Epionce Gift Set

As a brand, Epionce is not one I am too familiar with and one of the things which brings me joy as a blogger is meeting new brands. Described as being a physician-strength skin care line created by clinical dermatologist, Dr. Carl Thornfeldt. Using over 20 years of clinical skin research, Epionce provides the foundation to address your unique skin care needs. From improving the visible appearance of skin ageing to problem skin, Epionce has a regime to solve your specific skin concerns. I have been kindly sent three products from range which feature in today's post.

The first product is the Enriched Firming Mask. Described as being a hydrating mask which is suitable for all skin types. It has been expertly formulated with botanical ingredients specially chosen to help soothe and improve the visible appearance of elasticity and firmness of the skin.

On the skin, this mask, with its blue hue applies like a dream and it uses ingredients such as Shea butter, which as we know is very moisturising and nourishing, then there is White Willow Bark which not only helps to exfoliate the skin to give it that radiant glow but it is also said to also have a high concentration of tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and various minerals, all of which help soothe the skin and aid in cell regeneration. 

There is two ways of using this mask. The first is to evenly apply the mask to clean skin and leave it to work for 5-10 minutes then rinse using warm water. If you feel your skin is in need of some additional hydration, apply the mask and then do not rinse, allow it to soak into the skin.

The second product is the Ultra Shield SPF50 and it has been designed to protect the skin against the sun's harmful UV rays. We all know the importance of protecting our skin from these rays and that doesn't just start and stop when the Sun makes an appearance, it should be as much a part of your skincare routine as applying any other product.

Thankfully, there is now an abundance of brands who make sun care easy, long gone are those overly thick creams which never ever seem to sink into the skin. From Epionce we have a cream that is really lightweight and sinks into the skin really quickly and in doing so, there is no greasy film or white cast left on the skin, two of the issues I have always had sunscreen for the face.  This one is great as a base for makeup, it is also long-lasting and is said to use a blend of chemical filters and antioxidants which provide complete protection against UVA/UVB rays and free radicals while a blend of natural oils keep the skin feeling soft and smooth.

The final product within this trio of goodness is the Restorative Hand Cream. I am sure like so many others, over the past 18 months we have used more hand cream than ever before and this is one I have been using since it arrived.

This hand cream has been designed to soften and hydrate dry damaged skin and it is perfect for this colder weather when your hands tend to feel much drier than at any other time of the year. Infused with antioxidant Raspberry Seed Oil which works to repair the skin's epidermal barrier alongside Meadowfoam and Safflower Seed Oils which work to prevent dryness throughout the day.  As a hand cream, this one is rich and helps to heal dry, cracked skin and in doing so, not only it is really nourishing and hydrating but also without being greasy on application.

This is a really lovely gift set for anyone who loves their skincare, it has everything you need from a mask to a face cream and with the hand cream, you have an incredible trio.

This Epionce Gift Set is on sale right now with SkinExperts

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

Waken Mouthcare Gift Sets

This Christmas, there seems to be a bit of a social media campaign about buying people what they need rather than what you think they want, part of me gets this, it makes so much sense and hopefully this post will tick that box for so many of you.

I love getting 'smellies' as we used to call them for Christmas, not having to scan the aisles of my local supermarket for a razor or some shower gel because I am lucky enough to have been given some by a relative is a blessing to be honest.  This Christmas, if you’re looking for something different to the regular beauty-based offerings such as shower gels, deodorants, hand soaps or minis, then Waken might just have what you are looking for. 

To provide everyone with some new options, Waken Mouthcare have created three beautiful and sustainable gift sets that are guaranteed to freshen up smiles and bathrooms and I am sharing two of them in this post.

The first gift set is the Waken Gift 2 Beautiful When You Smile - Peppermint (£12). This gift set contains three Waken Mouthcare essentials that have been designed to help you maintain a gleaming smile and fresh breath.

Set Contents:

• Peppermint Mouthwash 500ml - An award-winning fluoride mouthwash with the cooling sensation of natural peppermint extract to refresh.
• Peppermint Toothpaste 75ml - Blended with natural peppermint, this formula protects your teeth and gums against cavities and plaque build-up.
• Peppermint Lip Balm 12.5g - A small, round tin containing a buttery blend of shea, cocoa and mango seed butters to leave your lips soft and supple.

In line with Waken’s eco-friendly blueprint, the products within this gift set come housed in recycled, sustainable and certified carbon neutral packaging.

The second gift set is the Waken Gift 1 - Luscious Lips (£15) and it is described as being a trio of deeply nourishing lip balms that work to condition and comfort your lips.

The lip balms are which are made from a blend of three brilliant vegan butters - shea, cocoa and mango seed and they help to protect and condition your lips. Each one of these balms also happens to have a petroleum jelly-free formula and instead boasts the inclusion of antioxidant Vitamin E, which helps to protect delicate the lips from free radical damage that is linked to premature skin ageing.

Set Contents:

• Lemon and Mint Lip Balm 12.5g - Fresh and invigorating, this zesty scent offers a burst of citrus that caressing your lips in long-lasting softness with an uplifting fragrance.
• Peppermint Lip Balm 12.5g - This refreshing lip balm offers a supple softness to your pout. The minty fresh scent leaves a sweet-smelling aroma and long-lasting moisture.
• Strawberry and Mint Lip Balm 12.5g - A sweet cocktail of strawberry and mint creates a fruity fresh scent that provides hydration and softness to your pout.

I really love the lemon and mint balm which surprised me as it isn't a combination I would ordinarily choose.  That said, the texture of each one of these balms is incredibly silky-smooth without being greasy or slimy. Again, each balm as you might expect is housed in pastel-coloured sustainable packaging and not only is it Vegan but they also have 100% natural flavours and that same sustainable packaging I have already mentioned.

So there is a brief introduction to Waken, their products can now be found over on Lookfantastic and given they are so reasonably priced and they look so pretty in their packaging, they are beautiful to gift.

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

Nude by Nature - Now in Superdrug!

Nude by Nature is back in the UK and is on sale with Superdrug and I have been lucky enough to try out some of their products, perfect timing for a few upcoming Christmas Parties I have coming up. Created in Australia back in 2008, the brand started with a capsule collection of just three mineral foundations, a bronzer, finishing veil and a make-up brush. Now they have expanded massively and are known for their cruelty-free stance as well as the fact they are made with 100% natural ingredients.

Superdrug has unveiled Nude by Nature in 50 of its stores and it is also available online with priced starting as low as £10.49 which is an absolute steal for a brand of this quality.  I have five products from the 73 which are available and they include the following:

• Perfecting Primer
• Perfecting concealer - Porcelain Beige 02
• Moisture Shine lipstick Pale Coral 05
• Flawless Pressed Foundation C2 Pearl
• Natural Illusion Eyeshadow Trio Nude

The Perfecting Primer (£16) is described as being a smoothing, silicone-free primer that creates an even base for make-up application, while helping to extend wear. 

It has an un-tinted formula which is packed full of amazing ingredients such as Vitamin A for its anti-oxidant and anti-ageing properties, Vitamin E which also has anti-oxidant properties but is also moisturising. Then we have Kakadu Plum which I have come across in so many products of late and it is hailed as being the worlds richest source of Vitamin C and then finally we have Green Tea which again is full of anti-oxidants, is anti-ageing and also anti-inflammatory.

The Perfecting Concealer (£16) which is available in 8 different shades in total, is delightful to use and is so far, my most used product from this collection.

I have shade 02 Porcelain Beige and it is a pretty good match for my skin tone, though I could get away with wearing the lighter shade too.  Again, this concealer, which is a creamy liquid, easy to apply and doesn't cake (hurrah) after application is designed to cover dark circles, disguise puffiness, hyper-pigmentation and of course blemishes. As with the Primer above, this Concealer also features Vitamin E and Kakadu Plum and with them we have Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter and Floraesters and from this trio of goodness you get ingredients which soothe, nourish, protect and help to reduce fine lines, dryness and improve skin firmness!

With the base of your makeup complete, in comes the Flawless Pressed Foundation and I have the shade C2 Pearl (£20) and it is said to help even out complexion, cover imperfections and control oil and shine.

The powder is another product packed with incredible ingredients and you will again find Kakadu Plum, Vitamin E and then Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter which have been mentioned already. Added into this pressed foundation is Cehami Extract which works to hydrate and nourish the skin, Avocado Oil which has Vitamin A, B and D plus Kaolin Clay which helps to absorb excess oil and help smooth the skin.  Quite the powerhouse and it is also fragrance free.  The foundation, in its compact is really lightweight, I used a brush to apply to my skin and it does apply like a dream.

The next product is the Moisture Shine Lipstick (£12.99) which is described as being a colour-rich lipstick that delivers an effortless sweep of colour and luminous shine finish.

I have the shade Pale Coral 05 and when I saw the name I wasn't expecting to like the shade, however... it is absolutely stunning and so easy to wear, definitely perfect for day time wear and at any time of the year. With its really smooth, creamy texture, the ingredients within this lipstick include Vitamin E and the native Australian Kakadu Plum which help to provide antioxidant defences. Then there is the inclusion of nourishing Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and then an ingredient called Ha Microspheres which are moisturising repairing and have plumping properties, coming together this lipstick is comfortable to wear, it is lightweight in texture and has an impressive colour payoff.

The final product to share with you is the Natural Illusion Eyeshadow Trio (£17.49) in Nude and it is absolutely beautiful and perfect for me as I love my nudes.

Nestled inside a gold palette with mirror and a double-ended brush, the trio of nudes are perfect for taking that natural daytime look to a smokey evening eye. The three shades which I would describe as being light brown, a medium toned brown and a then a champagne shade are enriched with those same active natural ingredients that have been mentioned already - Kakadu Plum and with it we have Sweet Almond Oil for its moisturising and conditioning properties, Quandong which has brightening and anti-oxidant properties, Desert Lime for its anti-oxidant properties but also because it supports skin hydration and then Sandalwood Kernal Oil which is rich in Omega 3,6 and 9 as well as being incredibly nourishing.  

All of these products and so many more can be found online and in some stores with Superdrug and if you are looking for makeup which is cruelty-free, made from natural ingredients and cares and protects your skin as well as making you feel and look more fabulous, this is one to check out.

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

How to Decorate a Party Bus

Are you organizing a bus party for your family, friends, or colleagues? Decorating your rental party bus is one of the best ways to make the party more fun and exciting. 

Here you will learn how you can decorate your bus party.

Ask For Permission

Bus party rental companies have some rules, and you do not have to assume. Furthermore, you do not want to buy supplies and start daydreaming about your party aesthetics inside only to realize some of your designs are not allowed. Most party bus hiring companies allow people to decorate busses since they are used for occasions such as bachelorette parties, promo, and birthday parties.

However, some rental companies have policies that state the designs allowed. Therefore, talk to the rental company to ensure you understand its policy on decorating, as you will save additional expenses if you breach the contract. You can check out Party Bus Rent, the largest party bus leasing marketplace in the US. While there, you can choose the party bus that you like and instantly get a quotation. They are committed to ensuring you get the best party bus at an affordable price.

General Rules for Decorating a Party Bus

After you clearly understand the decorating rules, get some time to decorate. You can rent the bus an hour earlier so that you have enough time to decorate before your guests arrive. A general role for decorating is that you should not put decorations on the mirrors or the front and back windshields.

Getting where you are going safely and setting the mood is critical. So, avoid doing things that may obstruct the driver’s clear view while driving the bus. Once your party is over, ensure that you take down your decorations to avoid additional cleaning charges. That is why it is important to use decorations that are easy to set up and remove.

Don’t Forget the Theme

Different parties require different themes. How you decorate for prom is different from how you decorate for a birthday party. Therefore, the theme of a party should be the foundation of your decoration.

Use Banners

You can use banners to spice up the bus you are using for a party. Banners are cheap and easy to set up. They give the bus a feeling of festivity. Your banners should be custom-made to suit the theme of the party. Use the right words to write the message to pass the right message across.

Consider placing the banners on the exterior of the part bus on either side. Also, place them inside where invitees can effortlessly see them when they enter the party bus. The use of banners is more appropriate for corporate parties where excessive decoration is not allowed.

Party Favors

These are also good options for bus parties where excess decoration is not accepted. Party favors are suitable for any party as they can easily match any event. If you want to reward your guests, you can use party favors as gift giveaways, place them inside small bags, and place them on all seats before your guests arrive.

Balloons

The use of balloons is a great way to spruce a bus party. Fortunately, they come in different colors, and you can get the right ones for your theme. All you have to do is spend some time perusing a catalog to find the perfect colors that suit your event. If you are facing a problem picking the right colors, go with neutral colors like silver and gold.

If you want to include balloons in your decorations, get creative about using your ribbons. Try to leave the strings long and tape them on the floor; this way, balloons will float in the aisle. You can also let them bob against the ceiling with long ribbons so that they can hang down like branches of a weeping willow. However, ensure the balloons do not reach the driver’s seat at any time during the trip.

Lighting

Lights are one of the things that set a partying temperament. You can use tailored glow sticks to help set the appropriate atmosphere for a bus party. Using the right lights in a bus party can enhance the morale of the guests, making it livelier. The appropriate lights for parties are bright, multi-colored lights.

Having a bus party does not have to be boring. With permission and a little creativity, you can put your guests in the right mindset during your next party bus. So, book that bus and get your party started!

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