness. This balm is ideal for travelling, carrying in your handbag or placing on your bedside table.

These three products are packaged inside the most beautiful purple pouch which features the ByTerry logo and it is worth £45 but is priced at just £25 which is an absolute bargain.

As you can see, I chose three products which are all sold at incredible prices and right now, if you spend £60, Beauty Expert has an offering od saving 15% or 20% when using the code SPEND.

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

'How Best To Deal With The Extreme Heat This Summer'

Photo by Johnny Cohen on Unsplash

In recent weeks, we’ve had to deal with some of the most beautiful weather. In the UK, we don’t really get to enjoy extended periods of sunshine and humidity. We might get a few hours of sun, but then the clouds come back, and it becomes nearly freezing cold again. Sure, that will probably happen again soon enough, but right now, we’re in the midst of some pretty decent days! Summer is only just beginning, so you can expect this kind of climate to continue for at least a couple of months if you’re a UK resident! Good for you!

As someone that isn’t used to amazing weather in their home country, you might not be completely aware of how to take care of yourself and make the most of extremely hot temperatures. You probably know the basics, but, like most people, you probably still commit a few errors resulting in burning or some form of discomfort. We all get a little carried away when the lovely weather shows its face, so it’s nothing to be ashamed of – we’re all flawed humans, after all. 

So what can you do in order to keep safe and to deal with the most extreme days this year will have to offer? Fortunately, there’s no tough and ultra-secret formula to it – it’s actually just a case of repeatedly doing a few simple things. Here are seven points for you to heed:

Be Sure To Use Lots Of Sun Cream 

This absolutely goes without saying, but many people just don’t like the idea of doing it. They either dislike the process or the feeling, or they’ll be too lazy in the wonderful sun to take a couple of minutes out of their sunbathing. When you apply sun cream (or sunscreen), you’re quite literally saving yourself from both short-term and long-term health issues. We all know about the sunburn that the rays can give you, but we tend to neglect the idea that skin cancer and other serious skin conditions are prevalent in our species. Don’t be silly – cover up properly.

Drink Lots Of Water 

When you spend lots of time in the sun, you become very dehydrated, and your energy gets zapped from your systems. That’s why you need to make sure you keep yourself topped up with enough water. This is a basic task you need to do regardless of the weather, but it’s especially imperative during the really hot days. It may not seem like an important thing to do at first, but it becomes increasingly more obvious as the day gets on that you need fluids. It’s also wise to come prepared with some ibuprofen tablets or similar just in case you receive any outrageously bad headaches. Water is pretty boring, and lots of people can’t be bothered to drink it a lot of the time, but we’re made up of the stuff, so we need to keep refilling ourselves. 

Keep Your Pet(s) Safe

It’s not just you and your friends/family that have to deal with the heat; your furry friends also have to deal with it. Sure, some animals are completely fine in these kinds of climates, but many domestic pets struggle just as much as we do. Make sure you’re keeping them nice and cool during this entire summer – don’t neglect them for a second. Keep an eye on what they do. And, for goodness sake, do NOT leave them in your car while you run errands!

Eat Enough, Too!

You will obviously need to drink lots, but eating enough is also high on your list of priorities. You need to make sure you have all the energy in the world during these times – one moment, you could be fine; the next, you could be completely drained. It’s funny how your body tricks you like that. 

Do It With Friends!

This is a more light-hearted point, but still, one that should be said. When you’re around your friends and/or family, you’re in a much better headspace. When you’re in a better headspace, you tend to make better decisions – you also tend to have a better day overall. When you’re sitting on your own – even in the loveliest weather – it’s not quite the same. If you have the chance to be around your favourites, then take it – life is much better when you’re social. 

Take Appropriate Breaks! 

It’s tempting to stay out all day and get the best tan while enjoying the sun’s rays. If you have the endurance to do so, then, by all means, go right ahead. If you feel as though you need to go back indoors or sit in the shade for a little, then that’s also the right thing to do. You can’t be expected to immediately acclimatise to the new weather.

Have you got any tips on how to deal with the heat during the Summer?

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