Erborian Bamboo Waterlock Mask

When moving from one season to the next, or indeed with the Great British weather, one day to the next, my skin can often decide it is having one of those off days where it can be greasy, dry, flaky and just look generally dull and grey. It is at this point that I know my skin need a good exfoliation and a lot of hydration. When the Bamboo Waterlock Mask from Erborian landed on my doorstep, I couldn't wait to give it a try and given the colour of the packaging, it isn't a product that you are going to miss spotting within your stash!

I am a huge fan of Erborian skincare, anything that is a French/Korean hybrid is always going to wow me and something that promises to instantly and deeply hydrate, give an instant plumping effect and a feeling of freshness upon application is just something I need right now.

The tube within which The Erborian Bamboo Waterlock Mask sits is sturdy enough and designed so you can put it down on any surface, once the lid is off, you can scoop out a little of the gel mask and apply without dropping it, dripping it or knocking it over. The mask is referred to as a hydro-gel mask, put simply, that means it is water based facial product that has a gel crossed with a jelly like texture, something quite a few brands are now using, so it isn't overly runny, but it isn't too thick either, it is sort of bouncy under your fingertips when you prod it. Once applied to the skin, there is an instant cooling feeling which I find quite refreshing, more so if it has been in the fridge and it is so incredibly lightweight, you cannot even feel it as it absorbs. The main ingredient used is the Bamboo both in sap which contain minerals and amino acids to help hydrate the skin, while the Bamboo fibers contain proteins and lipids to help maintain skin's natural moisture retention, something you need when your skin just feels in need of hydration. There is also Disospyros kaki, which you might know better as Sharon Fruit, is also an ingredient which is known for its astringent and illuminating properties, helping to keep skin supple and toned with its pore tightening effect.

This Erborian Bamboo Waterlock Mask can be used two ways. If you are wanted a quick fix then you simply apply a light layer to clean cleansed skin and leave for up to 10 minutes and rinse off or you can apply a layer and leave for as long as it takes for your skin to fully absorb the mask, which depending on how dry and thirsty your skin is, could be anything from ten minutes to half an hour. Whenever I use this mask, my skin literally sucks it up almost immediately and I am currently using it twice a week - once over the weekend and once mid-week.

The Erborian Bamboo Waterlock Mask retails at £44 for a 100ml and as far as I am concerned, it is well worth investing in, particularly right now when the weather is hard to predict and your skin is in need of some extra TLC

Makeup Revolution 9 Piece Amazing Brush Collection

If there is one thing I cannot do without, it is my Makeup Brushes and I am in the process of throwing out the ones which are well past their sell-by date or have ceased to become any use and replace them with new ones. 

If I told you that you could buy an entire set of makeup brushes for £20 would you believe me? Well, it is true you can. The people over at Makeup Revolution (who never seem to run out of ideas) have put together this amazing 9 piece brush collection and as suggested, it costs just £20. Now before you wrinkle your nose and think £20 isn't a lot of money, so the brushes cannot be all that, remember it is Makeup Revolution and they have a habit of proving you just wrong!

So inside the box we have:

Pro F101 Foundation Brush - This helps to ensure that you have the perfect base. It can be used with cream or liquid foundation and, like all other Makeup Revolution brushes they are all made from the finest synthetic hair, super soft, and very animal-friendly. What I like about this brush is the handle as it is easy to grip and isn't too weighted. This brush can be bought separately for £3.99.

Pro F103 Stippling Brush - As you would expect, this Stippling Brush is a flat-topped, full circular brush and is to be used for lightweight application and blending of any foundations. Again super soft bristles and a nice sized handle to make it easy to hold and use. This brush can be bought separately for £3.49.

Pro F104 Powder Brush - I have been needing a new powder brush for a while now and this one is great at what it does. I use it for powder foundation and it works well with powder blush and bronzer too. It is a lovely big brush which is easy to grip on to and again, I find it easy to work with because the handle is so well made. This brush can be bought separately for just £3.99 which again is an absolute bargain.

Pro F105 Contour Brush - Designed to help create a natural or intense contour. The brush is shaped to fit the cheekbones and is perfect for use with bronzer, powder blushes, cream blushes and I have used it with my new Sleek Highlighter palette.

Pro F102 Concealer Brush - This brush is brilliant and is used for applying and blending your concealer to build and ensure perfect coverage. The bristles on the brush are incredibly soft and it sits under the eye with no irritation and it does an amazing job at helping to blend concealer. This brush can be bought separately for £1.99 which is such good value for money.

Pro E101 Eyeshadow Brush - This brush can be used with both powder and cream eyeshadows and you can use it when creating that smokey eye to apply colour to your lower lash line. A cute little brush with short, soft bristles and it retails for just £1.99 is bought on its own.

Pro E102 Eyeshadow Contour Brush - This brush is an angled flat-topped brush which makes it perfect for blending, contouring and smudging. Sleek design, easy to hold and costs just £1.99.

Pro E103 Eyeshadow Blending Brush - This is one brush I have never owned and I am now wondering why not. Designed to work with both powder and cream shadows, it makes blending an absolutely doddle to do and even more so if you get the powder shadows with a lot of fall out, it somehow manages to ensure it doesn't drop all over your outfit or freshly made face, but stays within the bristles of the brush. Priced at just £1.99.

Pro E104 Eyebrow Brush - This brush can be used with powder, liquid or cream eyebrow products to help define those brows. It has a nice long handle which I find makes sorting my brows much easier and the brush is small enough, that if you make a mistake, it is easy to correct with no fuss. Again it costs just £1.99 if bought separately.

Again, even if like me, you are not a Make-up Artist nor a pro at applying everything, these brushes are so worthy of investing in and really do take on some of the major high street brands.  There has been no hair shedding, they are easy to clean and quick to dry, in the photos in this review, I have used all of the brushes with make-up and have cleaned them, so you can see they are looking pretty amazing, more so when you consider the price they retail for.

Once again, Makeup Revolution as a brand manages to wow me and proves that yet again, you should never judge a brand by its pricing!

Kiehls Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque

There are a number of brands that I have wanted to try for ages now and when I was given the chance to try Kiehls, I jumped at the chance. In my entire lifetime, I have only ever used one Kiehl's products (here) and yet everyone raves about them. This time it was the turn of the Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque 75ml. Described by Kiehls as being an ‘instant facial’, the Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque works to brighten and energise the look of dull, fatigued skin whilst helping it to regain its natural, healthy appearance.

To look at, the mask is quite yellow looking and as Tumeric is one of the ingredients, this didn't surprise me at all. It is also quite a thick consistency, almost like a mud mask and one I find easier to apply with an old concealer brush than with my fingers, to ensure I get an equal covering on my face. Add to Tumeric, as the name suggests is Cranberry and it is this ingredient which adds the 'scrub' to the mask. Together, the cranberry and turmeric work to help visibly even the look of your skin tone whilst the crushed cranberry seeds gently exfoliate, giving that smoother, brighter, illuminated-looking skin.

The scent of this mask is what intrigued me the most, more so because Tumeric is an ingredient I associate with a good curry!  It doesn't smell like a Chicken Balti I am pleased to say, but there is a hint of spice with the cranberries that I find really quite pleasant.

As I apply the mask using an old concealer brush, I find it really easy to stand in front of the mirror and slap it on. You only need to apply a thin layer and remember that when doing so, be careful not too apply too much pressure because the cranberry seeds are there to exfoliate. Once on the face, the mask dries incredibly quickly and I like to leave it to work its magic for up to ten minutes, so again, perfect for use if you are a busy bee like me. After those ten minutes are up, you need a warm flannel/muslin cloth and then in circular movements, gently massage your face and let those cranberry seeds work their magic to gently buff the skin, removing surface dirt, grime and dead skin cells.

Once removed, the mask leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft and smooth as well as hydrated, moisturised and I am glad to say there is no hint or sign of irritation or redness. For me this mask is such an amazing treat and it is one that works as well on its own or as part of your multi-masking pampering.

If you find your skin looks a tad dull and lacklustre, dry in parts and in need of a good exfoliation and cleansing, then at £28 this is an absolute steal and is worth hunting down to give a try!  As a first face mask that I have used from Kiehls, I am eager to work my way right through the entire collection, that is how impressed I am.

Laura Geller Ballerina Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator

A few days ago I posted about the Laura Geller Sweetest Things box of products and today I have the  Laura Geller Ballerina Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator.

Now first things first, this illuminator is just stunning to look at, work with and wear. It is described as having a hybrid texture because it applies like a sheer powder but actually feels more like a cream and when swatched it does just that, as you swipe your finger across the swirls the powder like texture turns to a cream which makes it really easy to work with. The swirls are 3D and stand right out and is described as capturing the look of your favorite Italian dessert, and lasts until the very last application.

The shade, Ballerina, is just stunning and is best described as being a candlit rosy copper gold shade and once applied to the skin it gives a wash of colour. Lightweight in texture, the glow it gives is quite soft, but it is a product that is 
buildable depending on which look you are going for.

Priced at £21.50 from Lookfantastic, it is a worthy investment to have and is also available in shade Gilded Honey which is an effervescent caramel honey shade

Benefit Cosmetics Mini products

I am one of those people who loves a sample product, whether it is a perfume, sachet of a lotion or potion, a bath product or even make-up.  Why do I like them so much? Well they are incredibly easy to shove in your make up bag, your handbag or for taking away on a long weekend break or even on holiday, most sample sizes are more than generous and give you just enough to decide whether or not you like it.

One brand who does the best mini samples is Benefit and I have quite a collection it would seem. Many of them have been part of a beauty box, Magazine Freebie or have been given to me in store when I've gone to stock up on numerous products I cannot live without.  This is my sample collection

As you can see, I have quite a few and for me, many of these samples have led to the purchasing of the full sized product. In my stash I have:

• That Gal - A Brightening Face Primer which I use with my moisturiser to give it a bit of a kick.
• Erase Paste - Brightening Concealer which is one of the best concealers I have used in such a long time.  This little tub has almost come to the end of its life which is sad, but I intend to refill it using my full sized version.
• PoreFessional - Face Primer which is always in my handbag.  Whilst I do prefer the newer Porefessional Matte Primer, this one is great for on the go touch ups.

• Coralista - A Coral Blush
• Dandelion - A brightening face powder 

Both of these came from a Benefit Mini Set I have given but until a few weeks ago, I had forgotten all about them.  Both are brilliant for having in my handbag, especially Dandelion of which I am a huge fan.

• They're Real and Roller Lash - Now I adore both of these mascaras but I prefer to use the wand of Roller Lash with the formula of They're Real, I just find it works better for me. I love both these little sample sizes which are more than generous at 30g to give you an informed view as to whether or not they are the mascara for you.

• High Beam - satiny pink liquid highlighter accents cheek & brow bones for a dewy glow
• License to Blot - Instant Oil Blotting Stick, which is an absolute gem of a product and one that is definitely handbag, desk drawer and make up bag worthy.
• Lolli tint - Candy Orchid tint for lips and cheeks and it is a really cute shade of pink which works well with most lipsticks I own
• Puff Off - Instant Eye Gel to help smooth the look of puffy eyes

• Posietint - poppy-pink tinted stain for cheeks & lips and I find works well as a lip primer.
• Stay don't Stray - dual-action power primer works 360 degrees around the eyes to make concealers and eyeshadows stay put
• Benetint - The original rose-tinted stain for cheeks and lips
• Ooh La Lift - under-eye boost looks like an instant eyelift! Contains raspberry extracts and light-reflecting pigments to instantly perk up tired eyes

As you can see, I have just about everything I need to ensure my make up is primed, set and not going to budge an inch.  Do you have any Benefit Mini's?

Merumaya Gentle Exfoliating Toner

Merumaya is a brand that I absolutely love and am yet to use a product I dislike. On their shelves you will find a product for everything - Cleansers, Cleansing Balm, Toners, Eye Cream, Night Cream, Face Wash, Oils, Serums, hand wash, hand cream, masks, peels, supplements and spot treatments to name just a few. The latest product which has been added to my routine is The Gentle Exfoliating Toner.

Until now, I never bothered to use a toner as part of my skincare regime, so I was very excited to see what effect this Exfoliating Toner would have and to see what the results were. The product itself is packed full of active ingredients some of which give immediate noticeable results and others that are more effective when the toner is used over a longer period of time. Unsurprisingly, the words AHA and Hyaluronic Acid appear in the list on ingredients and this is what they do.

• AHAs or Natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids work to gently yet effectively peel away dead skin, detoxify, cleanse and refine pores to reveal fresh smooth and brighter skin. Natural AHA’s Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are proven to act as exfoliants, loosening and removing the top layer of dead cells by decreasing corneocyte adhesion. This reveals the new skin cells below. Natural AHA Complex provides a superficial peel action resulting in an improved surface appearance for a fresher, smoother look to skin. AHAs help to remove dry skin and can be useful in treating blemished or problem skin, unblocking and cleansing pores. Phew! So essentially what it does is remove all that dirt, grime, excess sebum and nasty stuff from your skin, the stuff that accumulates each day, the stuff which turns the cotton wool pad a black/brown shade when you cleanse essentially. 
• Hyaluronic Acid is an ingredient that my skin absolutely loves, it helps to retain over a 1000 times its weight in water within the cells of skin, making it an excellent moisturiser. 
• Natural Betaine is an osmoregulator which essentially means that it manages water balance in skin cells. It can hold 1.6 times its own weight in water. It hydrates and softens the surface of skin resulting in a soft and even finish.

I absolutely love using this toner and it is so gentle on the skin that you can use it twice a day or if you feel this is a little too obsessive, then it is great for using during those times when your skin feels lacklustre and dull. I use the toner once a day as part of my evening skincare routine and afterwards my skin is so soft and smooth, it feels amazing. This toner is priced at £17.50 for a 128ml bottle, so it is going to last quite some time, even if you do use it twice a day.

What I also love about Merumaya is their focus on promoting #BeautyHasNoAge and by this, it means the products are not focused or targeted at Anti Aging, a term most people, myself included, are often skeptical about, but instead, Merumaya want to promote the feeling of positivity about our age and embracing the changes that happen as we get older.

You Beauty - April Box

This months You Beauty Discovery Box is titled 'Natural and Organic' and the choice to choose from features an amazing range of products for your skin, hair and their is also make up to choose from. Admittedly, I choose products because I like the brand, I like the sound of them or I have read and heard good things, I don't go out of my way to choose organic, so for me this is a nice treat and in some ways introduction to brands I am not well acquainted with or too.

As always there are some treats inside this months box and they start with a Hask Keratin Protein Smoothing Deep Conditioner sachet. Described as being an ultra-restorative, moisturising hair treatment which leaves all hair types smooth, shiny and frizz free. Hask products are free of sulphates, phthalates, gluten, drying alcohol and artifical colours. The second treat comes from Neom in the form of two different capsules. The first being a Daily Energy Boosting Burst Capsule and the second being a Daily De-Stress Burst capsule. Both 100% natural, it is said that you break the capsule into the palms of your hands to massage in and then, cup your hands over your mouth and nose and breathe in and out for 7 seconds.

When I got the email detailing the selections for this box, I had pretty much decided which two options I as going to chose, purely because they are two brands I know the least about.

The first is from Sond and it is a Hydrating Face Spray. I have been sent a mini gift set from Sond by way of introduction which I haven't yet tried and this was not a feature. I am a hge fan of Face Sprays and they are a product I use all the time, especially because a lot of my time is spent in frony of a computer screen. This spray promises to provide instant and long-lasting hydration as well as working to soothe and refresh the skin. Containing silica, it boosts collagen production and water retention, while acting as an anti-inflammatory for irritated or sensitive skin.  This product is a 10ml sample and has a value of around £2.50.

My second choice was the AD Skin Synergy Organic Rose Geranium Nourishing Night Treatment Facial Oil, which is a bit of a mouthful to say! I love a good facial oil and this one is said to be limited edition and is 100% natural with an abundance of potent organic ingredients and scented with the highest-grade Organic Rose Geranium essential oil which has been very tenderly steam distilled and can be found alongside the likes of organic rosehip seed, organic evening primrose, organic jojoba, organic lavender, organic roman chamomile, organic palma rosa, organic ylang ylang, organic neroli, frankincense, jasmine and vitamin E.  On the skin, it is light and non-greasy and is incredibly hydrating, not to mention smells just amazing.  This costs £38 and is a 50ml bottle.

So those are my selections for April and yet again, You Beauty offers great value for money at £6.95 per box including p&p and the contents of this box have a value of around £45.  

Kent Brushes - Oooh That’s Nice Hair Brush

One of the very first hairbrushes I owned was made by Kent. It had a wooden body and handle and really smooth bristles and every Sunday, my Mum would spend some considerable time brushing my hair and then plaiting it for school, every time I complained, she would whack me on the head with it until I sat still, my hair at this point was down to my backside. That brush accompanied me through school, Uni and then to London where I lost it during a house move. Since then I have had a good 8-9 hair brushes.

Kent brushes were founded back in 1777 and have an amazing story to tell. Today they have an amazing selection of styling brushes, radials, ceramics, vents, ionic, paddle, volumising and pure bristle for use on any hair type, style and length and for every budget.

I was kindly sent the 'Ooh That's Nice' Kent brush and it a delight to use. If you have been through a host of hair brushes which pull, tug and snag on your hair, especially if you have a thick mane to tame, then you need a Kent brush in your life. 

This brush head, which is slightly curved to begin with, moulds to the shape of your head as you brush your hair and it has what is described as a distinctive zigzag head with bristles which are positioned in all directions - forwards, backward and side to side, so that when your hair is brushed the bristles, which are made of moulded nylon, multi-task to massage your scalp and stimulate circulation for healthy hair growth. 

The soft natural bristles also clean and nurture your hair encouraging natural shine and body, leaving it tamed, smooth and more manageable. What I have found is a lot less frizz and.static when using this brush on my hair and whilst my hair can often be quite knotty, this brush glides effortlessly through the knots, detangling as it goes without me grimacing at every brush stroke. 

Designed to be suitable for men, women and children of all ages, it is perfect for those who have a sensitive scalp too.  What I have found by switching to this brush is less hair trapped in the bristles after brushing, something which pleases me no end.

This brush is an absolute bargain to be had at £12.50 and it is also one of the most comfiest brushes I have ever used.

Do you have a favourite hair brush?

Look Fantastic Beauty Box April 2016 #LFBlooms

This months LookFantastic Beauty box is beautifully bright and bold and is titled the #LFBLOOMS box. Put together to celebrate Earth Month, the April #LFBeautyBox is all about beauty with a difference. Filled with a selection of products which celebrate all things natural, organic and eco-friendly. Again, each box comes with the latest edition of Elle Magazine, which I am enjoying reading.

So, inside this months box there are 7 items to get acquainted with and there are some amazing brands featured. The first being Rituals Miracle Hand Scrub (£11.50). I adore Rituals as a brand and Jasmine Dream is one of my favourite candles. A Hand scrub is a product I am always in need of, so seeing this in the box was amazing. Infused with nourishing oils which deeply condition and nourish your skin, the delicate scent of Ginseng and Gingko Biloba are just divine and the little exfoliating particles work extremely well to remove dead and dry skin to leave behind hydrated and moisturised hands.

The second product is Balance Me Super Toning Body Polish (£6) uses anti-oxidant rich Juniper, Geranium, Lavender and Bergamot Essential Oils which help stimulate circulation to reduce toxins responsible for cellulite. Anti-oxidant rich Blackberry Leaf Extract which helps to boost skin's collagen production for firmer skin and finally ground Walnut Spheres gently exfoliate away dead skin cells for smoother, softer limbs. I have used this body polish before and was really impressed with it, it smells incredible and works really well to remove dead and dry skin.

Myvitamins effervescent vitamin and mineral tablets in Lemon flavour. There was a similar version of these in the January box and they are dissolvable in water and are said to make a great tasting drink. Effervescent tablets are ideal for anyone looking to increase their intake of vitamins for a healthier lifestyle. Again, I never ever take vitamins, so these have been put into the medicine cabinet for the time being.

Bloom and Blossom Bath and Shower Gel (£4). A foaming Bath and Shower Gel from Bloom and Blossom, a brand created by two Sister-in-laws with a passion for developing a natural skincare range for new and expecting mums. Enriched with vitamin E and organic cucumber extracts, the luxurious body wash is delicate to skin. The fragrance-free gel gently cleanses and hydrates skin to leave your whole body feeling silky smooth.

Tanworx by Monu Tan Maintainer (£7.50) - Hopefully we will see some Sunshine in Blightly over the summer so I can give this a try! Working to maintain your tan for longer the Tanworx tan maintainer is formulated with carrot oil, coconut oil and sunflower oil to moisturise the skin, plus Hyaluronic Acid and Seaweed. Perfect for avoiding steaks, the formula will help you to maintain your golden glow.

Briogeo Don't Despair Repair Deep Conditioning Hair Mask. I've never heard of this brand before but if you are suffering from dry, damaged, breaking or lifeless hair, often caused by chemical or color treatments, heat tools then this is for you. It is fortified with ultra-hydrating avocado, sweet almond & argan oils, strengthening keratin protein, power-conditioning rosehip oil, soothing aloe, and super hair-essential vitamins B5, D, A, E and biotin. This unique complex of targeted ingredients helps increase hair elasticity and moisture to prevent breakage, promotes healthy shine and luster, and replenishes strength.

The final item in the box is from Elemis and it is the British Botanical hand and nail butter. In my opinion you can never have too many tubes of hand cream, so I am pleased to see this in my box. Elemis have collaborated with artist Amanda Ross, known for her exquisitely detailed botanical prints, to create the British Botanical Hand and Nail Butter. Harnessing the powerful ingredients grown in the countryside, the formula is infused with a blend of lavender, geranium, chamomile and palmarosa to calm and soothe over-worked hands. A dose of burdock extract is combined with moabi butter and UK organic oat to replenish moisture and rejuvenate hands, whilst strengthening brittle nails and conditioning cuticles. Skin will be left smooth, comfortable and velvety soft with a delicate fragrance. Fast-absorbing and non-greasy it leaves your hands feeling soft, smooth and really well moisturised.

I think this is a really good box, there are some brands I am a huge fan of and some I have never used before to work my way through and each one is a decent enough size so that you can decide whether or not it is for you. The beauty box costs as little as £11.25 per month here and each month you are given the chance to win an extra prize worth over £100.

Vetiver Insolent By Miller Harris

Perfume is something I am obsessed with and wear it every day without fail, even if I am having a duvet day. Some people don't bother wearing it and others choose it for special occasions. I have perfumes that are special to me and I have some that I wear for different reasons or occasions and sometimes I am trialing perfumes to write about or to decide whether or not I like them. I do change my perfumes around depending on my mood and the time of year, in winter for example I like a much stronger and more vibrant scent to the Summer, where I will opt for something more fresh and light.

I was recently invited, as part of the ThirtyPlus Group to the Mayfair Store of Miller Harris for an evening of fragrance discovery and to hear about the launch of their new perfume, Vetiver Insolent.  Created by Lyn Harris, an elite perfumer whose training comes from one of Paris's most prestigious schools of perfume, she has over twenty years of experience working withing the perfumery industy and therefore knows a little mre than I do about fragrances. Situated in Mayfair, you get exactly what you expect to find at the Miller Harris store or I should say Boutique.  As soon as you walk in, the scents are enough to make you want to pick up every bottle which is expertly displayed and smell it.  I managed to hold fire (slightly taken off guard by some Sushi which tasted even better than it looked) drink some Prosecco and get myself involved in some wrist smelling and conversations with John, who took those of us present, on a scented journey.which was truly fascinated.  Starting with how the fragrance pyramid works and why certain ingredients are used to make the perfume 'notes'.  Most of us are aware that a perfume has top, middle and base notes to make up its fragrance with the top notes being the first scent we smell and the base note being the one which gives it the scent that settled on your skin.

With any Miller Harris scent you will not find fragrances which are 'On Trend' or for 'This Season' and nor will you find a his and her option, what you get is a scent that evolves and becomes itself from the person wearing it and how the fragrance interacts with their skin. Did you know that any given scent might not necessarily smell the same on any two people owing to that scent reacting with your body chemistry? Well I confess that I did know and it does explain why I like some fragrances on my skin and some I do not.

Having fallen in love with two different scents whilst working my way along the shelves, you can find them here on my Instagram, but the reason I was at the event was to be introduced to Vetiver Insolent. Its description

For those in whom the spirits live loudly, for those with mischief and courage. This audacious scent brings energy, action. It's the moment a face ensnares you, when a smile brings you under its spell, and you throw caution to the wind. At once rebellious and sensual, Vetiver Insolent has a natural aura, a charismatic allure. Its base is vetiver, a deep rooted grass from Haiti, full of sweet, fresh carthiness and an enemy of melancholia. Brazen notes of bergamot and cardamom engender curiosity, giving way to energising black pepper, elemi and a whisper of lavender.

It is a beautiful scent, unisex in every way and I am sure both the mister and I will be fighting over it at some stage, but be warned it has my name engraved on it, so it is therefore mine. As a scent it is one I shouldn't like because it is spicy and I prefer the florals, but it has captured me. From the first spritz it is outwardly masculine with its woody and earthy tones, but as it settles, the scent becomes much more crisp and sweet but not at all sickly and it lasts forever on the skin and for me that is always impressive. Vetiver Insolent is definitely going to be a scent you either love or hate, I expected to not like it, but I love it and I expect it to be a scent I wear all year round rather than per season.

Vetiver Insolent launched on the 9th of April 2016 (50ml, £65).

Lush Ultraviolet Bubble Bar

Every now and again there is a Lush product that I absolutely must have, Ultraviolet is it.  I stumbled across it when purchasing some Dream Cream for my sister and the scent just grabbed me.  Anyone who loves the smell of Swizzels Parma Violets will love this and I as immediately dragged back to the days when I would sit and just eat packets of them.

Ultraviolet (rrp £4.25) was part of the Mothers Day collection here in the UK and it is an item you need to grab quick before it disappears.  A brightly coloured rainbow, this bubble bar features purple lilac, blue and green shades which really stand out and it is absolutely huge too, definitely a product which can be split multiple times for more enjoyment in the bath. Like most bubble bars, you simply crumble this one under running water to create that wet sand like feel and in doing so, the bath water turns to a murky purple colour hidden among the bubbles.

The description "Journey to the end of the rainbow with Ultraviolet. Beyond its shades of purple and violet, this giant bubble bar has a gorgeous violet, ylang ylang and jasmine scent that's intoxicating yet delicate. Crumble a piece under running water and submerge yourself underneath silky, purple-y waters and take a moment to stop and smell the seductive florals of Ultraviolet for a chilled out bathtime" pretty much sums up this bubble bar. Once in the water it creates copious amounts of bubbles, so if like me, you like a lot of bubbles, consider that box well and truly ticked.

The main ingredient is Violet Leaf Absolute which gives it that Parma Violet scent and is said to act as both an antibacterial and antiseptic which is great for your skin. Rosewood Oil will help to lift your spirits and have a balancing effect on the mind and body. It is used with good results in reducing headaches, colds, coughs, fever and infections and is a boost for the immune system. Ylang Ylang Oil, one of my favourites, has a soothing effect and its balancing action sorts out over-dry as well as overly-oily skin by balancing the secretion of sebum, and has a stimulating effect on the scalp which promotes more luxurious hair growth. It also lifts the spirits and has uplifting properties. Finally we have Jasmine Absolute which is great at helping to relieve stress and pre-menstrual tensions. It is said to relax mind and body. On the skin, Jasmine oil tones dry, greasy, irritated and sensitive skin, increases elasticity and is often used to assist with stretch marks and to reduce scarring.

This Bubble Bar is absolutely wonderful, if you hadn't guessed and it is one I have really enjoyed using.  Once in the bath, the oils mix with the steam to send the Parma Violet scent throughout the house where it remains for hours. After bathing, my skin is not only soft, smooth and incredibly moisturised, it smells incredible.  A huge thumbs up to Lush for this bubble bar!

How the Dermaroller Treats Skin Problems

Skin problems come in many forms.  The most common seem to be wrinkles, stretch marks, and acne scarring.  If any of these is an issue for you, then you might have already looked into laser treatments, chemical peels, or other skin care procedures to help you.  Each is well known and comes with high risks and side effects.  Have you heard of microneedling or how it can help your skin issues?

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How Does Microneedling Work?

Microneedling, also called Collagen Induction Therapy, is a procedure in which clusters of micro sized sterile needles are pressed into the skin to penetrate down into the dermal layer of skin.  The skin cells react by generating new collagen to fill out and stimulate healing.

There are two main types of microneedling - stamping and rollers.  Stamping is done with a cluster of needles that are pressed against the skin in small areas that require more precision.  A Dermaroller uses a barrel-like head with the needles attached and is rolled across the area to be treated.  Both are the same treatment, just different delivery.

How the Dermaroller Improves Your Skin

While the Dermaroller stimulates healing in the skin, it is not all it can do.  The needles create micro-channels in the skin down to the dermal layer.  Immediately after using the Dermaroller, serums containing essential nutrients for your skin are applied and will be entirely absorbed into the dermal layer.  This increases the rejuvenating and healing results in this treatment.   What type of serum is used depends on which issue you are being treated for such as wrinkles, stretchmarks, or scars.

Low Risks and Minimal Side Effects

Using a Dermaroller does not damage the outermost layer of skin (epidermis).  It penetrates through the surface to remodel the cells in the next layer.  Because it leaves the surface intact, you don't need to worry about infections like you would with abrasive skin resurfacing techniques.

Where other treatments may leave you hiding from society for a bit until your skin stops looking like a sunburn, at most your skin might be a bit red or swollen for a day or two.

Microneedling Discomfort

The most frequent question asked before any treatment is always how much pain is involved.  The answer would depend on a couple factors.  If using the Dermaroller with the shortest needles, it will only give an odd sensation as the needles brush across the surface of your skin.  A deeper treatment requires longer needles and deeper penetration, which can cause mild pain for some patients, especially those with a low tolerance for pain.  Your technician can easily apply a numbing agent to the skin in advance of the procedure to make it less uncomfortable.

The Dermaroller Results

Chemical peels and other abrasive treatments do provide effective results once they heal.  Those of you who have used aesthetic equipment before know that the major drawbacks to those kinds of procedures are the expense, the recovery time, the pain, and the high risks and side effects. Using the Dermaroller provides wonderful results without all of the problems and you can repeat the procedure until you reach the results you are looking for.  It's worth the results.

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