The Ultimate Hair Spa Box by TOYL - May Edition

This months TOYL box is themed around hair, specifically getting your hair into its best shape of its life. As we get older our hair changes - it might be greyer than we hoped, thinner, drier and often other problems occur as our body changes. 

This box is about glossy locks, no silicones and it has been curated with all hair types in mind with a treat right at the end, what’s more it is worth £110 and is on sale for an amazing £39.99 but keep on reading to find out how you can get it for less and why every single month, I champion this box as being incredible value for money!

For me, my hair has always been combination, much like my skin. Greasy roots and dry ends, when I’m stressed my scalp reacts and whilst I try to use as little heat as possible, I’ve also switched to sleeping on a silk pillowcase and dry shampoo is my best friend!

The first product in this months box is from Michael Van Clarke with 3’’’ More inches Lifesaver Pre-wash Treatment.

This is a pre-wash treatment that helps to get rid of silicone and dive deep into the hairs shaft to rebuild protein to shore up breakages. It uses Wheat Proteins which work to strengthen and protect as well as too increase hydration and elasticity. Coconut and vegetable extracts to moisturise, condition and protect as well as Cashmere Amino Acids which are described as being are almost identical to human hair so are absorbed deeply helping replenish the voids in damaged hair, rehydrate the hairshaft and protect it from further shrinking.

The second product comes from Living Proof and your box will either contain the shampoo or conditioner from the Full collection. 

I have the shampoo in my box and it is described as being gentle yet effective at thoroughly cleansing the hair and priming it by removing residue and buildup.  Ideal for fine, flat hair, this shampoo uses a whole array of ingredients such as propriety amino cleansing complex which gently cleans the hair, removing dirt and debris build-up, without stripping natural oils. An infusion of amaranth peptides to support a fuller-looking appearance by plumping the fibres, alongside phytantriol which helps to strengthen and protect the colour vibrancy of chemically treated hair.

The third product comes from WeAreParadoxx with the Repair 3-in-1 Conditioner. Priding themselves on being 99% natural, WeAreParadoxx is a always greeted warmly in our house.

This 3-in-1 conditioner is quite the multi-tasker as it works as a conditioner, leave-in treatment and finishing balm. Using the likes of coconut oil to strengthen and hydrate, Carrageen Moss to fortify and condition plus Matcha Green Tea which adds strength and fullness. After using, your hair should feel soft, look glossy and be frizz free!

The final product for your hair is the one I was most intrigued by! From DrPawPaw, the brand who has those cute lip balms, we have the It Does It All, 7-in-1 Hair Treatment Styler.

This product is 95% natural, vegan-friendly and has a whole lot of things it claims to do, which includes:

• Heat Protect
• Reduce Split Ends
• Detangler
• Leave-in-hair Treatment
• Reduce Fizz and smooth
• Blow dry styling
• Adds Shine

Packaged in a spray bottle, it is easy to apply to the hair and it does come with the DrPawPaw signature coconut and mango scent, which I absolutely love. 

Finally, in this box is a real treat and it isn’t hair related but it is amazing and it comes from Aromatherapy Associates.

The Hydrating Rose Face Mask is described as being the mask you need when your skin needs a bit of moisture. The Damask Rose Water infused gel mask is enriched with ingredients such as Aloe Vera and sodium hyaluronate, which work together to hydrate skin and restore its radiance and vitality. Perfect for using after exfoliating and it needs just ten minutes of your time - perfect for using whilst you have a hair mask on! Plus, if your skin is extra dry, you can leave it work it’s magic overnight too!

I don’t need to tell you just how amazing this box is, all of these amazing brands and their products and the box is priced at just £39.99, though it is worth an incredible £110, it includes free P&P and if you use the code BQUK, you will get £5 off your first box!

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

Dr. Harris Anti-Wrinkle Sleep Mask

There is no doubt that we have and continue to live in unprecedented times, regardless of your beliefs and like so many, not only have I had Covid19 and lived to see another day, but I am also still suffering from a few of those side effects which continue to blight my days. Aside from still not having my taste and smell back, the insomnia is worse than ever, life has gone back to the norm, or new norm and it is pretty full on, I’m useless at being able to switch off and relax, so putting the Dr. Harris Anti-Wrinkle Sleep Mask to the test has been quite timely.

Sleep Masks are not something new, but this is a mask with a difference and one which has courted a whole lot of attention across my Social Media feed and having been kindly sent the mask over 3 months ago, I really wanted to try it out before sharing my thoughts, especially because it had a waiting list of over 5000 people before it had even launched!

Want to tackle sleep, relaxation and wrinkles in one? Meet the Anti-Wrinkle Eye Mask from Dr Harris, an innovative sleep mask with raised silicone dots that gently press on your skin to help ease tension and temporarily smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Whether you're taking a 15-minute power nap or you're wearing this fabulous mask overnight, it's sure to redefine the meaning of beauty sleep! 

That description alone had me absolutely sold that I had found an amazing product that I am being blessed to try. 

Referred to by many as being a super sleep mask, it has been designed by leading aesthetic practitioner Dr Harris in collaboration with CurrentBody. Aside from being a sleep mask, it is also an anti-wrinkle eye mask, which is what makes it so unique.

The mask is made from 100% silk and it is super soft to the touch and when you are wearing it, it is really lightweight whilst being snug and it is a mask which stays in place whether you are wearing it to lay down and just relax for a few minutes or happen to fall asleep wearing it.  So, as you can see, it looks like any other sleep mask, that is until you turn it over and it is here you are greeted with a series of silicone dots which have been specifically placed to stimulate the mechanoreceptors, or put simply, those tiny nerve endings, on the face. 

Whilst wearing it, I had read reviews which claimed it was hard to frown, so like any child who is told not to the painted wall/fence because there is a sign stating that paint is wet, you touch it. With this mask I did and still do try to frown and it’s true, it is incredibly difficult to frown as these tiny silicone dots have gently gripped your skin to do what Dr Harris intended by creating a sensation that is akin to someone stroking your face whilst at the same time targeting those temporary wrinkles which are caused by smiling and frowning.

Now the wrinkle side of things I can’t really comment on as I just don’t have enough to make a comparison and being honest, they don’t worry me if they are to arrive. For me, the intrigue with this mask is for the relaxation and sleep benefits, which I really struggle with. Using the mask is incredibly simple:

How to use:

• Put on the anti-ageing sleep mask with the strap surrounding your ear
• Press one finger firmly over the relaxation point between your eyebrows
• Hold for five seconds
• Release and lean back, allowing the mask to work for at least 15 minutes

So the instructions are easy to follow which is a relief and it has become my most used mask, even the mister uses it if he gets a chance to swipe it from me. Once the mask is in position, for me, I use it in numerous ways:

• Headaches - I have shared my challenge with headaches on many occasions. A condition known as Barometric headaches is my nemesis and it is caused by changes to atmospheric pressure. They usually start with a sharp pain that runs across the head and then settle to a migraine type headache and make me feel quite nauseous. This eye mask is one of the most soothing products I’ve ever used when my headaches are triggered, as they silicone dots add just the right amount of pressure to work against the pain.
• Relaxing - I’m not good at just sitting down and doing nothing, I’m a fidget and almost need to be strapped down to stay still. What I do love is the use of this mask, my oil diffuser blend working its magic and then those 15 minutes of absolute me time to think of nothing. This is something I can absolutely manage to do and usually on a Sunday when the working week is finished.
• Drifting back off to sleep - falling asleep for me is not a problem, it is very rare that I am awake all night. For me, the issue is staying asleep. Many a time I’ve shared on my Instagram stories the hours that I lay awake overthinking, being unsettled, wondering if I could just clean the kitchen floor without waking anyone. This mask is the absolute best at helping me drift back off to sleep, because it does help me to relax, if after half an hour I am unable to sleep, the mask is applied and off I will go back to sleep for differing lengths of time, but for me it works.

All of those uses and still this mask is safe to use all night long if you so wish and it is here that it is claimed you will see longer lasting results, so I do try and ensure I do this more often than I really do.

If that isn’t enough, this incredible mask, of which I now have two because I purchased a spare one, is perfect for travelling with because it comes packaged with a branded black storage pouch.  

This mask is priced at £90 or £99 with two skincare products from CurrentBody, so it is at the higher end price bracket of products of a similar market, but I believe you are getting a whole lot more with this Dr. Harris Anti-Wrinkle Sleep Mask than just any normal silk eye mask, for me the benefits alone make it worth every single penny and more so given I’ve purchase a second to use when this one is being washed.

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

10 Techniques That Can Help With Memory Loss

There are a number of ways that you can improve your memory. Some of these methods may seem obvious, while others may be less so

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However, all of the techniques below have been shown to be effective in boosting memory power.

Here Are 10 Techniques To Try:

Get Enough Sleep

One way to enhance your memory is to make sure you are getting enough sleep. Sleep helps the brain consolidate memories and makes it easier to recall information. If you have trouble sleeping, try to establish a regular sleep schedule, avoid caffeine before bed, and create a relaxing bedtime routine.

Exercise Regularly

Another way to enhance your memory is to exercise regularly. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and has been shown to help improve cognitive function. If you don't have time for a formal workout, try to incorporate some physical activity into your day-to-day life by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a walk on your lunch break. 

Eat A Healthy Diet

Eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries can help protect the brain from damage. omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon and other fish, have also been linked to better cognitive function. 

Keep A Journal To Document Your Memories

Date, time, people involved, and emotions felt. This will help you to organise your thoughts and memories, and you can refer back to your journal entries to jog your memory if needed.

Reduce Stress

Stress can have a negative impact on cognitive function and can make it more difficult to recall information. Try some relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation if you're feeling stressed.

Make Sure You Are Getting Enough Vitamins 

Certain supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and cannabinoid capsules, have been shown to improve memory and cognitive function.

B vitamins are essential for maintaining brain health and have been linked to improved cognitive function. Good sources of B vitamins include leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. 

Repeat Information Aloud

It is more likely to be stored in your memory when you hear information. So, when you are trying to remember something, try repeating it aloud several times.

Play Memory Games And Brain-Training Exercises:

One simple exercise is to practice recalling a list of items in an order, such as groceries you need to buy. You can also try memory games like Sudoku or crosswords to give your brain a workout.

These exercises can help to improve your memory and cognitive function. Some popular memory games include Memory, Simon, and Lumosity. 

Get Plenty of Stimulation

A stimulating environment helps keep your mind active and can enhance memory and cognitive function. Try to expose yourself to new experiences, such as learning a new language or taking up a new hobby. 

Try Different Techniques

Some people find that certain memory techniques work better for them than others. Experiment with different techniques until you find one that works best for you.

In Conclusion

Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your memory or think you may be at risk of developing a memory disorder. They can help you assess your risk and make recommendations for how to best protect your brain health.

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

LIBERTY In the Bag Beauty Kit

Liberty London has a brand new beauty kit on sale and this time it is called In the Bag Beauty Kit and if you have been a fan of previous beauty kits, then you will no doubt also love this too. 

As well as launching their subscription box, which so far I've found to be okay and not as amazing as I had hoped, the almost by-monthly kits have continued.

“Your tote will be packed with all the essentials thanks to the In the Bag Beauty Kit; bringing you seven game-changing formulas you won’t want to leave home without, worth over £130.

Curated by our in-house beauty experts, this incredible edit showcases our must-have products from the likes of Hourglass, Sam McKnight and Dr Sebagh. Complete with a Liberty Fabrics’ Meadow Song box to store them in, this coveted collection will ensure your skin, hair and makeup is always in check.“

The Liberty London In The Bag Beauty Box is on sale for £45, and the treats inside the box are worth £130.50, so you are getting some amazing brands and their products as well as saving £85.50 - incredible value!

Contents

• Rockins Lockdown Liner Long Lasting Gel Eyeliner 1.1g
• Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara 3.5g
• Uoma Badass Icon Matte Lipstick in Tina 3.5g
• Dr Sebagh Lip Balm 15ml
• Sam McKnight Cool Girl Texturising Spray 50ml
• QMS Replenishing Protection Hand Cream 75ml

This box, as you might have guessed, is themed around mini handbag essentials. Given it features makeup, skincare, hand cream and hair care, it is a pretty good theme with amazing products and if you want to get your hands on it, then it is available right now.

BUY HERE

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