This is Silk Power Up Barrier Booster

When a product instantly sells out, you know it is going to be quite something and this time it is the Power Up Silk Barrier Booster from This Is Silk, a brand I was introduced to last year and one which I absolutely loved getting to know.

This Is Silk started when brand founder Sonal experienced the healing power of Silk for her own painful skin and damaged hair. A bit of research as to why Silk was helping, Sonal realised there is vast amounts of medical literature on the powerful benefits of Silk for skin and hair. So the brand, after further research was born. My first Silk product happened to be a pillowcase and then an eye mask, something I now cannot sleep without and have been known to take with me when I stay in a hotel, so I have no doubts that skincare products will be as amazing.

Described and promoted as being a Barrier Booster, a term that has become a bit a buzz word for 2023. Having spent many years using products which have irritated my skin, been top harsh and have caused reactions, inflammation and in some cases soreness, all in the effort to get baby soft smooth skin, minimised pores and no wrinkles - the latter of course being impossible.

So, Power Up Silk Barrier Booster is perfect for a whole lot of skin types or skin with issues that is in need of some love:

• Skin showing signs of ageing
• Skin that needs 'plumping'.
• Skin in need of serious TLC
• Sore, red and dry skin
• Sensitive skin ~ oil and fragrance free.

This product has been designed to be added to your existing skincare products and it works to demonstrate the power of Silk and Silk Peptides. Silk peptides have been scientifically proven to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, Improve skin elasticity and 'bounce', reduce hyper-pigmentation and fight blemishes, improve the barrier function of skin and Boost skin's natural collagen levels - in short it is quite the ingredient.  This product also contains Silk Fibroin, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Cholesterol and Glycerin

As this has been designed to be added to your existing skincare products, the advice is to apply and mix 1-2 drops in the palm of your hand with your moisturiser / oil / serum / retinol before applying to your skin, thankfully it does come with a pipette to make it easy to use. 

My skin is combination oily but with dry patches, so adding this into my routine has been quite something, it isn't greasy to tacky and it doesn't make any of your skincare products separate when it is mixed in.  For me, it came into its own when I used a mask which had Kaolin Clay as an ingredient, something my skin absolutely hates and was a reminder to do a patch test first.   So with my sore, red and angry skin, I applied this Barrier Booster to a calming face mask and it worked its magic to soothe and dull the redness.

Priced at £24, it is worth every single penny.

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

3 Ways Your Self Confidence Can Be Affected

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If you could rate your confidence on a scale of 1 to 10, where would you put yourself? In 2022 a poll of 2,000 people found 46 of those surveyed struggled with low self-confidence and self-esteem issues. If this is you, then you are not as alone as you think. Low self-confidence can have a massive impact on your mental and physical health and lead to you missing out on opportunities and experiences just because you might not feel good enough to do them or worthy of being able to participate.

Self-confidence can be affected by many different things, and knowing how to turn things around and give yourself a much-needed boost can be instrumental in turning things around and helping you work on becoming more confident day to day.

Poor Body Image

Pretty much every person has something they don't like about their body. These can vary in complexity and how much they affect their life. For example, if you hate the shape of your nose, this can affect how you interact with people and how social you are, as you might shy away from socialising. While Plastic Surgery can rectify any nasal shape issues, if you are unhappy with your body shape or weight, you can change your diet and start exercising to help you change your body to help you improve how you feel about yourself.

Negative Thinking

How you think about yourself and the words you use to describe yourself in your head and out loud will reinforce that image you have of yourself. It's all too easy to fall into the trap of putting yourself down and focusing on the parts of yourself you don't like or want to change. It's precisely the same as reading product reviews. There could be 99 glowing reviews, but you will seek out and focus on that one negative one. But you can change this. Whenever a negative thought pops into your head, replace it with a good one. Make a list of all of the things you like about yourself. It could be anything big or small. It can be something about your appearance, such as how you did your makeup that day or how you look in a particular outfit, or it can be about a positive experience you have or want to have that day. Whatever it is, store it in your memory, and when the negative thoughts creep in, replace them and push them out of your mind.

Comparing Yourself

Comparison is the thief of joy. And in an age where people are subjected to perfect images online, it can be all too easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others and their views. But remember, they will only show you what they want you to see. You won't always see the outtakes, the before shots or the messy house behind the immaculate kitchen. You are seeing a snapshot of someone's life, and you need to keep that in mind when comparing yourself to others. You are good enough; nothing on social media is always 100% real.

Confidence isn't something you can gain overnight. Taking small steps to change how you see yourself and think about yourself can make all the difference to your confidence to allow you to thrive as needed to be.

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

Age Defend with Ark Skincare

I have been a big fan of Ark Skincare since being introduced to them back in 2019. If you haven't come across the brand before, ARK is an award-winning British Skincare company that has developed what they refer too as 'ageintelligent skincare' and it focuses on treating skin by age as well as concern. 

For reference, Ark Skincare has three ageintelligent ranges to choose from:

• age protect – for teens and 20’s
• age defend – for 30’s and 40’s
• age defy – for 50’s and over

Products in ARK's Age Defend range, which I am sharing today, are designed to boost your skin's natural collagen production and minimise redness for a calm, supple complexion. 

Alongside the ARK Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser (£26 reviewed here), which  is a lightweight cleanser described as being an ultra-nourishing cleanser which helps with skin’s natural exfoliation for a clear, radiant complexion and the Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser (£38 reviewed here) which just so happens to be the best selling moisturiser from the Ark Skincare range, contains natural moisturising agents such as Shea Butter and Olive Oil which are not only incredibly rich and hydrating on the skin but also work to leave it feeling soft and velvety smooth to the touch. I have been using the Age Defend Soothing Facial Oil (£48) which is a new launch.

For many years I assumed that I was unable to use a facial oil because I have combination-oily skin, but having spoken to many skincare professionals, I found this not to be true and have since always included one within my routine.  Described as being a silky facial oil with a delicate slip to hydrate, de-stress and calm skin sensitivity as well as to restore a healthy glow to the skin.

This formula contains a whole host of ingredients, the first of which is called Collageneer®, an innovative active ingredient that works to stimulate natural collagen production, and defend against the visible signs of ageing. Alongside that we have Kiwi Lipids, Abyssinian Oil, Defensil, Sweet Almond Oi, Baobab Oil (rich in Vitamin A).

What I really like about using this oil is that it isn't greasy or tacky when applied to the skin and it should be applied to the face and neck until it has fully absorbed. This is a delightful collection of products, which work really well together or can be used on their own to be incorporated into your existing routine.

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

Pro Tips For Your Holiday Beauty Training: Prepare To Shine This Holiday Season

Ready or not, the holiday season is zooming towards us faster than Santa's sleigh. You know what that means, right? It's time to break out the tinsel, shine brighter than your Christmas tree lights, and get ready to look smashing for all those Instagram snaps. But hey, let's not forget - this isn't just about looking fab in your party dress. It's all about some self-love, sun care for the skin, and taking care of yourself because you totally deserve it! There is more than enough time to get ahead of the game.

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Create Your Glam-up Game Plan

Every epic adventure needs a map, and your beauty journey this festive season is no different. So, pull out your fave notebook, gather all those glittery pens, and let's chart out your route to glam town. Here's what your plan needs to have: Skincare routine: To keep your skin shining like the star on top of the tree.

• Fitness regime: To keep you feeling amazing and looking fresh.
• Diet plan: to help glow from the inside out.
• Beauty treatments: for all the pampering you deserve.

And there you go! You've got your very own treasure map to festive fabulousness.

Skincare: Outshine The Star On Top

What's the first checkpoint on your glam-up journey? It's skincare, sweetheart! 'Cause a glow that could give Rudolph's nose a run for its money is totally achievable. Start with a solid exfoliator to say goodbye to those pesky dead skin cells trying to rain on your parade.

Follow that up with a dose of hydration and don't forget the sunscreen, even if it's winter (the sun can be sly like that). And remember, your skin isn't just on your face! Treat your whole body like the temple it is. Scrub, moisturise and don't ignore those under-loved spots like elbows and knees.

Fitness: Sweat It Out, Slay It Out

Next up, let's get sweaty. Not only does a good workout keep you in shape, but it also gives you a mood boost and a natural glow. And you knew that, didn't you, you smart cookie? But let's make this holiday season even more fun! Try to keep up your exercise routine even amid all the crazy shopping and endless parties. And hey, who said workouts have to be boring? Mix it up with a dash of cardio (hello, dance-off at the office party) and some strength training (making you look even more bomb in your holiday dress).

Nutrition: Feed Your Glow

They say you are what you eat, and it's true, babe. Fill your plate with a rainbow of fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats, and watch your skin thank you for it. During the holidays, it can be hard to resist all those yummy treats (who can say no to grandma's cookies, right?). Balance is the name of the game here. Allow yourself a few indulgences, but remember to fuel your body with the good stuff too. If you need a quick and nutritious fix, Shake that Weight has got you covered with more products than Exante. Their meal replacement options are a life-saver during the festive rush. So, check them out and keep yourself nourished, balanced, and radiant throughout the season!

Beauty Treatments: Time to Indulge and Shine

It's time to pamper yourself! When it comes to holiday beauty, there's no need to hold back. You're worth all the self-care and prep to make sure you're the shining star this festive season. Let's break down the beauty treatments that will have you dazzling from top to toe. Let's start with your crowning glory - your hair. Treat yourself to a deep conditioning treatment a week or two before your first holiday party. Shiny, hydrated locks are a must-have, whether you're going pro with a salon treatment or doing a DIY session at home with a high-quality hair mask. Feeling a little daring? Go for a new hairstyle or colour - the holiday season is the perfect time to try something fresh and fun.

The Final Flourish

The big day is here. Time to strut your stuff! Slip into your favourite holiday dress, slick on that perfect shade of lipstick, spritz your signature scent, and light up the room with your dazzling smile. You've planned, prepped, and now it's time to shine. But remember, darling, the holiday season isn't just about looking stunning. It's about making memories with the ones you love, surrounded by joy and laughter. So here's to a holiday season that's not just beautiful, but truly unforgettable!

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