Tuesday 25 August 2020

High Street Beauty Haul

Hi everyone,

I've recently done a little bit of beauty shopping on the high street, as I fancied treating myself a little. Some of the products that I have purchased I have had my eye on for while. I went to mainly Boots, Savers and also the Body Shop for these purchases.



Oral B Pro Expert Professional Clean Mouth Wash
I really enjoy using this mouth wash from Oral B, as it has a mild minty taste. I actually use this as my first mouth wash before I go in to brush my teeth; and I really like how it makes my teeth feel clean before I have I even started to brush them.

Dr Teal's Foaming Bath in 'Soothe & Sleep'
I have heard nothing but good things about the products from Dr Teal's, so I decided to treat myself to a bottle of the Soothe & Sleep foaming bath. It has a lovely relaxing fresh lavender scent.

Feather & Down Sweet Dreams Body Butter
I was looking into getting a lavender scented body butter, and the one from Feather & Down had really good reviews. It also smells absolutely delightful. I'm really looking forward to using this body butter during the colder months.


L'Oreal Fine Flowers Toner
I was in need of a new rose toner for my evening skincare routine, as I'm on to using my last Pixi Rose Tonic and I fancied trying something new. I've been interested in trying the products from the L'Oreal Fine Flowers range since it was released a few years ago. This range is aimed at people who have sensitive skin, but the toner in this range smells lovely as it has a rose and jasmine fragrance. I'm really looking forward to using this as part of my evening skincare routine.


Soap & Glory 'Clean A Colada' Body Wash
The 'Clean a Colada' is part of the new Soap & Glory coconut range, which I had no idea that they had released until a few weeks ago. The 'Clean a Colada' body wash actually smells like a Pina Colada cocktail, and I'm really looking forward to using this once I have worked my way through a few shower gels.

Soap & Glory 'A Cream Come True' Body Butter
The 'A Cream Come True' body butter is also part of the new Soap & Glory coconut range, but the body butter has a fresh coconut scent rather than a Pina Colada scent like the body wash. I'm really looking forward to using this when the colder months arrive, as I really enjoy using coconut body butters when it's colder.

Soap & Glory 'Sugar Crush' Body Buttercream
I have purchased and gone through a number of these body buttercream's over the years, and I really enjoy using this range from Soap & Glory. The 'Sugar Crush' range from Soap & Glory is my all time favourite range, and its so refreshing to use and also the fragrance stays on the skin.


Lee Stafford Heat Protection Shine Mist
I've been interested in the heat protection mist from Lee Stafford for years, and I've never purchased it. I also like the smaller size of this spray, as I never really go through them.

Lee Stafford Coco Loco Coconut Hair Mask
I've been looking into getting a nourishing hair mask, and the coconut one from Lee Stafford ticked all the boxes in what I was looking for in a nourishing hair mask. I'm really looking forward to using this hair mask, as I think it would really add the nourishment back into my hair when it's needed.


L'Oreal Infaillible 24hr Fresh Wear Foundation in 'Porcelain'
I've been wanting to try the Fresh Wear foundation from L'Oreal for a few months, but I just never got round to purchasing it. I got the shade 'Porcelain' as it is a fair neutral shade and its also the fairest shade that L'Oreal offers within the Fresh Wear foundation range. I've heard that it has a demi matte finish, so it should work with my oily/ combination complexion.

Single Eyeshadows
I picked up a couple of neutral matte single eyeshadows from Max Factor and the soon to be discontinued brand C.Y.O. The one from Max Factor is a matte cream shade, which was what I was in need of as not all of my eyeshadow palettes has a cream shade that I can use to set my MAC Paint Pot in 'Painterly', and the single eyeshadow from C.Y.O is more a cool neutral brown shade and this will work perfectly as a light transition shade in the crease. This was an accidental purchase, as I thought I was picking up another single cream shade.


Body Shop Ginger Shampoo
I've never tried the Ginger shampoo from the Body Shop before, but I've heard nothing but good things about this shampoo. I'm looking forward to using this shampoo, and see if will benefit my scalp. It also has a natural ginger fragrance, which smells lovely.

Body Shop 'Drops of Youth' Toning Essence
I'm currently using an essence as part of my evening routine, but I really fancied trying the one from the Body Shop as its supposed to be really nice on the skin. This is also my first purchase from their 'Drops of Youth' range.

Body Shop Satsuma Shower Gel
I've purchased numerous Satsuma shower gels from the Body Shop over the years. It's like 'Summer in a bottle', and it smells delicious.





Tuesday 18 August 2020

Cult Beauty Haul

Hi everyone,

I have recently placed another order for Cult Beauty, and this time it was as a little treat for myself as it was birthday a little while back. So, I have decided to treat myself to a few new products, some of which I have had my eye on trying out for a while.




By Terry 'My Beauty Essentials' Kit
I've always wanted to try products from By Terry, but I wasn't too sure if some of the products that I wanted to try would be right for me. But, this little kit was the answer as it contains three travel sizes, two of which I have been wanting to try for a while, and also this lovely little kit was very reasonably priced for By Terry products. The kit contains  the Baume de Rose lip balm, the Hydra Care Setting Powder, and also the Mascara Terrybly; and the products that I'm interested in trying is the lip balm and also the setting powder. So, I'm really looking forward to using these products and to see if they will work for for me.



ABH Clear Brow Gel (Travel Size)
I have heard nothing but great things about the famous ABH Clear Brow Gel over the years, but I've never tried it. So, I decided to treat myself to a travel size to see if I would like it as part of my make up routine.

ABH Brow Powder Duo in 'Taupe'
I already own an ABH Brow Powder Duo in 'Medium Brown', but I was finding at times that it was coming up just a little dark for what I wanting my brows to look like, so I've decided to purchase the shade 'Taupe' as its the shade lighter than the 'Medium Brown' shade that I currently have in my make up collection.

Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra Longwear Concealer in 'N1'
I'm in the process of trying to find a replacement concealer for the original Urban Decay Naked concealer that has now been discontinued, and this is another one that caught my eye as its meant to be full coverage but also lightweight at the same time. I chose the shade 'N1' as its the lightest shade with a neutral undertone.


OUAI Detox Shampoo
I've never tried anything from OUAI but I'm interested in trying a few more of their products. I really fancied trying the Detox shampoo, as I think it would really benefit my hair and scalp. I haven't tried this yet, but it does smell divine.

OUAI Hair Oil
This is another product from OUAI that I've been interested in trying, but I thought that it would be too heavy for my hair. It turns out that this is a lightweight hair oil, and I'm really looking forward to using this.


Sunday Riley Juno Facial Oil (15ml)
This is the first product from Sunday Riley that I've purchased. I got this to use as part of my morning skincare routine, and to maybe alternate with the Kiehl's Daily Reviving Concentrate, which is products that I have been using for years. But, the Sunday Riley Juno facial oil has better ingredients compared to the Kiehl's Daily Reviving Concentrate.

Herbivore Prism Facial Oil
I use a liquid exfoliator as part of my Sunday skincare routine, and this one sounded like a would enjoy having as part of that skincare routine. The Prism facial oil is a blend of 12% AHA and 3% BHA, so this might be on the intense side for a facial oil. I have used the Lapis facial oil in the past and that was intense to use at first, but it did clear my skin up and make it feel more balanced than what it was previously. I'm really looking forward to using this as part of my Sunday skincare routine, once I have finished using up the current exfoliating serum.

I'm really looking forward to using all of these products, and seeing if I've stumbled across any hidden gems that I can continue to purchase in the future.


Tuesday 11 August 2020

Review: Lancome Tonique Eclat Exfoliating Toner

Hi everyone,

I have recently started to use the Lancome Tonique Eclat facial toner as part of my Sunday skincare routine. 



I've been using an exfoliating toner as part of my Sunday skincare routine for a good few years, and when I found out that Lancome had an exfoliating toner I really wanted to try it.

The Lancome Tonique Eclat facial toner is working really well on my combination skin, as not only does it make my complexion feel cleansed without stripping my skin of any of its natural oils, but it also makes it feel refreshed. The one thing that I did stumble across when I first started using this toner is that it smells like a G&T, but you can't smell it once it has been applied to the skin.

Claims
The Tonique Eclat exfoliating toner is a light lotion which evenly and effectively exfoliates as it thoroughly wipes away the dead skin cells from the skin. It has been formulated with ingredients of naturally derived origins.

Benefits
- Increases cell renewal so the skin looks radiant
- Skin feels soothed
- Hydrates skin for a soft feel
- Protects against free radicals
- Exfoliator properties deeply cleanses the skin leaving it radiant and supple

I'm really enjoying using this toner as part of my Sunday skincare routine, as it isn't overly harsh or stripping on the skin. But, it does make the skin feel cleaner after using it. It also leaves my skin feeling just ever so slightly hydrated. 
This is a lovely and refreshing toner to use, but I can't use this more than once a week as it could potentially dry my skin out. 

I would recommend this toner for anyone who has oily/ combination skin, as it does help to combat the skin's natural oils but without it leaving it feeling stripped or dry.

Tuesday 4 August 2020

Everything I've Tried: Kiehl's Edition

Hi everyone,

As you know I have used quite a few Kiehl's products over the years, and I'm going to talk about of the products I have used throughout the years and the experiences I've had with each product.


This post was inspired by Rachel from the YouTube channel thingsbytheberk.




Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
The Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado is a creamy, moisturising eye treatment that is formulated with Avocado oil. It has a unique concentrated texture that is enriched with Avocado to gently moisturise the delicate eye area. Also, the formula doesn't migrate into the eyes, and is also Ophthalmologist and Dermatologist tested.

I really like using the Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado as my evening eye cream, due to it being more hydrating under the eye area. Because of its concentrated formula, you also don't a lot to both under eyes. I've recently just started my second tub of this eye cream.

Facial Fuel Energising Facial Wash for Men
An efficient and energising facial wash that is formulated with caffeine, vitamins and invigorating citrus extracts to refresh and waken the skin. It also helps to prepare the skin for a more comfortable shave, and to also help lessen the irritation. It also helps the skin to resist the effects of environmental stress and gives even dull, tired looking skin a fresher, healthier appearance.

I decided to get this facial wash to see if would help to combat some of the oiliness of my skin, due to having a natural oily/ combination complexion. It does help to reduce the oiliness, and it also doesn't strip the skin of any of its natural oils. The one thing that I did notice with this facial wash is that it is on the minty side, and you know that its there while you are using it. But, I also didn't notice any of the citrus extracts. 

Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Facial Wash
A highly effective cleanser for smoother, softer skin that gently lifts away any impurities, dirt and oil without stripping the skin. The creamy gel formula activates with water to create a rich foam, and the skin looks instantly refreshed and revitalised.

This is what I'm currently using as my cleanser in my morning skincare routine. It has a mild citrus fragrance, and also a little bit goes a long way. It cleanses my oily/ combination skin really well, and it does this without stripping my skin of any of its natural oils. It also leaves it feeling ever so slightly hydrated.

Ultra Facial Cleanser
A mild facial cleanser that is formulated to work with all skin types. It thoroughly cleanses skin and also removes make up without over drying or stripping the skin of its natural oils, as well as dissolving any excess oil, dirt and debris. This cleanser is also pH balanced to help the skin maintain its natural balance.

I really wasn't a fan of this cleanser as to me its just a basic, and gentle cleanser. It also has an unusual scent, which I wasn't expecting.

Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol Free Toner
An effective alcohol free toner, which has been designed to soothe problem skin. It also helps the skin to maintain its natural balance. This toner is also formulated with whole Calendula flowers and pure extracts.

I found this to be a lovely toner to use on my oily/ combination skin, and it was also quite refreshing on the skin. This is a really good toner to use, but I found the calendula whole flowers to be a little combersome towards the end as they had a tendency to go everywhere.

Midnight Recovery Concentrate
The Midnight Recovery Concentrate helps to replenish the skin as you sleep, by supplementing its natural overnight recovery process to reveal a rested and restored appearance by morning. The following morning the skin feels fresher, as well as feeling more toned and radiant.

I've gone through a number of bottles of the Midnight Recovery Concentrate over the years, and its the one products from Kiehl's that I like to have in my routine as my skin feels more hydrated when I wake up the following morning. I've found that its a really nice product to have as part of my evening skincare routine.

Daily Reviving Concentrate
The Daily Reviving Concentrate helps to strengthen the skin's defences against daily aggressors to help the skin looking youthful and radiant looking all day long. It also provides antioxidant protection to the skin with a powerful blend of naturally derived oils including Ginger Root, Sunflower and Tamanu to help the skin feel fresh and look energised morning to night.

I really enjoy having the Daily Reviving Concentrate within my morning skincare routine, as it adds a boost of hydration as well as radiance to my skin. I also feel that it leaves my skin feeling nourished.

Ultra Facial Cream
The Ultra Facial Cream provides unto 24 hours of lasting hydration for a soft, smooth, healthier looking skin. It also helps to balance out hydration levels with up to 2 -3 times more moisture, as well as absorbing easily into the skin due to its lightweight texture. It has been formulated with Glacial Glycoprotein, which is derived from sea glaciers and olive derived Squalane.

This was one product from Kiehl's that I was really looking forward to using, as I know its one of their best selling moisturisers. But it really didn't benefit my skin at unfortunately, as my skin needs quite a bit of hydration throughout the day. Also, the Ultra Facial Cream took a while to sink in. I don't think its the fault of the product; it's just that this product didn't agree with what my skin was needing at the time and my skin still currently needs all of the hydration it can get.

Ultra Facial Moisturiser
The Ultra Facial Moisturiser is a light yet effective lotion that leaves the skin beautifully hydrated all day long. It has been formulated with skin friendly ingredients such as Squalane, vitamins A & E, and it also nourishes and hydrates the skin from below the surface.

Unfortunately I had the same problem with the Ultra Facial Moisturiser as I did with the Ultra Facial Cream in that it wasn't hydrating enough for my skin. I got the moisturiser to give the Ultra Facial line a second chance to see if they was something better in the line that may actually work for me, but sadly that wasn't the case.

Rosa Arctica Lightweight Cream
This is a powerful, yet lightweight anti ageing cream that has been formulated with a rare "Resurrection flower" that has been hand harvested in bloom to help ensure efficiency. The Rosa Arctica Lightweight Cream helps to fight off signs of ageing overtime, and this includes signs of lines, wrinkles as well as the loss of elasticity, firmness and density. It is also delicately scented with lavender oil, which is known for its relaxing and soothing properties.

I was fortunate enough to try a few samples of this moisturiser before I purchasing, and I loved having this as my moisturiser as part of morning skincare routine. I loved how my skin looked and felt, as it looked a lot more healthier and radiant while I using this moisturiser. I also received quite a few compliments on how my looked, as it had a natural but radiant glow.

I've had a mixed bag of experiences when it comes to the products from Kiehl's, but I think that can be said about any brand out there. Overall, I have had a mainly positive experiences with Kiehl's products, and I have purchased some skincare staples within my routine over and over again. But, the only negative was that the Ultra Facial range didn't work for me, but thats okay as I've found numerous products from Kiehl's  that I really enjoy using. There's good products and not so good products within every brand, and its just a case of trying to find the products that may work for you, your skin type and also your budget.