Lacura Charcoal Mud to Foam Cleanser

Hi all!

As you all know we're huge skincare fans and even bigger bargain fans. So finding the limited edition skincare in Aldi when it comes around is pretty high on my list.

Charcoal is having a bit of a moment and I don't see it going anywhere any time soon. As soon as I saw the charcoal products on offer I couldn't resist but try them out, even though I haven't really been convinced about them so far...

Pixi Glow Tonic Review

Skincare is one of my favourite topics, I always loved it when Caroline Hirons says:

If you would spend more on shoes, handbags, lipstick, jeans or fashion in general than you would on high quality skincare – you will be a sixty year old woman (and man) with a vintage wardrobe and a face like an alligator

And I absolutely agree. Ever since reading this way back when it was first published in 2012 I've been putting skincare at the top of my list but sadly my budget isn't the same (nor do we get the same PR packages!) as Caroline so it's taken me a little longer to get round to trying everything she recommends. The Pixi Glow Tonic has been on my list for such a long time,

The Body Shop Vitamin C Range

If you know anything about us you'll know we're skincare addicts - we've been huge fans of the Body Shop and love their products as well as everything they stand for.

A few months ago I decided to try a few things from a different range. I've heard lots of things about the Vitamin C range from various friends and bloggers including Caroline Hirons so I obviously picked up a few things on one of their offers!

Naissance 246 Organic Rosehip Oil

Hello!

If you're long term readers you will know how much we love skincare and love supporting local. When we heard about Naissance we had to learn more, and were super lucky to receive some of their organic rosehip oil.

Review: The Body Shop Drops of Youth - Youth Essence Lotion

If you're a long term reader you will know how much we absolutely love The Body Shop Drops of Youth Range.

We've previously written about the range in general here and also the Youth Liquid Peel. Recently I saw the Youth Essence Lotion and couldn't resist picking it up in the recent winter deals.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum in Oil

Hello everyone!

It has been a super busy few weeks for the both of us so unfortunately we've been lacking in new posts. But life happens and we've been battling illness, new houses, crazy work schedules and general Christmas festivities...

But were hoping December is going to be the best month yet! 

I've mentioned a few times about the issues with my skin and with the colder weather, indoor heating and the flu my skin has been so dry and I've been looking at some new products to see if I can find anything to help. My first port of call was The Body Shop!

The Body Shop - Seaweed Gel Cream and Clay Mask

You may have seen our recent posts on the skincare ranges from The Body Shop, we've shared from the Drops of Youth range and some of their Camomile cleansers.

Today I wanted to share with you some of the products from the Seaweed range. I've always had an oily t-zone so for me, finding a hydrating moisturiser that doesn't cause my skin to become nice and shiny by 11am is key. I did pick up some of the Tea Tree range to help but it turns out that isn't the most ideal range for me, and what I needed was the Seaweed range.

So when I went to one of their outlet stores recently I decided to try the Oil Control Gel Cream and the Oil Balancing Clay Mask. I've been using them recently and although I would normally spend  a few weeks using them these have been an instant decision.

Kiehls Ultra Facial Oil Free Moisturiser

Hey all!

I'm back with another skincare review today - I'm totally obsessed and it seems to have taken over from make up recently. Though I'm sure this will be temporary!

I went to a Kiehls event when the new Cardiff store opened around Christmas time last year, you can find the post here. I picked up the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil Free lotion at the time and have been using it a lot since then, especially recently now the weather has got warmer again!

Top 5 Cruelty Free Skincare Brands

Hi all!

Happy Sunday! Hope you're having a relaxing morning. I'm catching up with jobs before going to my friends son's first birthday party - he's such a cutie I can't believe he's one!

Today's post is a summary of my favourite cruelty free skincare brands. M made the switch a while ago now and I try my best to buy cruelty free, skincare is much easier for me and I'm just finishing up using some products from before. Make up is a bit more difficult but with brands like Urban Decay, Illamasqua and Make Up Revolution it is a lot easier!

Kiehls Nightly Refining Micro Peel Concentrate

Hello all!

I'm back with another Kiehls review today, this time it's a fairly new product called the 'Nightly Refining Micro Peel Concentrate'

I picked this up at the same time as my other purchases - the Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Daily Reviving Concentrate and the Creamy Eye Treatment - but it has taken a little longer for me to post about. Let me explain to you what it is.

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Liquid Peel

Morning all!

The last few weeks I've been using some new skincare to get my skin in better shape for the summer. I don't currently have any plans to go away anywhere but having skin that doesn't require any make up or only light make up makes you feel a lot more free doesn't it?

My latest purchase has been from the Body Shop and their range called the Drops of Youth.

Antipodes Rejoice Light Day Cream

Hello there!

If you've read Mia's post on the Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream then you will know we were recently sent some products from Antipodes containing avocado. Everyone is totally obsessed with the stuff lately and it's not hard to understand why!

Avocados are renowned for containing a large number of healthy fats and are championed for a healthy diet for weight loss, shiny hair and of course good skin. But if you're applying it instead of eating it, is it worth it?

Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Hello everyone!

I have written a few things about some products from Kiehl's recently, I wrote about the original event (click here) and also the Daily Reviving Concentrate (click here)

As well as this I have been using the Midnight Recovery Concentrate which I'm sure you have heard of before, it is pretty famous around the world for its hydrating properties as well as reaching the 'blogger hype' status because everyone loves it. So what did I think??

Winter Skincare Update

Good morning!

We all know skincare needs to change with the seasons just like clothing, mine has changed a lot over the years with ageing being a wonderful factor to add to the mix - so today's post is an update of the latest products I've been using and would recommend for anyone looking to try out some new products.

Kiehls Daily Reviving Concentrate

Good morning all!

A few weeks ago I went to an event for Kiehls in their new store in Cardiff. The post on the event can be found by clicking here, and I've been using everything daily since I purchased it.

My skin has changed a lot over the last few years (thank you ageing!) and with winter in full force now I knew I needed to overhaul my skincare for something more appropriate.

I spoke to Katie in store during the event where she tested my skin and found that it is oily and also dehydrated - this I pretty much knew but it was good to have it confirmed.

I picked up the Daily Reviving Concentrate (DRC from now on) based on her recommendation and have been using it every morning for the last month.

Kiehl's Event - Cardiff

Morning!

Have you tried Kiehls? I've not tried a single product, so when we were invited to an event in the new Kiehls store in Cardiff I obviously couldn't say no.

I didn't know much about Kiehls as a brand but we were given an introductory chat which was really interesting, I had no idea how old Kiehls was nor how it started. Being a scientist I appreciate the fact it started as an apothecary waaaaaaaay back in 1851 and some of the developed products are still used to this day.

When they say the products have been 'expedition tested' they really mean it too - some of these products were used in trips to the top of Everest and in Greenland. They also help a range of charities including HIV/AIDs and local schools, plus they have a recycling program where you can return empty products for new ones by collecting stamps.

Antipodes Certified Organic Hallelujah Lime and Patchouli Cleanser

Good morning all!

Hope you're all enjoying the weekend, I'm having a relaxing one after a crazy hen weekend and a busy few weeks.
My skin has definitely been feeling the strain and I'm looking forward to my Sunday evening bath, face mask and relax later on.
For every day though I have recently been using the Antipodes Hallelujah Lime and Patchouli cleanser, it's been a lovely treat for my skin.

If you haven't heard of Antipodes before you definitely should have, their range of  products won Best Natural Range in the Natural Health Awards in 2012.

They select bioactive extracts from sustainably cultivated native plants to create their products to scientifically and clinically promote youthful skin. They use natural products to help protect you and the environment.

I've copied the following straight from their website as this says it all:

Antipodes says NO to:

• animal testing
• genetically modified (GM) or genetically engineered (GE) ingredients
• synthetic fillers or silicon derived ingredients
• artificial colours or artificial fragrances
• sodium lauryl sulphates
• mineral oils
• petrochemicals
• animal ingredients (except honey and beeswax from living bees)
• parabens; ethyl-, methyl-, propyl-, butyl-.

Sounds like a great company to me!

In fact Antipodes aren't a new brand to me, I've previously tried their Juliet Cleanser (link here), Aura Manuka Honey Mask and Reincarnation Exfoliator (link here)  and also their Divine Oil (link here).

I have loved everything I have ever tried from them, but particularly the Divine Oil and I still regularly repurchase it. For £19.99 it's an amazing oil that solves so many skin problems that I can't be without it!

Anyway back to the Hallelujah cleanser...

It contains pure organic avocado oil, macadamia nut and lime - basically this means it smells amazing!

The avocado oil removes impurities and the carrot seed oil promotes skin with good health. The lime and patchouli essential oils cleanse, freshen and uplift as well as helping it to smell super fresh in the mornings.

I use this morning and evening, I'd say it helps to remove the majority of make up but stubborn eye make up may need additional removal. It's creamy cleanser that doesn't foam but seems to melt on your skin, I just use a wash cloth to remove it after I've spread it all over.

This cleanser is suitable for most skin types so I'd recommend it for anyone who'd like to try a cleanser from Antipodes.

I've been using this the last few weeks now and I really like it, it cleanses my skin of oil and grime and I think my skin has got a bit brighter too. It feels great on the skin and I've not had any breakouts since using it which is obviously great!

You can purchase this for £22.99 from Feel Unique, and I'd say it was worth it. It's lasted me a long time as one pump is enough for a cleanse. 

Have you tried the Hallelujah cleanser before? Do you like Antipodes and their product range?

I'm yet to dislike anything so I can't wait to try more in future!

L xxx


*the Hallelujah cleanser was sent to me for review but this has no way influenced my thoughts and opinions on Antipodes or the product itself*

Lush Cupcake Fresh Face Mask

Hey all!

I've been super crazy busy recently so my posts have been non existent - thanks to M for filling in for me! This is exactly why we blog together - not only would we blog similar posts anyway but we can help each other out when the other doesn't have the time.
My parents are both due into hospital again and I've been to Paris for work so things have been a little all over the place but with an upcoming week off I will be catching up on everything!

A few weeks ago we both went to Lush for their latest event (you can see our post here) and I stocked up my product collection with a few new additions.

I picked up the Yoga Bomb bath bomb, Ultrabland facial cleanser, Needles and Pine shower jelly and Cupcake Fresh Face mask as well as the infamous Porridge soap.

I've been using them all ever since and have honestly been loving them all!

This review however is dedicated to the Cupcake Fresh Face mask. This costs £6.50 for the 75g, and the reviews show 4* out of 5.

It contains only 13 ingredients including rhassoul mud, fairtrade organic cocoa butter, fresh mint and spearmint and peppermint oils.

The most important ingredient is rhassoul mud which works with the cocoa powder to draw all of the impurities from your skin and deeply cleanse it to remove all of the dirt.

Fresh mint can be used to stimulate and tone the skin and the linseed infusion and cocoa butter moisturise and hydrate the skin. I don't know about you but this sounds good enough to eat right??!

I was won over as soon as I saw it in store and wanted to to just dive right into a huge vat of it!



Unfortunately it doesn't come in a pot that big so i picked up the standard size and brought it home to try. As you can see I looked a little ridiculous with it all over my face!

I left this on my face for 10/15 minutes as recommended and my skin has been helped so much. The amount of oil has been reduced and so has the redness, breakouts have also pretty much disappeared which is amazing news.

I would really recommend this to anyone who suffers with break outs and redness, and needs that extra bit of oil mopping up.
Plus who doesn't love a face mask that looks like liquid chocolate?!

What masks are your favourite from Lush? 

L xxx

Nip and Fab: No Needle Fix Serum

Hey All

Another joint post from us. After I found a great deal on Nip and Fab products in Debenhams last year L and I have been hooked and loved most of them. This is a product from the original haul but it's taken me a while to use it as I forgot about it in my stash.

We are both skincare fans and we're hoping that in the long run all the money we spend on skincare will be worth it and that ultimately prevention will be better than cure. As our skin at the moment is ok wrinkle wise (we're both starting to occasionally notice the fine lines on the forehead!) I find it hard in some ways to review skincare.

For me anything that leaves my skin feeling hydrated without greasy and sinks into the skin is usually a hit with me.

We got the No Needle Fix serum in a set as it was even cheaper that way. We'll be reviewing Frown Fix soon but it wasn't one we enjoyed so we wouldn't recommend the set. We love serums. At a Neal's Yard Remedy event we were told the importance of serum and it's stuck with me ever since. Moisturisers moisturise the layer of skin on the surface and serums work on skin cells below the surface.

As I have combination skin I love serums as they help replace some of the moisture my skin needs without making it greasy.

The Nip and Fab No Needle Fix serum has a light gel texture that easily sinks into the skin. I find I need more of this product than I normally need with a serum but my skin loves it and so far it's lasting well. Above you can see some of the key ingredients which help to improve the skins texture.

Since using this morning and night my skin has stayed clearer. It easily sinks into my skin and doesn't leave my skins feeling moisturised but not greasy. After a few weeks of using it my skin has been left feeling plump and healthy. It just looks better. One thing we love about Nip and Fab is the affordability. For this reason I think this will definitely be a repurchase and as L has tried other serums I'll be asking her recommendations and mixing it up. This has been a favourite serum so far.

M xxx

I have to agree with M that I love the serums that hydrate my skin without feeling heavy or greasy on my skin, the last thing I need is more grease!
Serums are really important to hydrate the skin at its lowest levels as moisturisers don't reach that far down. I've noticed a massive improvement in my skin since I've started using a serum and its my second most important product after a cleanser.

Using this serum both morning and night has hydrated my skin but not left a greasy layer on it, nor has it reacted and caused breakouts. For £14.95 this serum does a really good job, but I have found that the Dragon's Blood serum (review here) was better for my skin.

This product had a good effect on my skin but I just felt that the other serum was better. I'd repurchase this if the Dragon's Blood serum was sold out in shops, but if I had the choice of the two I'd pick the other.
This serum is quite thick, and sometimes it doesn't absorb as fast into my skin as some other thinner serums, and that's probably the only thing I can pinpoint that might be a downside to this product as it really does exactly what it should.

Have you tried many products from Nip and Fab?

I think between us we have tried almost everything! 

Do you have a favourite range or product from them?

I can recommend the Viper Venom, Glycolic and Dragon's Blood ranges, I've not met a product I didn't like from them!

L xxx

Review: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

Good morning!

This month is just flying past, is it really the 29th already?? Crazy!

Today's review is of a well renowned product in the beauty world that has been around for a while.
Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is a so called wonder product, it's an instant radiance booster that helps to minimise signs of fatigue. It not only acts as a primer but also a moisturiser and mask in one. Is this much of a wonder product even possible??

Allegedly you can use this in place of your normal moisturiser for when you need a bit more of a radiance boost, and as a mask for those reeeeeally long weeks where you just need something to SAVE your skin!

It contains four active ingredients with very specific jobs:

• Witch Hazel and Olive tree extracts tighten and promote radiance

• Algae extract revitalises

• Bisabolol soothes and softens

• Rice Starch purifies the epidermis

I've heard plenty about witch hazel over the years but the others I've not heard of so much. Clarins are generally pretty good at using different natural ingredients in their products though so this doesn't bother me too much.

The packaging is pretty standard for Clarins, their very iconic red and white packaging is simple but distinctive.
This balm comes in 50ml tubes and can be purchased from many department stores, online and if you're lucky in duty free too - always looking for a bargain!

So what did I think? Well I used this mainly as a primer. I did apply it as a moisturiser too on top of my normal moisturiser and I'm pleased to say my skin did look more 'awake' and slightly brighter after use.
As a primer I thought it also worked well, my make up stayed on my face just as well as any other primer I have used. It didn't feel like it was covering my skin as it sunk in like a moisturiser, I'd say this one works as a primer because it creates the perfect base with your own skin, rather than covering it and creating a base for your make up to 'stick' to.......if that makes sense?!

The product itself is a pale apricot kind of colour, and I find this helps it to blend in seamlessly. It really does just disappear!

I haven't used this as a mask, my skin needs a lot more hydration than this could give me and so it is unlikely I would use it as one. I pretty much use hydration masks daily at the moment as it's the only way!

That said, this product has been a fun buy. I've always wanted to try it and I'm glad that after all this time I've had the chance to try such a cult product.

One of my favourite things about it is the fact that even though it is brightening and radiance boosting....it's not glittery at all! Not in the slightest, not even the tiniest hint of a shimmery particle that I could see.

You can snap this up from Escentual for £25.50 at the moment, instead of the full price of £29.

Have you tried the Beauty Flash Balm? What did you think?

Do you like trying cult beauty products? What's next on your list?

L xxx