Summer Skincare with Emma Hardie

One question that comes up time and time again with skincare is whether or not you should switch up your skincare for the Summer months. The team over at Emma Hardie, who recently their advice on combatting sluggish skin, have some great advice on switching up your skincare, which I am sharing with you.

Naturally in the Summer months, with the warmer weather, we don't need to rely on heavy or rich formulas like we would do in the winter months, but that doesn't mean you can throw your skincare routine out of the window, but instead just tweak it slightly and these are the suggestions:

Emma Hardie Light Moringa Gel (£34) - This cleansing gel is just delightful and is perfect for using to complete the morning cleanse and is described as being the lighter alternative to the iconic classic that is the Moringa Cleansing Balm, which I also adore!

This lightweight gel offers that same uplifting scent you get from the balm and it so refreshing. It uses nourishing Moringa and Sweet Almond Oil which leave your skin feeling supple, then we have Omega 6, Vitamin E and essential fatty acids which work to moisturise, smooth and soften. Sea Fennel Extract and Moringa Seed Peptides then help to reinforce the skin’s barrier function to help protect against the damaging effect of environmental aggressors such as harsh weather conditions and pollution. You can read a full review on the Moringa Light Cleansing Gel here on my blog.

Emma Hardie Plump & Glow Hydrating Mist (£42)- with its innovative packaging this mist is the first-ever in a tube form, making it so easy to carry around with you, have on your desk, in the bathroom or wherever else you store such products.

Perfect for use if you have a bit of a hot flush, feel a bit flustered, need an afternoon refresh or even just because you can. Formulate using hyaluronic acid to aid hydration, cooling watermint and Aloe Vera for soothing and refreshing the skin plus it also contains tiny gold pigments which boost the skin's luminosity. The most important ingredient for me, however, is the use of Glycofilm™ 2% technology which provides a 'second skin' to protect cells from the damaging effects of daily pollution and provides invisible colour correction to balance redness, leaving skin fresh and radiant. This mist is something that can be used all year round.

Emma Hardie Protect & Prime SPF30 (£46) - This is such an amazing product (review here) and one I have gone through tubes of since I was first introduced to it. We all know that wearing SPF should come as naturally as putting on your bra or your socks, but for some reason, so many people just don't wear any form of SPF, unless it is hot or they are on holiday. However, that is a whole different blog post.

With its SPF30, Protect and Prime is a lightweight, non-greasy skin protecting and priming cream and it doesn't feel gloopy, it isn't thick and it doesn't leave white residue once applied. Packed full of amazing ingredients such as Mongongo Oil, Oat Extract and Vitamin E together they work to protect and guard the skin against premature ageing, sun damage and environmental exposure. It also has a unique light-diffusing formulation to prime the skin and even out the complexion as well as helping to blur the appearance of fine lines and pores.

So there you have a tweaked but incredible skincare routine for the Summer months, plus it also acts as a great introduction to Emma Hardie as a brand if you are yet to try any products. You can find them all available here via both Cult Beauty* and Emma Hardie.

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

Primark PS... Naturals Balm to Oil Cleanser

I think it is fair to say that I am a huge fan of cleansing and double-cleansing in general, it is something I have done for years now and it becomes as much a part of my skincare routine as washing my hair or applying a mask. When I double cleanse, without question there is always a balm cleanser involved and when I saw the Primark PS... Naturals range, before lockdown, it was quickly in my basket and it cost just £3!

The Balm to Oil Cleanser comes packaged inside a 50ml pot and inside if you are familiar with a balm cleanser, you will a solid balm, which, when it comes into contact with your fingers, it becomes easy to remove from the pot ready to cleanse. Texture-wise, I love it, very similar to The Body Shop Chamomile Cleanser.

The PS Naturals Balm to Oil Cleanser transforms on contact with the skin, so once the balm is on your fingers, you need to warm it between your palms to break it down and ensure it applies to the skin much easier. Once on the skin, the oil, which the balm has become, is sadly not all that good at removing everything in its path, in fact, I ended up using another balm cleanser to do the job this one should have done.

This Balm to Oil Cleanser boasts over 90% natural ingredients, including extracts of Kakadu Plum, which contains rich amounts of Vitamin C, Coconut Water, Sunflower Seed Oil and Jojoba Seed Oil to name a few of the ingredients and despite all of these ingredients, there is no scent to this balm whatsoever.

Whilst this hasn't been the balm for me because I don't feel it did the job it should do when it comes to removing makeup, suncream and so on from my skin, it didn't strip my skin of any moisture or leave it feeling dry, so not all bad, just not for me.

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

GA-DE Cosmetics Skincare

A few days ago, I introduced GA-DE Cosmetics to my blog readers, a brand who hails all the way from Israel, launching here in the UK and a brand who is about to make its debut on QVC. As well as makeup, GA-DE Cosmetics has a whole plethora of skincare, and I have been giving two of the products from the range a try.

Skincare with GA-DE is premium, it is scientifically created, it is researched and developed with chemists and colourists constantly working to explore new materials and techniques, whilst ensuring science and artistry is at the forefront to ensure that the health of the skin is the main priority.

If you read my blog regularly, then you will know how much I love cleansing and it is by far my favourite skincare routine part. From GA-DE we have the Purifying Cleansing Gel for oily to combination skin.

This Cleansing Gel is described as being an ultra fresh, foaming cleansing gel for soft and supple skin and it is formulated with soothing French rose, plumeria, sage, grapefruit and vitamins that help reduce shine and mattify skin.

I am not usually a fan of foaming cleansers as I find them quite drying on my skin, but this one doesn't strip the skin, instead it leaves my skin feeling incredibly clean, soft, smooth and more importantly it is hydrated and moisturised. Has the shine been reduced? I have noticed that there has been a reduction, even on hot and sweaty days.  This cleanser is priced at £16.50.

The second product that I have been using comes from the Aqua Jolt range and it is the Oil-Free Hydration Gel Cream which is described as being a refreshing, replenishing and revitalizing gel cream for healthy-looking skin and a radiant complexion.

As the name might suggest the Aqua Jolt range is all about hydration and this Gel Cream, which is designed for oily to combination skin is just divine on the skin and during the heatwave, we have all enjoyed, applying it to my skin has been such a treat because it feels so cool.

This Gel Cream is infused with Hyaluronic Acid which naturally helps keep the skin soft, smooth and hydrated but alongside that we also have what is referred to as the powerful AQUAXYL™ technology and the exclusive FUCOGEL active, meaning this gel cream rapidly absorbs into skin, instantly relieving dryness and restoring skin's natural barrier against moisture loss. This cream is also enriched with vitamin E and a natural blend of soothing botanical ginger root and witch hazel leaf extracts, as well as vitamin B3 and marine sugar cane which all work together to, helps reduce sebum production, control oil and minimise the appearance of redness, reinforcing firmness and boosting elasticity. Priced at £20.

Using both the Cleanser and the Gel Cream together creates quite the powerful duo for the skin. I love that both are soothing and refreshing without stripping the skin.  What GA-DE has given with its skincare is something that is straightforward, easy to use and you can use these products together or on their own as part of your on-going skincare routine.

If you are yet to have a look at GA-De Cosmetics or have seen some products you like the look of, you can find them all here plus more - I'm talking cleansers, toners, Eye creams, day cream, night cream, overnight oils and serums!   I can also offer you a 20% off discount code which is GADICONBQ20 which you just add at the check out!

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

Tropic Skincare's ALL NEW Sun Protection Range

I am a huge fan of Tropic Skincare and have featured them regularly on my blog for some time and today I am sharing the newly launched suncare collection, which given the weather we have just had and are continuing to enjoy, is amazing timing.

The collection from Tropic is described as being 'Reef-safe' and it offers defence against UVA and UVB rays in formulas which are both silky and hydrating plus, they also protect against daily pollution and blue light damage.

Introducing a groundbreaking range of broad-spectrum, water-resistant sun protection, formulated using certified reef-safe ingredients. Caring for our planet is more important than ever, and we feel modern sun care should not only protect our skin, but also our oceans. 

What I love is that these are the first products in Europe to wear the Protect Land + Sea seal of approval. and it is worth mentioning that proceeds from each purchase will also go towards funding education with Tropic's charity partnership with United World Schools.

Choosing your sunscreen can be quite a difficult choice, for me one of the factors is how it makes my skin feel. I cannot stand creams or lotions which are thick and gloopy and feel as though they are just sitting on the skin's surface. With these products from Tropic, you get incredibly lightweight formulas, so lightweight you don't even know you are wearing them, they're not sticky, there is no white residue, they don't make your skin feel greasy and I have found them to be quite hydrating too. 

The Tropic sun protection range:

Sun Stick  - This is my favourite product of the range and one I always have in my pocket or in my bag when I go for my daily walk. 

The Sun stick is a bit of a multitasking product and it has been designed to be applied frequently to areas that are especially prone to sun exposure, such as the face and shoulders, though it can also be used on the lips, forehead, tops of the ears, elbows and any other area that you might have forgotten about. It offers an SPF50 and is enriched with some nourishing ingredients which include Vitamin E, Marshmallow Root Extract, Tamanu Oil and Green Algae Extract. Priced at £20 17g.

 

Great Barrier Sun Lotion - This lotion has the options of being available as an SPF15, 30 or 50 and is not only water-resistant but also sweat-resistant too. As with the rest of this collection, this mineral sun protection uses reef-safe chemical filters and it has an incredibly silky yet hydrating formula which is enriched with coconut extract, green algae, vitamin E all of which work to shield skin from UV rays and free radical damage as well as to soothe skin exposed to high temperatures helping to repair and rejuvenate skin. 

For me, the scent of coconut really makes this a delight to use, it is almost like pretending you are laid by the pool with a mojito in hand! Priced at £28 200ml or £18 100ml.

Sun Day Facial UV Defence  - I never ever leave the house without SPF and I even wear it in the house too, yes really! Sun Day Facial UV Defence is possibly the most lightweight facial cream I have ever tried on my skin.

As well as being lightweight, it is also transparent and can also be used as a primer, so quite the multi-tasker of a product and being honest, I am happy to use it as it is, without makeup.  It is enriched with Hyaluronic acid which boosts the skins moisture levels, then there is banana flower and hibiscus extracts which together offer unbelievable pollution protection and anti-inflammatory benefits and then Plant Polymers, which are also worth a mention because they work together with prebiotics to prime the skin for flawless makeup application. Available in two sizes it costs £24 for 40ml or £10 for 15ml.

Skin Shade Sun Cream - This is much more of a sun cream than a lotion as the formula is that little bit thicker, though not so thick it doesn't sink in. Despite the formula being that bit heavier, it isn't greasy or tacky on the skin and again no white residue in sight once applied.

it is available in SPF 15, 30 and 50 and is described as being packed full of nourishing oils and antioxidant-rich extracts for all-round protection. So ingredients you will find include Kahai and Rocou oils which are rich in omega fatty acids to keep skin super-soft and nourished, Kakadu and Illawarra Plum extracts to soothe and calm and Cassava and Rapeseed Resin which is said to be naturally derived resins which offer highly effective water resistance. Priced at £28 200ml or £18 100ml.

Skin Shade Tinted Facial Sun Cream- This is a product I have used and enjoyed a whole lot more than I was expecting too if I am honest. I find 'tinted' products really hit and miss usually, but I gave it a try and was surprised. During these hot weather days, there is not a chance I am wearing makeup, other than possibly mascara, but that is a commitment. What I do prefer is something light, subtle and if there is a bit of coverage then I am happy. This ticks a lot of boxes - it offers sheer, dewy coverage and is not only water-resistant but is also SPF50. Add to that, it's packed full of antioxidant-rich, protective ingredients such as Golden Jojoba Oil, Wild Hibiscus Flower, Passion Flower Oil which all work together to shield your skin from free radicals and UV rays.

It's available in either light/medium which is the shade I have, or medium/dark. When applied, you do need to blend it a lot more than your mineral sunscreen to get the perfect base, but I have found it really easy to do. Priced at £24 for 40ml.

The final product within this collection is one everyone should be keeping in their fridge and that is the Sun Soothe Cooling Aftersun Lotion. I have the same issue with a suncream, I want to use something that isn't overly thick.

As with the rest of the collection, the Aftersun Lotion is reef-friendly and it is 100% natural. Using Aloe Vera Juice, Bisabolol and Golden Jojoba Oil which together cool and soothe the skin as well as calming the symptoms of sunburn.

What I do like about this Aftersun Lotion, is how it feels on the skin. Silky smooth and definitely cooling when applied after a day in the sun. Priced at £22 for 200ml and £12 for 100ml.

The Tropic Suncare Collection is available to purchase now via Tropic Skincare

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