Lush Minamisoma Shower Oil

I love a product which has a story to it, its reason for existing and with Lush, there is always a story to tell, usually about the ingredients they use, but this time it is the Minamisoma Shower Oil and I loved the story and the description so much, I bought it.

The story goes that back 2011, a small place called Minamisoma which makes up part of a small city in the Fukushima prefecture in northern Japan, was hit by the Tohoku earthquake, one which is said to have been its strongest ever recorded. That earthquake caused a Tsunami which sadly left more than 450,000 people became homeless and more than 15,500 people dead. Most of its residents were evacuated and over five years later, in 2016, the residents were allowed to move back. In place of their ruined rice crops, the locals began growing crops of rapeseed instead. Rapeseed plants remove cesium from the soil and their seeds are turned into oil which is radiation free and safe to use. 

Within this Minamisoma Shower Oil, Fukushima rapeseed oil is used and the oil helps the skin to feel softened and moisturised. As always with Lush, there is a plethora of ingredients and within this shower oil we have:

• Lemon juice - packed full of antibiotic and antioxidant properties as well as being both an astringent and antiseptic ingredient, this fresh and zesty juice cleanses the skin without stripping it of its natural oils whilst at the same time helping to keep the skin firm and protected.
• Bergamot and Olibanum Oils- Both of these oils work together to give the most incredible uplifting citrus scent which works really well alongside the lemon juice and it is great for those times of anxiousness and tension.
• Turmeric Powder - this is an antibacterial and an antioxidant, as well as a soothing ally to the skin.

Added to those you will find kinako powder, a flour made from roasted soy beans which leaves the skin smelling sweet.

Not everyone has a bath and some that do have one actually don't savour the same joy I get from laying back and shutting the world out for an hour or two, enjoying a bubble bar or an oil.  These shower oils from Lush are not only designed to provide the skin with a mild cleanse, but could also be used as the last step in your routine to give skin a moisturising boost. 

To use they could not be more simple. The advice is to simply stroke the Shower Oil bar over the body and rinse away for soft and strokable skin, whilst at the same time, taking time to soak up the freshy zesty sherbet lemon scent to uplift the mood. Once used with warm/hot water there is a slight lather that is created and at this point, all of those scents come to life and all without being greasy or tacky on the skin.  After showering, there is a remarked difference in the softness of the skin and it is a delight to use.

You can find the Lush Minamisoma Shower Oil on sale at just £5.

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

Time Of Your Life Beauty Box - May Edition

Just when I didn't think a beauty box could get any better than the previous month, in walks the Time Of Your Life box to prove me wrong. This months Time of Your Life (TOYL) Beauty Box is simply incredible, not only because it is brilliant value for money, but the contents are ones everyone and anyone can use and here it is in all its glory.

If luxury hair care with a bit of luxury skincare thrown in is something you are needing in your life, then read on to find out more about this box. The lovely Karen, who is the curator and owner of these TOYL boxes not only has an amazing eye for good products, there is also a Youtube channel which teaches you how to get the most out of your products too.

As you can see, the prominent brand within this months box is WeAreParadoxx. As a brand it is one I have seen on my social media feed, but until now, wasn't one I had tried. Describing themselves as the sustainable, plastic free beauty company, WeAreParadoxx are committed to using natural and organic ingredients in our formulations where possible and their packaging, which is made from aluminium goes towards fighting the war on plastic. They are also PETA and Leaping Bunny approved and that means they are Vegan, Cruelty Free and they only source from suppliers who do not test on animals. Within this months TOYL Box you will find four products from the brand.

Making up a Hair Hydration Kit we have the WeAreParadoxx Moisture Shampoo, Conditioner and Superfuel Face, Hair and Body Oil. Described as being the trio to give you instantly glossy, hydrated hair and glowing skin. The Moisture Shampoo is said to be just the tonic for those of us who haven't yet found the time to visit a hair salon and are suffering from dryness and brittle ends - this is definitely me! Enriched with Vitamins B, C and E along with Argan Oil, the rich formula not only cleanses your scalp and strands, but it also helps to promote a silkier, healthier-looking finish. To add to the hydration of your hair, the Moisture Conditioner uses Argan oil alongside a blend of minerals and vitamins B, C and E to nourish and condition with the likes of Jojoba oil which is said to not only mirror your hair’s natural oils, but also helps to moisturise without leaving that greasy feeling before Carrageen moss comes in to enhance shine and smooth your hair.

The WeAre Paradoxx Superfuel Face, Hair and Body Oil which is packaged inside a sleek looking flask, is described as being a serial multitasker, is formulated to deliver the ultimate hit of hydration to dry skin or hair, even colour treated locks. Enriched with blend of Maracuja, Abyssinian and Argan oils which work to instantly hydrate, smooth and soften. Alongside the oils, you will find a whole host of vitamins and antioxidants. So whether your skin needs a pick-me-up, your hair needs some help with moisture retention or everything needs some TLC, this oil ticks a lot of boxes without being greasy, tacky or too heavy on the hair and skin. Finally hiding inside the box is the cutest little keyring, which is actually a hair care product too. The Moisture Handover Hair Elixir is described as being a leave-in treatment come finishing oil which smooths frizz, restores shine and adds a bounce to the hair. What I love about this product is that it uses Irish Whiskey as one of the ingredients and it is said to help strengthen weak hair and enhance shine as it works alongside the likes of Argan, Coconut and Soya oils.

Next out of the box is the best Dry Shampoo I have ever used and it comes from Living Proof, which I have featured on my blog a few times now.

This Dry Shampoo is powered by the patented Healthy Hair Molecule ofpma, which is said to be a superior way to care for hair without silicones, instead this molecule creates a weightless, invisible shield over each hair strand meaning your hair stays cleaner for longer, eliminates frizz by blocking humidity, polishes and protects hair strands, smoothes the hair without weighing it down.

This Dry Shampoo has what is referred to as a 'Triple-Action Cleaning Technology' which not only absorbs and removes oil, sweat and odour, it also makes your hair look and feels clean. One of the paranoias for me, when it comes to using a Dry Shampoo is that it actually does nothing other than produce white flakes of dried powder or irritates my scalp further. I don't get that with this at all. What I love is that it has a time-released fragrance to deliver a light, clean scent throughout the day, the scent is pleasant, my hair smells nice and most importantly, I am not sat wondering whether anyone has noticed I am on day 3 or 4 without washing my hair.

Is any luxury hair care edition complete without the inclusion of Philip Kingsley and the iconic Elasticiser? Well in this box you have a tune of the much loved and revered product, which was originally created for the amazing Audrey Hepburn and us now available for everyone to try. 

Described as being a pre-shampoo super moisturising intensive treatment which adds silkiness, suppleness, elasticity, bounce and strength. The clever ingredient combination also continues to provide UV protection even after washing which in turn helps to prolong the life of colour treatments too.

With hair care covered, there is also two skin care products inside this months box.  The first comes from Eve Lom with the Cleansing Oil Capsules.

This refillable travel pack is great for keeping with you on go, for those long weekends away or even longer. Described as having a hydrating formula which not only dissolves all traces of makeup, excess oils and impurities to leave your skin feeling silky smooth and clean they are also 100% biodegradable. Using essential Omega fatty acids combined with a signature blend of botanical oils such as Eucalyptus, Clove, Egyptian Chamomile, and Hops, this cleansing oil works to ensure that your skin stays hydrated for up to 12 hours after use.

The final product in this box comes in the form a treat and for me it is an introduction to a brand I have not as yet come across. Sisleya L'Integral Anti-Age Day and Night Cream comes packaged inside a cute little 5ml jar.

Part of the Sisley-Paris brand, this cream is described as being one that combats the visible signs of ageing and damage from lifestyle choices, genetics and environmental factors. Using a formula which blends phytostimuline, rhatany and lady’s mantle extracts with ursolic acid, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, soy peptide plus white willow leaf extracts not only does this cream work to significantly stimulate, and regenerate skin cells but also to  restructure them.  There is also the inclusion of natural extracts such as Persian acacia, lindera which work alongside a yeast and soy protein complex which interact with the skin to promote what is referred to as being cell longevity and energy.  You will also find Shea butter and vegetable glycerin then work to soften and hydrate the skin to give that supple and smooth complexion.

Now if this isn’t an incredible box for May then I don’t know what it is. Seven amazing products from some incredible brands, all full-sized and for just £35 a month, I think this box is incredible value for money when you consider it is worth £129 if you purchase these products separately.

Find out more about the Time Of your Life and what is on offer right here and remember to use the code BQUK to grab yourself £5 off!

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

CULT BEAUTY TRIED AND TESTED GOODY BAG – APRIL 2021

If ever there was an amazing Beauty Bag, it has to be a Cult Beauty one and launching today we have a brand new goody bag which is filled with products from some incredible brands which is worth over £295 and it can be yours entirely free *if you spend £150 on the site.

The ‘Tried and Tested’ beauty bag features a plethora of products, in fact there is 22 pieces within this edit and five of them are full sizes including a Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lustre in Pillow Talk. 

CONTENTS

• Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Brag Volumizing Mascara 2.5ml MINI
• Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil 12ml DELUXE SIZE
• Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting 10ml DELUXE SIZE
• Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lustre – Pillow Talk 3.5ml FULL SIZE
• Dr Dennis Gross Skincare All Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 7ml DELUXE SIZE
• Elemis Skin Nourishing Milk Bath 60ml DELUXE SIZE
• Emma Hardie Skincare Moringa Cleansing Balm 15ml DELUXE SIZE
• ESPA Bergamot & Jasmine Body Lotion 30ml DELUXE SIZE
• Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream 7ml DELUXE SIZE
• Gallinée Hydrating Face Cream 30ml FULL SIZE
• Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner 40ml TRAVEL SIZE
• Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes 4ml DELUXE SIZE
• Honest Beauty Everything Primer Matte 30ml FULL SIZE
• Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick – Dirty Thirty 3g FULL SIZE
• IT Cosmetics Hello Results Wrinkle-Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-in-Cream 5ml DELUXE SIZE
• Medik8 C-Tetra 8ml DELUXE SIZE
• Oskia Renaissance Mask 15ml DELUXE SIZE
• Pai Skincare Rosehip Bioregenerate, Rosehip Seed & Fruit Universal Face Oil 10ml TRAVEL SIZE
• REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic 100ml DELUXE SIZE
• Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions – Rio Sunset 30ml TRAVEL SIZE
• Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30 15ml TRAVEL SIZE

Alongside all of these products there is the Cult Beauty Kraft Paper Make Up Bag, which I think looks amazing.

This gift with purchase is available right now. To get your hands on it, you simply have to spend £150 right here*.

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

5 Hobbies to Take Up During the Pandemic

We've all experienced what a lockdown feels like- endless days of doing nothing. Initially, it was pretty fun and relaxing; being able to do nothing without the guilt usually accompanied by it is another kind of bliss. But, after a while, and after you've binged The Office three times from beginning to end and you start to see life passing you by, it may begin to feel like the walls are closing in on you. A lot of people also started working from home, which means that, along with basically anything being able to be delivered to your doorstep, you literally have no reason to step out of your home, which in many ways isn't healthy. Recent studies have shown a significant rise in the depression under people since the start of the pandemic, partially due to financial issues and also because of a lack of interaction with the outside world. Now might be a good time to try something new while you have all the time in the world - that said, here are five hobbies you can give a go while stuck at home.

Photo credit

Photography

If you have a camera, this may be something that will tickle your interest and give you something to work towards. Granted, you're at home with nowhere to go, but there is plenty of beauty around you to capture if you just stopped for a second and looked closely. Photography is a fantastic way to freeze a moment in time and show the world your perspective on life. Whether you're taking pictures of the mini-ecosystem in your garden outside, other family members living with you, or even a bowl of fruit on the table, you can express yourself perfectly through a lens. There are plenty of online photography courses you can take to sharpen your knowledge and skills if you want to take it more seriously or even just excel at your hobby while you have the chance - the point is to pick your camera up and unlock a whole new world you never knew existed. Who knows, you might just start to see beauty in things you never even thought to look twice at.

Cooking

This is something that can make a lockdown feel like a holiday every day. Never fancied yourself a cook? How about making a change and discovering a whole new side to yourself you never knew? Cooking is relatively easy; the key is to know which flavor combinations work well with each other. Start by picking your favorite meals to eat and perfecting them one by one. Afterward, you may want to start experimenting with ingredients you've never tried before. Buy a cookbook online, or follow a cooking page on social media and see where it leads you; maybe you have a hidden chef tucked away inside you! If cooking's not your thing, try baking - how great wouldn't it be to always have a freshly baked batch of cookies in the house? Knowing how to cook is a skill that will never be anything but advantageous to you, and you'll always feel prepared when having guests over for dinner.

Music

Are you one of the people who grew up with an instrument in the house but never got around to learning how to play it? Or maybe there's an instrument you've always wanted to be able to play, but you just never had the time to learn it? Now's your chance! Whether you're considering piano, the guitar, or the flute, there are tons of tutorials online that can turn you into a modern-day Mozart in no time. Just think how fast the time will pass if you're able to chill on the couch and jam away on your guitar while learning your favorite songs. Also, if you want to go the extra mile, consider fine-tuning those vocal cords and learning to sing - you'll be a killer combination with your instrument and angelic voice and be able to entertain yourself for hours. If this is something you're keen on attempting, try some singing lessons to learn the basics and wow everyone with your musical abilities. 

Writing

It may sound like effort at first, but jotting down your innermost thoughts and feeling may not only be therapeutic in a way but also fun, seeing as you'll be able to look back on what you wrote years from now and remember the crazy time you lived through a pandemic. Putting Covid-19 aside, try writing about anything that comes to mind; poems, short stories, what you did throughout the day, and how you felt when past things happened in your life. You would be amazed at what it does to your mind's way of processing when putting everything down on paper, and the best part about it is that it might even be good writing! By attempting this new hobby, you might notice a nack you never knew you had. You may even consider remotely writing for an online magazine or blog, which can open a whole host of doors for you professionally.

Art

Almost everyone doodles something on a piece of paper when lost in thought or while on the phone, so why not take it to the next level and actually put some effort into it? You can try drawing, sketching, painting, whatever your heart desires - the best thing about it is the second you've finished, it's already art, and there's never been anything like it before. If you feel like you need some guidelines at first, try researching some handy beginner's tricks to get the ball rolling and see where it leads; before you know it, your entire house will be hanging full of beautiful, one-of-a-kind art.

All of the above are hobbies you can start with immediately and are sure-fire time-passers at the least. The best thing about a hobby is that it is personal and can be the one thing you resort to when needing some alone time even long after the pandemic has passed. So start somewhere, try them all if you want to; you might just discover a hidden passion you never knew you had.

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