Dr Sam's Flawless Transformation Kit

A brand that is loved by so many on social media has landed on my desk and that is Dr Sam Bunting. Known as The Queen of Glow, Dr Sam's skincare has three 'Basics' that everyone should have - SPF, moisturiser and a cleanser and in this Transformation is everything you need to become acquainted with the brand.

The Flawless Transformation Kit features five of the brands most iconic products and they come together to create a simple and straightforward routine, giving you enough of each product to last for a good few weeks and at just £35, it is a great gift to give to a skincare lover.

This set includes:

Flawless Cleanser 25 ml -  This is a jelly cleanser that removes makeup and daily impurities. Said to be perfect for all skin types, including those who have sensitive or redness-prone skin. This cleanser effectively removes make-up, sunscreen, oil and other detritus that is present on the skins surface whilst at the same time, respecting the skin’s natural barrier with its acid mantle-friendly pH of 5.0.

Flawless Moisturiser 25 ml - This is a really lightweight cream which is described as being a 'hug for your skin' and I really love the gel-cream texture which just melts when it comes into contact with your skin.  Featuring 5% Niacinamide, Shea Butter and Sodium Hyaluronate which come together to not only brighten and boost the look of your skin, but it also helps with keeping your pores clear and skin calm. Very hydrating and just wonderful to use.

Flawless Daily Sunscreen 25 ml - Described as being a product to calm and coddle blemish-prone skin, with a soft-focus primer-like finish. What I love is that it doesn't leave that much hated white chalky cast on the skin when using, it absorbs really quickly and is really hydrating and I have loved using it every day since it arrived and love how it sits on my skin, whether I am wearing makeup or not.

Flawless Brightly 10% Azelaic Acid Serum 7ml - This is designed to tackle dull, lacklustre skin as well as to evens out skin-tone, calm bump and clears pores. It's hero ingredient is azelaic acid which works to visibly tackle pigmentation and redness, clear clogged pores, and reduce the appearance of blemishes. Alongside it is the inclusion of 5% Niacinamide, referred to as the barrier-boosting, pore-unclogging B vitamin ingredient that makes skin like retinoids better, followed by 2% Ascorbyl Glucoside which is said to be a stable yet gentle antioxidant powerhouse partnered with brightening and collagen-boosting properties, 1% Bakuchiol, this seed extract is said to think it's a retinoid, which it isn't, but its job is to diffuse blemish-prone skin and reduce the visible signs of premature ageing.  My skin absolutely loves this serum and I love the difference it has made to a slight bit of redness on my cheeks.

Flawless Nightly 2% Retinoid Serum 7ml - Featuring three key ingredients – 2% Granactive retinoid which It clears out pores, softens crinkles and improves clarity, 5% Azelaic Acid to tackles redness, blemishes and pigmentation, 1% Bakuchiol to help blemish-prone skin and premature ageing and finally 10% Niacinamide which Dr Sam refers too as the barrier-boosting, pore-unclogging vitamin that makes skin like retinoids better. The serum, which is an almost light yellow colour is definitely the one with the most luxurious feel to it and on my skin, it absorbs really quickly and it doesn't cause any irritation, so if you are looking to move to something a little more powerful, this would be a really good place to start.

As you can see, this set of five incredible mini Dr Sam products is the perfect way to try the range for yourself and at just £35 it is such a great introduction to the brand and what it has to offer. 

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

How to Choose the Perfect Whisky Christmas Gift

Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and the age-old custom of gift-giving.

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What better way to celebrate than with a gift that embodies warmth and tradition?

For centuries, whisky has held a special place in holiday traditions. The rich, warming notes of a good Scotch or a smooth Bourbon echo the festive spirit, making whisky an ideal Christmas gift.

Selecting the Perfect Whisky Gift

Whether you're buying for a whisky aficionado or a curious novice, here's how to choose a whisky that will make their Christmas truly special.

Understand Their Taste Preferences

The first step in choosing the right whisky is understanding the recipient's taste.

Do they prefer sweet, fruity flavours, or are they fans of smoky, peaty notes?

If you know their favourite brand or expression, getting a special release from that line shows thoughtfulness.

For beginners, opt for something smooth and easy to enjoy, with a mild flavour. A good example of this is a Speyside single malt.

For the seasoned drinker, consider a complex Islay whisky. Alternatively, a limited edition Christmas release or whiskies with winter spice notes can be particularly apt for the season.

Whisky subscriptions are also available and will ensure your loved one can still enjoy their gift throughout the year.

Whisky Presentation Counts

Since it’s a gift, presentation is everything. A bottle of whisky that comes in a festive package or is displayed inside a Christmas card can elevate your gift.

You may also consider a beautiful decanter or a set of whisky glasses to complement the bottle.

Include an Educational Element

For whisky newbies, include a book about whisky or a tasting notes journal. This not

only enhances the gift but also encourages the recipient to explore their new hobby and understand what they're drinking.

Explore Whiskies From Different Regions

Whisky comes from all over the world, and each region has its unique characteristics.

Scottish whiskies, known as Scotch, are renowned for their diversity, while Irish whiskies are typically smoother and more approachable.

American whiskies (like Bourbon and Tennessee) offer sweeter, more robust flavours. Japanese whiskies have also gained acclaim for their precision and balance.

Age Matters – But It’s Not Everything

Whilst the age of a whisky can be a marker of quality, it's not the only thing that matters.

Non-aged whiskies can also offer incredible depth and complexity. Focus on the flavour profile and the craftsmanship behind the bottle more than the age.

Whisky Wallet Wisdom

You don’t have to break the bank to find a good whisky. There are excellent options at various price points.

Set a budget and explore the best whiskies within that range. Remember, it's the thought and the match to their taste that counts, rather than how much you’ve spent!

Where to Shop

Look for a reputable store specialising in whisky, as their staff will be far more knowledgeable. They can provide valuable guidance, especially when you're unsure about your choice.

Check out the range of Christmas whisky gifts from The Whisky Tasting Company. If you have any questions, be sure to give them a call on 01743 247220. They’ll be happy to help you find the perfect gift for your loved one.

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

Marie Reynolds London Skincare Review

It's not every day you attempt to make some soup and the cat is so offended he knocks it over you and in the process sends you to A&E with a burn on your wrist, but that happened and when I started sharing pictures of my rather gruesome injury online, the lovely people at Marie Reynolds reached out to offer some products to help the healing and prevent scarring.

The advice was to use these two products on my wrist to help heal and soothe and hopefully over time, they would support my skin and diminish any scarring that would usually occur from such an injury.

The first product, Anoint is the brands best selling Skin Integrity Oil and it has been created to aid skin healing for issues and concerns such as stretch marks and scars, as well as softening and smoothing the skin.

Anoint is made using a specific blend of base oils that have a high fatty acid, antioxidant and vitamin contents including Vitamins A, C & E to condition and support the skins integrity. Those oils such as Apricot Kernal Oil, Aleurites Molluccana Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil and Kukui Nut Oil and they come together to protect the lipid barrier, decrease inflammation and nourish the skin.

To use Anoint, I have applied directly to my wrist after showering and gently massaged it into my skin to let it work its magic. As an oil, it is as you might expect a runny texture, so I only needed one pump to cover the entire area that was affected, though I have used it on other areas of the body too and it is just a delightful product to use.

The second product I have been using is called Restore (£69) and it is designed to feed the skin and support imbalances within the epidermal flora through the skins microorganisms.

Designed to be used as a mask, which as you can see, is a product you mix up yourself and it offers the following benefits:

• Fortified in phytonutrients
• Balances skin’s fatural Flora
• Antibacterial
• Anti- inflammatory
• Rejuvenating
• Brightening
• Uses probiotic technology
• Includes 8 strains of live bacteria culture

To use this on my wrist, I have mixed a small amount of the powder with a teaspoon of water to work it into a paste and then applied it to directly to the skin on my wrist, always after showering and left it to works its magic for around 15 minutes before removing it with a soft flannel carefully, as to not tear the delicate skin. It is also an incredible facemask too and it doesn't irritate the skin or leave it feeling dry and in need of moisture.

So how have these products worked on my wrist? Below is a series of photos over the last four weeks which show the changes to my skin. I didn't start to use either of these products until the second week for reference.

As you can see, my wrist has really improved over the last four weeks since I started to use both of these products and until my wrist heals completely, I will continue to use both of them, but I am so delighted that there is no scarring, no dry itching skin and almost no sign there was ever an injury to start with.  Both are seemingly magical potions!

To find our more about the brand and its founder Marie Reynolds, there is a whole host of information alongside an incredible catalogue of products to discover.

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

The Skin Geek Cryo Roller + Mask

I do love a good skincare gadget and The Skin Geek was created by aestitician Nicola, an award-winning facialist and international skincare consultant with over two decades of experience. The Skin Geek line up features a huge array of skincare products and tools from micro-needling rollers and cryo rollers to hydrogel sheet masks and serums.

I was kindly sent a Hydrogel Mask and The Skin Geek Cryo Roller, which is described as being your Sub Zero Hero!  This isn't the first time I have used a Cryo Roller, so I am always keen to try newer ones.

Designed to reduce puffiness, The Skin Geek Cryo Roller also comes with a whole host of other benefits of use which includes

• Reduces puffiness and inflammation
• Smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Soothes redness.
• Firms the skin.
• Sculpts and Contours by Increasing facial lymphatic drainage.
• Brightens
• Tightens pores (temporarily!)
• Relaxes muscle tension

Plus you can also use it for use on the body too, perfect SOS for burns and pain relief but also, if like me you suffer from migraines, it is also a delight to use across your forehead and back of the neck.  The advice whenever you use the Cryo Roller is to use a serum on the skin rather than just applying it directly.

After using, my skin does look a little more flushed than usual but this is nothing to worry about, it is due to the increased blood flow. But the whiole process of using it is very relaxing and therapeutic, especially with a headache.

I keep my Cryo Roller in the freezer in its Skin Geek zipper bag so that whenever I need to use it and the best part is you only need up to 15 minutes of your time to use it. For me, as it is in the freezer, I tend to use it whilst waiting for the kettle to boil and tea to brew, or when I am sat on the sofa, its so handy to use, you can use it anytime. Once you have finished your Cryo session, always wash the roller in warm soapy water and once dry, put it back into the zipper bag and back into the freezer ready for your next usage.

The second products I have is the Hydra Boost Face Mask for hydrating and as with similar masks, this one comes in two parts to fit the upper and lower contours of the face, for me, it also means it moulds better to my face and stays in place.

Infused with powerful humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, that draw moisture into the skin; anti-inflammatories to soothe the skin and reduce redness; and antioxidants to shield the skin from free radicals.

To use, once you have removed the mask from the pouch, you apply both sections to freshly cleansed but dry skin and then sit back and relax for up to 30 minutes, the mask has been drenched in a serum, so it is quite wet when applied to the skin, but also quite soothing too. It is worth noting that there is also around 10ml of serum that will remain in the pouch to use as a hydrating serum, once you have discarded the mask, or you can use it before you try the Cryo Roller.

The Skin Geek Cryo Roller is priced at just £39 and the Hydro Boost Face Mask is just £7 or you can get a pack of 4 for just £21.

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