Nailbox - A new kind of Subscription Box

It's no lie that I am a huge fan of subscription boxes, I love the excitement (and sometimes disappointment) of what you might find in the box and equally there is usually something you would probably never buy or have come across if it wasn't in your box, which for me has been true on numerous occasions.

So when I was asked if I would like to try a Nailbox**, I was intrigued. I love nail polish as much as everyone else and am always bamboozled by how much choice there is out there. I am one of those people who is awful at making a decision, so picking a new nail polish is just often beyond me and I always seem to opt for the same sort of shade - a dark purpley red/black and I often chastise myself for not trying something new.

Anyway, Nailbox is a brand new, monthly subscription box full of the hottest nail polish and essential nail tools.  The contents of the box are kept as a total surprise, all you know is that each month you'll receive a nailbox with three or four nail colours, and one or two nail tools or treatments. Occasionally they may send other beauty or cosmetic items instead of a nail tool or treatment.

So how does it work?  Well, there are four different subscription plans which you can read more about here, that said costing just £15 per month (inclusive of packaging) and is an absolute bargain when you see the contents, I think you will be pleasantly surprised too. Once the payment is taken, your box should arrive around 21st of each Month and it comes via Royal Mail.   When it arrives, it comes in a brown cardboard box which is nothing fancy or over the top, but the contents inside are really securely wrapped.  So here are the contents of my box:

So as you can see in my box, I have four stunning shades of polish which are most definitely summery shades and they are from some amazing brands - Essie, OPI, Rimmel and Orly.  I really like each of the shades which are as follows:

• Orly - Fiery Orange and within it, it has chunks of glitter which looks great on their own or over other polishes. It has an rrp £9.50
• Essie - Status Symbol which is a fiesty hot pink shade which I really like and is perfect for the summer. It has an rrp £7.99
• Rimmel - Lucky Lilac is a lovely lilac shade and it literally does dry in 60 seconds and ive only used one coat. It has an rrp £4.99
• Nicole by OPI - Alex by the books which is quite a cool name is a minty seagreen shade once it has dried. It has an rrp £7.95

Add to that to the Elegant Touch Cuticle Pusher and nail cleaner which has an rrp £9.50 and is used to tidy up those cuticles and help with cleaning underneath nails.

The total value of this box is just under £40 which is absolutely amazing value for money and I just love the whole concept.

Is this something you would like to subscribe too?

Magnitone Lucid Daily Cleanser & Exfoliating Brush

A few weeks ago, you might have seen the hashtag #BHTWITTERPARTY with the lovely people of the bloggers hub, this is the second one I have taken part in and essentially it is an opportunity to tweet and become lucky to try some fabulous products. I was lucky enough to be sent the magnitone lucid* in this fabulous pink shade and having never used one before, despite buying one as a present for my goddaughter, I was excited to give it a go and see what all the fuss is about.

Despite being a blogger for years, I have never tried a cleansing brush before. This Magnitone brush claims to leave your skin not only feeling softer, brighter but also clearer skin in just seven days due to its ability to gently exfoliate and give those pores some deep cleaning, all of which is quite a bold statement to make.

In the box there is an adaptor plug, this is already a huge massive thumbs up from me because the number of products I have bought/been sent which don't have a UK plug with them is really annoying. Not only does it have the plug, but on the bottom of the brush handle is this magnetic plug point, which you can remove whilst using, to helpfully charge it and keep everything together, once fully charged it lasts for 2 weeks before you need to charge it again, so it is a great device for holidays.

Powered by what is referred to as 'Active Electromagnetic Technology™', the Magnitone Lucid uses enhanced electromagnetic pulsations which send rapid vibrations into skin. Sounds quite scary when you read that but what they actually are doing is unclogging those pores whilst sweeping away dry and dead skin cells. This is then said to leave you with that clearer complexion. As you use the brush, it is said that it does over 10,000 movements per minute (wow) and this allows your skin to absorb all those products you put onto it to keep it soft, smooth, wrinkle and line free much better because those lotions, potions, gels and serums don't have to fight their way through the skin, past all that dirt and grime to work their magic.

When it comes to using, the Magnitone Lucid could not be easier, though I would always recommend reading the manual which accompanies it for reference, you need to ensure your face is damp and then taking your cleanser of choice, ensure you have got some on the white brush, (not your face) choose your setting, be it normal or one for those with senstive skin and then once switched on, move it around your face in circular motions.  When I first used this I was quite surprised at how quiet it was compared to what I was expecting, though there is of course some buzzing as you use it.  The bristles on the brush are incredibly soft, so they are not overly abrasive and they don't scratch your skin but you can feel it on the skin.  As you move around your face, I tend to stick to problematic areas for around 20-30 seconds each time I use it, my cleanser, which is a foaming cleanser, gets to work its magic.

My skin is combination. I have an oily tzone with dry patches of skin on both cheeks. I don't have enlarged pores and I do double cleanse every night because living in London, all that pollution is not good for your skin, so to that end, my skin has adapted really well to the Magnitone, bearing in mind I was told not to use one. I don't use the brush every day as I don't feel my skin needs it, but I do use it three times a week currently and I absolutely love it. Like a twit, I deleted all my before photos when trying to free up memory space on my card, but my work colleagues have noticed a difference in my skin. Not only does it feel clean after using the brush, the kind of clean you feel after a really good facial, but it is so soft and smooth and probably in better condition than it has been since I moved to London 15 years ago, that is how impressed I am with this little device. 

The Magnitone Lucid is priced at just £69.99 but right now you can get 20% off, in the colour of your choice using my discount code BLOVE20 so be sure to go and snap one up here quick! (expires 31st July 2015)

Will you be getting yourself a Magnitone Lucid? What do you think of brush cleansers? Do you have a favourite one?

LookFantastic Beauty Box - July

The July Lookfantastic box arrived a few days ago, which is really quick considering we are only just into July and it has a value of £50. This month we have six delightful products to try out, some of which come from my favourite brands and others I have yet to try something from, so here are the contents:

First up is a handy sized 10ml pot of Trilogy Everything Balm. I am a huge fan of Trilogy and have had this balm on my 'must try' list for some time now, so I am delighted to see it in this box. Described as being a multi-purpose balm it comes with the following information 

"Soothe, soften and condition skin anywhere on the face or body with Trilogy Everything Balm, the perfect multi-tasking beauty tool, ideally sized for travel. Helping to replenish, repair and soothe, it makes the perfect handbag-sized protectant.

Everything Balm combines antioxidant-rich certified organic marula oil and certified organic rosehip oil, both revered for their skin healing and preservative properties, as well as jojoba, olive, avocado, honey and vitamin E to deeply nourish your skin. Softening dry elbows, knees, hands and feet, Trilogy Everything Balm provides pure and natural skin care for baby and makes dry lips delicious again".

The second product is from another of my favourite brands Nuxe and this time it is the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse (7ml). Suitable for all skin types, the NUXE Huile Prodigieuse is described as a "Multi Usage Dry Oil is the perfect choice for your face-nourishing needs. After use, your face will be velvety soft and your skin will look healthier than ever before. If you decide to use this multi-use oil on your hair, it will quickly become more supple and full of volume and shine, without feeling greasy". Included is lots of vitamin E, which makes sure that the skin is repaired and softened. It also includes various plant oils, which are very efficient at removing any visible signs of stretch marks.

Monu are next with a 30ml Monu Fiji Facial Treatment Oil. I have tried a few Monu products to date and have always been really impressed with this. The Fiji Facial Oil is a soothing facial oil which has been formulated to nourish and protect the skin whilst preventing dehydration. This product uses a blend of rosewood oil and patchouli provide essential protection to soothe dry skin and stimulate your complexion.  It is also Paraben free.

I am always delighted to see a Balance Me product in any beauty box and within this one there is the fabulous Pure Skin Facial Wash. I have used this product before and had run out, so it is always handy to have a spare one around just in case. 

This face wash is perfect for Balancing normal/combination skin, calming congestion and preventing breakouts. This gentle cleanser removes make-up and impurities without stripping away skins moisture. Described as a "Super-fast and effective to use, this gentle, wash-off face cleanser effortlessly removes all make-up and impurities. To improve and smooth the appearance of congested, inflamed complexions we’ve blended together balancing grapefruit and petit grain, with soothing frankincense essential oils and calming spruce knot extract. We have also packed this skin-boosting cleanser full with anti-oxidant rich moringa and rice bran oils to help brighten and illuminate dull skin with every wash. Use in the morning to wake up and revive tired complexions, or in the evening for skin that feels squeaky clean no matter what it has faced".

Next is The Kebelo Clarifying Shampoo which is a brand I have never come across. The shampoo is designed to be used once or twice a month and is described as "Rid your hair of built up impurities with the Kebelo Clarifying Shampoo. Paraben and sulphate free, the detoxing shampoo is gentle in formula but tough on grime. Deeply cleansing, the blend of mild ingredients work to exfoliate your hair, rejuvenating every strand for purified, soft results. Can be used as little as once a month dependent on your lifestyle and even as an invigorating body wash for your skin. Suitable for all hair types" so this is a product I am really looking forward to trying out.

The final product in the box is a Lord & Berry Ultimate Lip Liner. Lip liners are one of those beauty products I should probably buy and use but never do. This is described as a nude version which is waterproof, infused with macadamia oil and waterlily extracts and is said to be highly blendable. Of all the products within the box, this is the one I am probably least likely to use, but as it is there, I might try it out eventually.

I think this month’s box is a great box, it is nice to see a mixture of products from some brands I know and recognise to some that I know little or nothing about.

What do you think to the July Box?

Magazine Freebies - August 2015

Everyone loves a good Magazine Freebie, I know I do and each month I have a look and decide whether or not it is a product I want, need or have been waiting to try. Last Month I did a preview of the July freebies - HERE and to be honest it was a fantastic month, so I had high hopes for the August freebies and here they are: 

InStyle UK - This freebie I have already succumbed to because it is one product I have really wanted to try.  This month there is a 50ml version of the new St. Tropez In Shower Gradual tan.  I am not really a fake tan fan but I loved the sound of this one when I read a few review about it and have been itching to try it out.

Also inside InStyle UK you will find a little coupon on page 156 to grab yourself some free L'Occitane Almond Velvet Balm (Which I reviewed HERE) and Almond Supple Skin Oil.  Plus there is also a 15% off code for FeelUnique!

Marie Claire - This month is perfect for you if you not only love nail polish but love Ciate nail polish. This month Marie Claire features a mini Ciate polish duo with a top coat and a coloured shade and there are six different shades available, so hunt around for your favourite and they are worth £10.

Elle - This month you get three trial sized products from the Organic Pharmacy which consists of a moisturiser, cleanser and lip balm. The set is worth £13 which for three products, though they are mini, is great value for money and they are the perfect sizes for long weekend away.

Harpers Bazaar - Moving onto hair care this month with Harpers Bazaar and they have a luxury shampoo and conditioner duo from the fabulous L'Occitane worth £11.

Red - This is again another freebie for the nail polish fans out there.  This month there is a choice of four different summery shades of Jessica nail polish, all of which are full-size and retail for about £10 each.

Cosmopolitan - This month, Cosmo offer a choice of a lipgloss which is in three different shades or a mascara from New CID makeup.  Together it is claimed they are worth £60 and they are all full sized items.

You can see the freebies in a bit more detail on my Instagram page.

Will you be picking up any of these freebies?

Keeping Your Cool

With the heatwave we currently have, trying to keep cool and not melt is something I am sure we are all trying to do.  Whether it is using a fan, drinking ice cold drinks or even taking cool showers, we all do what we can to keep cool. 

Anyone who reads my blog will know that the mister and I have three cats affectionately known as the 'fur-kids' and in this weather keeping them cool is paramount.

Cats are really intelligent, and on a recent visit to the vet with Dexter, thank god for pet insurance, as he had a higher than normal temperature, he had a major operation recently so I have to keep my eye on him.  As a pet cannot tell you when they are ill, it is always advisable to seek advice from an expert.  My vet re-assured me that cats can stay cool on their own but you can help them by giving them the proper resources, so here are some of my tips:

• Ensure that they have a comfortable bed in a shaded area.  We have cat kennels which have no windows, just an entrance for my boys to get in and out.  Inside there are fleece blankets for them to lay on.
• If your cat will tolerate it and mine do after constant attempts, wipe them down with a cooled cloth, not one wringing wet with water as they won't like it, but something cool and allow them to lie on it around the home.  
• In hot weather like this, I tend to put some frozen peas under the blankets to cool them down. Cats love the coolness of the blankets to keep their temperature down.  Around the house, putting ice cubes inside toys and covering them with catnip always sparks their interest and encourages them to touch it and play.
• I always ensure there are two bowls of fresh water. One bowl is fresh from the tap and I put a few ice cubes in it to keep it cool for a while and the other is from the freezer which I put in every night so that the water thaws throughout the day.  It is important to ensure there is enough water for your cats all day long.
• Brushing your cat daily works to allow the air to move freely through their fur, whilst also removing loose fur due to malting.  

If at any time you don't think your cat or indeed any pet is being themselves, ensure you take them straight to the vet, like humans, cats can suffer from heat stroke and sunburn. 

What do you do to keep your pet cool in weather like this?

*Collaboration, all words my own.

4 Ways to Revamp Your Beauty Routine

Source

Do you feel like your beauty routine just isn’t working for you? If you need a beauty revamp to help get you back on track for the new season, try these four tips to have your skin feeling better than ever in no time.

Eat better

We all know that healthy skin starts from within, so make sure you focus on eating a wholesome, balanced diet with foods rich in vitamins to give your skin the best foundation layer possible. Carrots, strawberries, tomatoes, green tea, coconut oil and dark chocolate are all known to have additional bonuses for your beauty routine because they contain extra nutritional benefits, including anti-aging vitamin C. For great skin, it also important that you drink lots of water—at least two litres a day—because water will help flush out any toxins in your body, increase your fluid levels and replenish water in your cells. Eating well and drinking lots of water will help clear up your skin and also make you feel more energised throughout the day.

Use organic and eco-friendly skincare products

Wherever possible, opt for natural, organic and eco-friendly skincare, makeup and body products. Choose products that contain natural ingredients rather than the harmful chemicals and toxins in generic, supermarket products. As an added bonus, natural, organic and eco-friendly beauty products are much safer for the environment and their packaging is also more likely to be recyclable and ethically sourced. Next time your current products run out and you go to replace them, sample some new eco-friendly brands to find a more natural solution. 

Remove your makeup

One of the best things you can do to have clearer skin is to remove all of your makeup at night and apply an overnight treatment before you go to bed. Get yourself into a routine where you remove all makeup, cleanse and tone your face and then apply a vitamin E moisturiser and a spot of face oil. Block out 10 minutes every night to complete these three steps, and you will notice improvements to your skin and complexion in no time. 

Consider cosmetic surgery
If you want to make a more permanent change to your beauty routine and revamp your look, you may wish to consider cosmetic surgery to enhance your natural features. Whether you are interested in a small procedure such as a minimal invasive facelift or a more major procedure such as a full facelift or rhinoplasty, it is important that you seek professional advice before you make a decision. If you are considering surgery or enhancements, always look to specialists in the field, such as Cosmetic Surgery For Women .

Revamping your beauty routine can be as easy as changing your diet and switching to organic skincare products, or you can choose from a range of cosmetic procedures. As cliché as it sounds, beauty comes from within, so start by nourishing your skin from the inside out; look after your body to help your skin, face and hair shine. And always choose whatever makes you feel the most confident version of yourself.

*Guest post

Buckley Jewellery

Today I am bringing Buckley Jewellery to my readers, a brand who has some of the most exquisite pieces of jewellery that I want to wear, so when I was accepted to receive these amazing mesh bracelets, I was also given the option to choose a further item of my choice. Wow, what an absolute honour it was to be asked and I could only narrow down my choice to three items, so the lovely Kate chose one for me and it duly arrived and I was ecstatic!

I am a huge fan of jewellery and I like pieces that I can wear everyday as well as pieces that can be saved for special occasions. For me Buckley Jewellery fits into both of those categories. The first item I was sent are these three stunning Sparkle Mesh Bracelets. Described as being "Beautifully delicate, yet stunningly eye-catching, Buckley London’s new range of hearts and kisses mesh bracelets will be a favourite this season. Hand-set crystals set into a choice of mesh in a gold, black rhodium, rose gold or rhodium tone, make these bracelets the perfect gifting purchase". What I love about these bracelets is that they can be worn alone or stacked.

I have bracelets in Rose Gold, Silver and Black Rhodium as my selection and each one is styled differently, for me the Black Rhodium mesh bracelet is my favourite with the heart charm and I love that all three bracelets work so well together. 

The second item I was kindly sent was this absolutely stunning Russian Versa Pendant which caught my eye as soon as I saw it on the screen in front of me. Described as "Dare to dazzle with this striking three tone crystal pendant. Three interlocking rings plated in either warm, feminine rose gold, with silk crystals, black rhodium, with daring jet crystals, or cool rhodium with ice clear Austrain crystals, suspended on a polished rolo chain, make this pendant perfect for every outfit and every mood" and it is one item that more than definitely catches your attention.

The chain for this pendant is approximately 18 inches in length which is perfect. I am quite fussy when it comes to pendants and really don't like them to be too close to my neck, this one as you can see sits in the perfect place and because of the rose gold chain is so delicate, it doesn't detract from the beautiful interlocked rings.

This Russian Versa Pendant, when worn with the three Mesh Bracelets really does complete any outfit.  I have now worn the pieces of jewellery on three occasions and am always asked where they came from.

If you are looking for some new pieces of jewellery, Buckley Jewellery is definitely somewhere you should take a look at!

Birthday Wishlist

In just a few weeks time the annual celebration of my birth will arrive and as ever the pressure will be on to give people some ideas as to what I would like and like most Cancerians, I can be incredibly indecisive.  That said, I have managed to put together a wishlist or ideas board.

YSL Black Opium is a perfume I have had my eye on for months and months. It is a scent I absolutely adore and happen to think it smells pretty good on my skin too. It ranges in price depending on where you shop, but on average 50ml is priced at around £55.  If people are feeling extra generous then Givenchy Very Irresistible is also a current want.

NUXE Reve de Miel Lip Balm is it seems a Bloggers favourite and one lip balm, despite my obsession, that I am yet to try. Priced between £6-£9

Olympus Pen E-PL7 Camera is something most people I know are coveting and is the most expensive item on this list costing around £400. I currently have a Canon E0S1000D which I adore, but it is on the heavy side for carrying around in my handbag.

Too Faced is one of my favourite brands, especially when it comes to bronzers and this Too Faced Bronzer Wardrobe just looks amazing. Priced between £18-£30 (yes really) it has everything you ever need from a bronzer.

Another cult product comes next with the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm. It seems most people have tried this and loved it and anyone who reads my blog will know that I am a huge fan of cleansers. It costs around £38.

As a recent Liz Earle convert, the limited edition Hot Cloth Cleanser Jasmine & Osmanthus is currently on my want list because I absolutely adore the scent of Jasmine and having red a few reviews, this sounds like an absolute delight.  Priced at £20.75 it sounds like an absolute bargain.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara is another product I have been lusting after for some time now. Having read mixed reviews on it, I am mascara obsessed and never leave the house without it. I have never tried anything from Tarte and do love the sound of this, whether it can rival They're Real or Better than Sex remains to be seen. Priced at £21.50 from QVC.

Cowshed is a brand I love for their quirky product names. These Sleepy Cow Bath Salts sound absolutely divine with the inclusion of Melissa and Lemon Myrtle essential oils plus Himalyan Salts, I am sure they are perfect for their calming and relaxing abilities. I absolutely love bath salts and have featured quite a few different ones on this blog. These ones are priced at £16 for a 300ml tub.

Fitflops are the absolute comfiest pair of shoes I have ever owned and again are something I have mentioned time and time again and I do need a new pair as mine are ancient.  These ruffled ones are just divine and will compliment most outfits I wear and are priced between £35-£55.

The final item on my list is the GHD Platinum Styler.  My GHDs are also ancient and you cannot even buy them anymore and I am sure they are soon to conk out which would leave me distraught.  I love the sound of the Platinum edition ones.  They are priced at around £145.

The joy of your birthday falling on a week day also means, well for me anyway, that I get the day off work  - now what to plan and do with myself! 

What do you currently have on your wishlist?

Fragrance Shop Discovery Club Summer 2015

My Fragrance Shop Discovery Club Summer 2015 box has just arrived and I am glad to see that the box is the thin oblong shaped box which fits through the letterbox rather nicely.  This box is packed full of 8 samples to try and test and for just £5 per quarter, I think it is a great value for money subscription box because it allows you try a huge array of fragrance samples at home, away from stores to give you a chance to decide whether or not you like them.

Inside the Summer 2015 Box the 8 samples are:

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Salina - This is described as being a fresh floral scent that opens with fresh vine leaves and violet leaves. The heart includes yellow freesia, jasmine and orange blossom. The base notes are amber, cedar and white musk. Having used this for a few days now, I actually quite like the scent. It is definitely a summer scent and is so fresh that it lingers for hours before you need to re-apply it.

Givenchy Dahlia Divin is described as being like an Haute Couture gown, this fragrance of the light envelops you in freshness and sensual softness that reveal the divine within you. This scent I absolutely adore and is possibly my favourite of the box, the scent of Jasmine, one of which I am a huge fan is really prominent alongside white flowers and Mirabelle Plum.

Hugo Boss Boss Ma Vie Pour Femme woman is described as being her most captivating, exuding a glow of femininity and confidence. Fresh, indulgent and unique, experience the blend of cactus, floral notes and cedar for a feminine and elegant fragrance. This is a really lovely scent and again one which is perfectly summery and one I have really taken a shine too.

007 For Women is described as being a dark yet feminine ingredients convey an air of thrilling intimacy. An initial burst of spicy Black Pepper enveloped in Rose Milk ignites an intriguing paradox of danger and sensuality. This isn't a scent that I actually like, there is something about it that doesn't sit right with my senses, so it is a definite no from me.

I was delighted to see that within the box was also some samples for the Mister and for him we have:

Paco Rabanne 1 Million - A lighter variation of the original 1 Million Eau de Toilette is perfect for Summer, with an energetic and fresh scent.  Im on the fence with this scent, I neither love it nor hate it, I just think it is okay and isn't one that I would likely purchase.

Prada Luna Rossa Sport is said to evoke man’s deepest emotions the night before his defining challenge. Combining unexpected ingredients that express the heightened reality of the race. It was through this box that we both loved the original Prada Luna Rossa, so to find another alternative is brilliant and unsurprisingly it ticks all the right boxes and will I am sure be purchased at some stage.

Dolce & Gabbana Intenso - Intenso is described as being elegant and pure, the iconic signature of a contemporary man.It is a woody aromatic fragrance that opens with green accents of Basil and Lavender. It is a really nice scent though not too sure whether or not I can imagine the mister wanting it to be added to his selection.

Loewe Solo Loewe Cedro is described as being full of contrasts in which the energy of citrus fruits and aromatic herbs are combined with the sophistication, the strength and personality of a great composition based on wood. Im on the fence with this one, it is nice but that is about all I can say about it, nice.  It doesn't wow or make me want to ensure the mister has it, but ive smelt worse.

So there you have my Summer Box for 2015 and I have to say it isn't one of my favourite boxes to date but there are some lovely scents in there that I wouldn't have ordinarily chosen to try.

What do you think?

NIVEA SUN Protect and Bronze Collection

With weather warning promising a scorcher of a week, sun protection should be even more on your radar than it would usually be, though you should wear SPF everyday. With that in mind, NIVEA SUN Protect & Bronze range** consists of five different products, two of which are brand new additions to he range - Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Tan Activating Protecting Oil and Nivea SUN Protect & Bronze Tan Prolonging After Sun Lotion, neither of which contain any self-tan but do incorporate the active ingredient, Pro Melanin into a sunscreen formula to support the skin’s natural tanning process, while also offering a highly effective system of UVA/UVB filters that protect the skin immediately upon application.  

The Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Tan Activating Sun Spray is described as being an extra light, non-greasy and moisturising formula which contains a highly effective UVA/UVB filter system that protects your skin immediately after application. It contains a natural plant extract which supports skin's own melanin production (in vitro). For an even and natural tan. It is also water resistant and when sprayed it creates a really fine mist which is lightweight and absorbs into the skin really quickly. The spray is available in SPF10, SPF20 and SPF30 and costs £15.99.

The Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Tan Activating Protecting Oil contains no self tan but has a silky oil formula which protects and moisturises your skin. The natural pro-melanin plant extract supports the skin's natural tanning process (in vitro). It is also water resistant, so perfect for being on holiday as you go in and out of the water. I am a huge fan of oils, they are often much easier to use and I find them nicer on the skin than some creams which are a tad thick and feel almost smothering. This Oil is available in SPF20 and SP30 and retails for £15.99.

The Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Face Cream is described as being a light, non-greasy moisturising formula that does not block your pores which I am delighted with because I absolutely hate sun cream on my face. It always feels to thick and my face always feels extra greasy and unable to breathe. This lotion is quite thick and it does take a good few minutes before it has completely absorbed but surprisingly it doesn't make my skin feel greasy or as though it cannot breathe which is brilliant. This cream is available in SPF30 and SPF50 and retails for £10.49

Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Tan Activating Sun Lotion combines reliable protection with a natural looking tan and contains 0% Self Tan! The product contains a natural plant extract which helps support the skins own melanin production. Melanin is produced naturally within the body and is responsible for protection and tanning your skin. The formula of this lotion is extra light and it is also thankfully non-greasy whilst being moisturising for the skin and contains highly effective UVA/UVB filters that protect your skin immediately on application. I have used this daily since it came into my possession and it is really lightweight. This lotion is available in SPF20 and SPF30 and retails for £14.99

The final item in this quintet is the Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Tan Prolonging After Sun Lotion. I have to admit that I am not a fan of Aftersun, I usually find it to thick and not as soothing or cooling as Aloe Vera Gel. That said, this lotion contains natural pro-melanin plant extract, and is said to help prolong a tan without peeling or flaking, now this I do like the sound of because the one thing that does happen to me if I do tan is peeling shoulders which is really annoying. This formula helps prevent premature skin ageing, fine lines and sun-induced wrinkles and if you keep it in the fridge, it is extra soothing on your skin. This lotion is available in SPF20 and SPF30 and retails for £10.49.

For me, this is a great little package of items, something for both myself and the Mister to use to keep ourselves protected from the sun.  

What do you use to protect yourself from the Sun?