GloWish Blur Jam Smoothing Primer by Huda Beauty

Aside from a few palettes, Huda Beauty isn't a brand I am all that familiar with, though I do see products featured across my social media of course.  Over the past month or so, I have been using a product that not only grabbed my attention with its name - Blur Jam, but it is incredible.

The GloWish range is described as being a line that exists at the intersection of flawless finishes and skin-loving ingredients to reveal a natural, easy-glowing look.  To that end, GloWish Blur Jam Silicone-Free Smoothing Primer is said to instantly mattifying to provide a perfect, breathable and shine-free base.

For anyone, who like me, has oily combination skin, a primer is an absolute must-have product if you want to keep your makeup in place (along with a finishing spray) and over the years, I have tried countless primers in the quest to find the perfect one, both with and without silicone.

Blur Jam is silicone free as well as featuring no fragrance or alcohol and it is made from a 90% naturally-derived formula and is Vegan Friendly. All of that aside, it does contain a powerhouse of ingredients which includes:

• Damascus rose water: Soothes, clarifies and locks in extreme moisture
• Prickly pear: A rich source of vitamins and antioxidants to provide intense hydration
• Cactus flower: Hydrates, calms and soothes skin while supporting a strong skin barrier

For me, the best part about this strawberry jam looking primer is its texture because it is exactly as I hoped it would be from the name and it is a lot of fun.

As you can see, it is bright red, looks very much like jam and spreads just as easily (without a knife of course) and all without being sticky, tacky or icky on the skin, in fact it is the exact opposite and is soft, smooth and really lightweight on the skin as well s hydrating.

It instantly smooths the skin and is great for mattifying the complexion, all of which are amazing because, even if you decide not to wear makeup, you can still use this primer on its own.  However, it really does help to keep that shine at bay and my makeup too.

Priced at £29 it is a really great primer and I am glad I have a back up!

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

New Doctor A Cosmetics

Meet Doctor A Cosmetics, a brand which describes itself as being the epitome of clean, sustainable skincare which is backed by science. 

Founded by Doctor Anika, a recipient of three awards for her philanthropic work, she combines her knowledge of healthcare with skincare to provide some of the best formulations and ingredients for your skin.

Doctor Anika has spent many years working to bring you the best ingredients for your skin, with the belief in natural and naturally derived skin care which needs to be more approachable, inclusive and transparent.  I have been lucky enough to get to know all three products from this brand which are:

• Vitamin C Brightening Moisturiser
• Intensely Exotic Night Repair Moisturiser
• 24k Royalty Facial Oil Treatment

Using the highest-quality, ethically sourced ingredients, whilst also ensuring the use of sustainable, eco-friendly packaging, you will find no parabens, sulphates, silicone, palm oil, microbeads or alcohol.

Starting with 24k Gold Royalty Facial Oil Treatment (£19.99) which is said to give you the glow of the stars!

It used a blend of so many amazing oils, including Argan, Coconut, Castor, Rosehip, Grapeseed and Bergamot which come together to leave your skin looking healthy, younger, and an overall improvement in your complexion. This oil is really lightweight, which is dispensed using a pipette, absorbs quickly onto and into your skin without leaving a greasy, sticky or tacky residue. You will also notice that it also contains 24k carat gold leaf, made from recycled jewellery which works to add a little oomph of radiance.

Finally, this oil can be used as part of both of your skincare and make-up routine - as a primer, highlighter or mixed with your favourite foundation.

Up next is the Doctor A Vitamin C Brightening Moisturiser (£28) which is a fragrance-free cream designed to brighten and moisturise.

This cream is packed full of powerful antioxidants and vitamins, with the hero ingredient being vitamin C. If you didn't know, Vitamin C has multiple benefits which include:

• Protect the skin from pollution damage
• Helping to reduce pigmentation and scarring
• Tackling the signs of ageing and works actively to brighten and even the skin tone.

Alongside the Vitamin C you will also find a whole host of other ingredients which include:

• Squalene - Helps to hydrate the skin, softens the skin texture and helps to regulate natural oil production
• Vitamin E - Moisturises your skin and an antioxidant that helps protect the skin in reducing UV damage.
• Vitamin A - Not only treats signs of ageing, but also promotes and maintains a healthy dermis and epidermis, plus helps to stimulate natural collagen production.
• Glyceryin - Not only helps the skin to retain moisture, but it also helps increase overall hydration of skin as well as to relieve dryness and heals skin.

With its luxurious whipped texture, which is neither too watery or too thick and on the face, it not only brightens and works to even out the skin tone, it can also be used on scarring, pigmentation, fine lines and stretch marks and even on sensitive skin.

Finally comes the Intensely Exotic Repairing Night Moisturiser (£28) which is described as being a super packed with a rich accumulation of healthy ingredients to help nourish and soothe your dry and dehydrated skin.

As a night moisturiser it works to heal and restore your skin to give it that healthy, supple glow thanks to the inclusion of the following ingredients:

• Hyaluronic Acid - The wonder ingredient which hydrates the skin as it helps to minimise fine lines whilst also increasing your skin’s moisture
• Grapeseed Oil - Not only soothes the skin, it also helps to treat breakouts and increase your skin’s moisture
• Mango Butter - Works to soothe acne inflammations and nourish the skin
• Red Raspberry Oil - Not only improves skin elasticity and increases the skin's moisture, it also replenishes the skin.

The texture of this cream is almost balm like and not expecting to like it, I absolutely love it.  You need just the smallest amount to massage onto the skin and ask it absorbs, again, there is no trace left behind other than immediately noticeable softer feeling skin.

If you want a selection of products which are plant-powered, made here in the UK and have sustainability at the heart of the brand as well as planting one tree for every product purchased, then Doctor A Cosmetics is one to be looking at!

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

Emma Hardie Moringa Luxury Body Scrub

Is there possibly any other incredible product that anyone could ever need from Emma Hardie? Well I cannot think of one currently because there is an amazing Cleansing Balm, an amazing skincare and bath range, plus a candle and now I have been lucky enough to work my way through an entire jar of the brand new Moringa Luxury Body Scrub.

Formulated to gently buff and exfoliate skin leaving it soft, smooth and refreshed, this luxurious body scrub is made from an amazing blend of natural oils which work together to moisturise and condition skin leaving skin velvety and radiant. Using the likes of:

• Himalayan Pink Salts which are rich in minerals and have the job of improving the condition of your skin through exfoliating. 
• Crambe Oil - a natural emollient which helps leave the skin feeling soft and smooth 
• Hemp oil - also a natural emollient which has both Omega 3 and 5 fatty acids and helps to calm and soothe irritated skin
• Blackcurrant Oil - rich in fatty acids and Vitamin C, it is used to regulate and soothe dryness and irritation
• Sweet Almond Oil - rich in Oleic and linoleic fatty acids, it helps to condition the skin 
• Magnesium PCA - has moisturising and hydrating properties, ideal for giving dull skin a boost.
• Vitamin E - known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, it helps to provide moisture
• Moringa Oil - the much loved cleansing balm scent which is rich in Oleic acid and is a great moisturiser.

On the skin, the body scrub can be as abrasive as you need it to be with the right amount of pressure applied, obviously there are some parts of the body with don't need over-zealous exfoliation, and others that do.  But to use, you need to just massage a fair sized blob over damp skin to work its magic.

If you are familiar with the rest of the Emma Hardie Moringa collection, with the cleansing balm often being referred to as a 'spa in a jar', then that much loved scent, which runs throughout all of the products in this range is present within this scrub and one of the best ways to get the absolute best out of that scent, if you love it as much as I do, is to the layer the Amazing Body products to shower and then moisturise your skin afterwards.   So you would start with massaging the body scrub onto damp skin to buff away those dead and dry skin cells, then grab the Emma Hardie bath and shower oil to ensure your body has been properly cleansed after exfoliating and then apply the Emma Hardie body butter for a complete body treatment - of course there is also then your skincare routine to complete too!

Priced at £42, you can find the Emma Hardie Moringa Luxury Body Scrub right here.

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

What to look for when buying a luxury watch online

For anyone who’s looking to buy a luxury watch, you will know what a big investment it is. Not only are they expensive, but luxury watches are also a statement piece that should reflect who you are as a person. So, it stands to reason that you want to get it just right.

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If you are buying a luxury watch online, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed at the prospect of shelling out so much on something you haven’t even seen in real life. However, with this guide, you will know what to look out for and what to avoid.

Research

Researching the watch and the brand is key to understanding what kind of watch you want to buy. With so many brands out there, make sure you’re buying from the right one by looking at their history and checking to see if they are an ethical company.

Some might be buying a watch purely for the brand. Omega watches are just one example of how reputation precedes a product, with many people clamouring to showcase this highly esteemed brand on their wrist.

Read the fine print

When buying a watch, you’re not just buying the time-telling device. With something so valuable, there will be all kinds of costs and insurances that cover every scenario, as well as fixing repair costs, warranties and accessories.

Before buying your watch, check every bit of information related to your purchase. If you want to add another level of insurance, do it whilst you’re buying your watch instead of later.

Ask plenty of questions

If you’re not sure about something, don’t shy away. Ask someone. Understandably, you want to know where your money is going with such a significant purchase, so ask every question that comes to your mind.

This is especially important when it comes to clauses of the buying contract and matters of insurance and warranties. You don’t want to be caught out if you ever damage, lose or get your watch stolen. If you want an extra safety blanket, ask for everything to be formalised in writing. This way, you have proof should something go wrong.

Investigate the website itself

In the case of buying a luxury watch, you don’t want to purchase from a ghost store with no physical stores. Only buy from trusted brands who you can visit on the high street should you ever need any repairs or have any questions.

A brand’s authenticity will make you feel more confident in your purchase. Many also have customer service agents ready to answer any questions on the chatbot service.

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