Wednesday, 24 January 2024

An introduction to AIVA skincare

Meet Aiva Skincare, a brand that is said to bring you the effortlessly simple and minimalist beauty secrets of Finland, infused with love.  I was kindly sent 'The Duo' and Aiva Sun SPF20.
An introduction to AIVA skincare
Aiva and their skincare is all about ease and simplicity, they love their multi-use products that honour your skin's natural functions and take into account the fact we all know our own skin and its needs, so creating products that are designed to support your skin's natural barrier, they have everything you might need when it comes to moisturising, nourishing, and maintaining balance.

The first product within 'The Duo' is The Oil and with this, not only can you cleanse and moisturise, you can also use it for massages too. 

Described as being a luxurious, supple multi use organic care oil, it is one which absorbs effortlessly to leave the skin feeling nourished with a soothing, protected layer.  It is non-greasy and leaves behind no residue and is packed full of amazing ingredients which includes: 

Hero Ingredients

  • Organic cold-pressed Northern Bilberry Seed (Nordic Wild Blueberry) Oil - said to be one of the most powerful natural antioxidants. It contains vitamins and flavonoids which work to protect the skin from the damaging effects of environmental pollution, oxidation, and premature cell ageing. plus the omega fatty acids and phytotensins work to nourish, moisturise and soothe the skin, helping to relieve inflammation while keeping the skin supple, supporting the skin's collagen.
  • Organic Northern Sea Buckthorn Oil -  helps to protect the skin and promote its regeneration, thanks in part to the Provitamin A it contains.
  • Organic cold-pressed virgin Jojoba Oil - helps to moisturise without making skin oily. The composition of Jojoba Oil is similar to that of the skin’s sebum, which helps the skin stay balanced.
  • Organic cold-pressed Olive Oil  - contains several effective antioxidants such as Vitamin E, polyphenols and phytosterols. Moisturises and smoothes the skin. Vitamin E supports the skin as it matures.
  • Organic cold pressed Apricot Kernel Oil - a deeply nourishing, luxurious, lightweight, non-irritating and soothing oil that moisturise and smooth out dryness. Excellent omega fatty acid ratio that suits even acne-prone skin. It’s Vitamins A, E and C helps to clarify the skin’s tone and complexion, promoting a natural glow.
As well as The Oil being used to cleanse, moisturise, nourish and protect you can also mix it with The Cream to make both face and body masks too.  What I love about this oil is that it doesn't feel like an oil on the skin, it reminds me of a serum as it absorbs into the skin and it leaves no trace behind that it was on your skin, but notably after using there is an instant softness to the touch.

The second product within 'The Duo' is The Cream and it is described as being a protective, nourishing and balancing antioxidant cream that leaves your skin feeling well, good and hydrated. 

As with the oil, this is a multi-functional use cream and it not only is it perfect for being used under makeup but because it is so lightweight and absorbs really quickly, it can be mixed with the oil to act as a face mask or body lotion and it is suitable for those with even the most sensitive of skin.  Again, as with the oil, this cream is infused with a whole host of hero ingredients which includes:

Hero Ingredients
  • Organic Northern Sea Buckthorn Extract  - this helps to protect the skin and promote its regeneration, thanks in part to the Provitamin A it contains. 
  • Organic cold-pressed virgin Jojoba Oil  - this helps to moisturise without making skin oily. The composition of Jojoba Oil is similar to that of the skin’s sebum, which helps the skin stay balanced.
  • Organic antioxidant Black Tea  - this helps protect and soothe the skin, reducing impurities and inflammation. The polyphenols contained in tea are effective antioxidants that help prevent the damage caused by environmental pollution including UV light. Its caffeine content revives the skin and acts as natural astringent.
  • Vanillin - used for its pleasant aroma which helps keep the composition aromatically soothing.
The cream is a delight to use, either on its own or mixed with the oil, the latter being my favourite way to use it.  On the skin, the cream is one of the lightest I have used in a very long time.

The Oil and The Cream are available together as a set, The Duo, for £59.

The final product I have to share is The Sun SPF 20, which also comes as an SPF, if you prefer. Described as being a high-quality discreet sunscreen for face and body and it delivers  100% natural physical, reflective protection, no chemical preservatives or nanoparticles.  

The unique Borealis Beauty Sun Blend composition is a mixture of natural and organic ingredients alongside mineral filters, which are scientifically proven to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. The sea buckthorn extract, vitamins C and E contained in the cream help to keep the skin in good condition when exposed to sunlight and prevent the skin from drying out.  It is very lightly perfumed (vanilla extract) but will not cause photo-sensitivity and is extremely safe and suitable for use on sensitive skins and impressively safe for use from the age of 3.

What I am enjoying about using this SPF is aside from not leaving a white cast on the skin, it absorbs really easily and does work quite well as a base product for makeup!

AIVA Skincare is such a lovely brand to get to know and I am already looking forward to seeing what comes next!




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

Monday, 22 January 2024

Retinal ReSculpt™ Overnight Treatment - Murad

Retinoids is an ingredient that many of us are familiar with and it is one which has become a really popular skincare ingredient especially in serums and eye creams. It is said the benefits of retinoids include improving the appearance of pigmentation, increasing skin cell turnover as well as helping with the skin’s overall texture - all of which we look for when purchasing products. From Murad, the Retinal ReSculpt™ Overnight Treatment claims to help smooth wrinkles and improve elasticity and I could not wait to try it.
Retinal ReSculpt™ Overnight Treatment - Murad
I am already a fan of the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Range, so I really could't wait to try this product, which has rave reviews everywhere.  Retinal, a form of retinoid that's considered to be more potent than traditional retinol, works to enhance skin's firmness, texture, and overall radiance. Packaged inside a green glass bottle with a silver pump applicator, this is a product that you use as part of your night time routine, after cleansing.  On the skin, the serum has a really lovely, soft silky smooth feel to it and it absorbs really quickly when applied.  

There is so tingling or stinging when it is applied and there is no oily residue left on the skin, that said, if you are thinking about trying a product like this for the first time, it is always wise to patch test and gradually build up your usage.
Retinal ReSculpt™ Overnight Treatment - Murad
Retinal ReSculpt™ Overnight Treatment - Murad
As always with Murad products, there is an impressive list of key ingredients alongside the retinal which includes blemish-balancing oat lipids, moisture promoting alpha glucan and calming olive leaf extract, which also work to counter dryness and irritation.

Now this is an expensive product priced at £105 but my gosh it is so so good and it leaves my skin feeling so soft and hydrated with no drying, itching or tingling. The results speak for themselves and whilst I don't have deep set wrinkles, I am keen to keep them at bay for what is as long as possible.



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

Thursday, 18 January 2024

Boots Self Care Pamper Treats Beauty Box 2024



The Boots Beauty boxes are incredible value for money and usually sell out really quickly! So launching tomorrow is the Boots Self Care Pamper Treats Beauty Box 2024 .
Boots Self Care Pamper Treats Beauty Box 2024
Launching tomorrow, the Boots Self Care Pamper Treats Beauty Box 2024 is said be worth a massive £182 but it will go on sale priced at just £38 - here.  It features a total of 15 products, of those 9 are full-sized and you can expect to see brands such as Sol de Janeiro, Benefit, Elemis and Liz Earle to name a few.

What’s inside:

  • Arkive All Day Extra Shampoo 60ml
  • Arkive All Day Extra Conditioner 60ml
  • Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Cream 75ml (full size)
  • Benefit Porecare mask 10ml (full size)
  • Patchology FlashPatch Restoring Night Eye Gel Single (full size)
  • Frank Body OG Coffee Scrub 200g (full size)
  • Liz Earle Brightening Eye Cream 15ml (full size)
  • Seoulista Correct & Calm Instant Facials Mask 25ml (full size)
  • ELEMIS Balancing Lavender Toner 200ml (full size)
  • Emma Hardie brilliance oil 5ml
  • Ole henriksen Eye Cream 3m
  • Yankee Candle Filled Votive Lemon Lavender 37g
  • Erborian CC Red Correct Cream SPF25 Anti-Redness Colour Corrector 15ml (full size)
  • Coco&Eve Microfibre towel wrap (full size)
Definitely one to look out for tomorrow as soon as it goes on sale right here







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

Wednesday, 17 January 2024

Lookfantastic x Drunk Elephant Edit 2024

If you are curious about the brand Drunk Elephant and have wanted to try it, now could be that time because Lookfantastic has released the Lookfantastic x Drunk Elephant Edit 2024.
Lookfantastic x Drunk Elephant Edit 2024
Over the past few years, Lookfantastic have released some amazing collaboration boxes and this one is simply superb too.

From the ceremide-rich Lala RetroTM Whipped Cream and bestselling B-GoldiTM Bright Drops to the fan-favourite BesteTM No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, discover everything you need for a long-lasting relationship with radiance, the Lookfantastic x Drunk Elephant Edit (worth over £111), is on sale priced at just £75 and with it comes Free Drunk Elephant’s minis.

What’s inside:

  • Drunk Elephant Lala Retro™ Whipped Cream Midi 30ml (travel size)— worth over £30
  • Drunk Elephant Beste™ No.9 Jelly Cleanser Midi 60ml (travel size) — worth over £15
  • Drunk Elephant B-Goldi™ Bright Drops 5ml (deluxe size) — worth over £5.50
  • Drunk Elephant A-Gloei™ Maretinol Oil Midi 15ml (travel size) — worth over £36
  • Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial™ Midi 15ml (travel size) — worth over £25
If you subscribe to The Box today, you can also get an exclusive £10 discount on the LOOKFANTASTIC x Drunk Elephant Edit!




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