Naturally Radiant Glow Skin Perfecting Booster

A couple of months ago I noticed the new Naturally Radiant Glow range in Superdrug and after reading more about the products I decided to try their Prebiotic Booster Serum.

The Naturally Radiant Glow Skin Perfecting Booster contains a prebiotic complex to balance the skin's microbiome, calm and help to reduce the appearance of irritation and blemishes. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.

It contains Saccharide Isomerate and Glycerin to hydrate, Anti-inflammatory Bisabolol, Soothing Sea Water, Antibacterial Coconut Extract, Antimicrobial Lactobacillus Ferment, Antioxidant Citric Acid and Healing Chlorella Vulgaris Extract.

The serum has a milky consistency that lightly moisturises the skin without feeling greasy and upon application it seems to calm down any redness on my skin. I feel like it has been helping control breakouts as I haven't had many and haven't really used many other spot targeting treatments. 

This product does have a light coconut fragrance as a nod to the vegan coconut yogurt in the formula, however the scent doesn't linger nor bother me at all. 

I quite like the pink theme and the iridescent details on the packaging. The product is easy to dispense, however the bottle is longer than usual so I'm expecting for it to be difficult to pick up the serum from the bottom with the standard-sized dropper. 

In summary, it is a reasonably priced product that helps reduce redness and breakouts without drying the skin and actually moisturising it, so I will probably repurchase and would recommend it if you are looking for a product with that description. 

Find the Naturally Radiant Glow Skin Perfecting Booster in Superdrug.

Have you tried anything from the Naturally Radiant Glow range?

xo

Naturally Radiant Glow Serum

Recently finished the Naturally Radiant Glow Booster, which I really enjoyed using, and wanted to try out more products from the range, so decided to go for the Naturally Radiant Glow Hydrating 2 in 1 Serum and Moisturiser, which contains a pre-biotic complex to balance, calm and soothe the skin.

It also mentions that it minimises signs of irritation and blemishes, leaving skin soothed and with a healthy looking glow. It promises to be a lightweight probiotic serum that helps improve skin texture and reduce redness, leaving skin moisturised  and clearer without clogging pores.

Compared to the Booster, this Serum is more moisturising, it features Glycerin as the second ingredient, and shares many ingredients with the Booster, such as Saccharide Isomerate, Bisabolol, Maris Aqua, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Citric Acid and Chlorella Vulgaris Extract.

The Serum has a lightweight lotion consistency that absorbs very quickly into the skin and gently moisturisers and I find that it also helps in reducing redness and preventing breakouts while moisturising the skin. 

As the Hydrating 2 in 1 Serum and Moisturiser is, as the name suggests, more moisturising than the booster, I found it too heavy when worn under my daily moisturiser, but for dry skin types it might be just right. And as a moisturiser on its own I don't think it is enough for me when used at night, so I layer it under a more occlusive one and don't mind if it ends up feeling sticky or shiny as I'm only going to bed. 

All in all, it is a versatile product that can help improve redness and breakouts while lightly moisturising, and would be ideal to layer under other moisturisers if you have dry skin, or worn on its own if you have oily skin.

Find the Naturally Radiant Glow Hydrating 2 in 1 Serum and Moisturiser in Superdrug.

xo

Naturally Radiant Hot Cloth Cleanser & Glycolic Toner

A while back I ordered some products from Superdrug and received a free set of mini Naturally Radiant products, including the Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser and the 5% Glycolic Acid Toner.

Having tried a few products from the Naturally radiant range, I was almost certain I would like the glycolic toner, however was a bit unsure on how the Hot Cloth Cleanser would be like as my skin is prone to breakouts.

The Naturally Radiant Hot Cloth Cleanser claims to awaken the skin's natural glow, and to cleanse while lightly exfoliating the skin. It contains Kiwi and Mulberry extracts to help even out skin tone, it also lists several other natural and fruit extracts in the ingredient list such as lemon, maple, sugar cane, bitter orange and blackberry.

This cleanser is very creamy, doesn't lather at all but it is easy to remove and leaves my skin feeling very soft and moisturised, thanks to the cacao seed butter, glycerin and almond oil in the formula. Great for drier skin types or when you need an extra moisture boost. It is also worth mentioning that it didn't cause me any breakouts.

The Naturally Radiant 5% Glycolic Tonic is a liquid chemical exfoliant with 5% AHA in the form of glycolic acid, as well as Kiwi, Lemon and Mulberry fruit extracts and Witch Hazel to help refine pores, smooth skin texture and even out tone, as well as brighten the skin.

This toner is quick and easy to use and as well as being affordable it is effective too. After using my skin feels smoother and softer, and also helps fade some hyperpigmentation scars from breakouts, which is great. If you are looking to start using a chemical exfoliant this would be a nice product to try.

Have you tried any of these Naturally Radiant products?

xo

Summer Skincare Routine 2021

Haven't done a skincare routine post in ages (over 4 years if you are curious) and I feel like it is a good thing to have my routine documented as it gives me insight on what products are working for me if I ever need to go back to something I know will be good for my skin. It is also nice to look back and remember what my routine was like and see the evolution of my product preferences. 

At the moment I'm at a point where I want products to be effective but gentle, moisturising and lightweight at the same time, as I feel that a gentle approach can be so beneficial for problem skin and sometimes breakouts can be caused by a damaged skin barrier and dryness, which harsh products and exfoliants can provoke, so currently working towards a more eastern-style approach to my skincare routine. 

Morning routine:

Garnier Organic Lemongrass Detox Gel Wash: a gentle cleanser with glycerin that leaves my skin soft (full review here).

HaruHaru WONDER Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner: it hydrates, helps the following products to apply more easily and is high in antioxidants (full review here).

Naturally Radiant Glow Skin Perfecting Booster: a redness soothing, microbiome balancing serum that also moisturises the skin (full review here).

SNP mini Eye & Facial Nourishing Cream: a lightweight moisturiser with niacinamide, ceramide and peptides for softer, soothed skin (full review here).

Simple Protecting Moisture Cream SPF 30: moisturises well and uses a mix of chemical and mineral filters. Sadly this is now discontinued but I've got their new vitamin C version as a backup. 

Night routine:

I have been using the same cleanser, toner, eye cream and serum (not pictured) morning and night, however I switch it up for a moisturiser and added an extra serum.

KLAVUU The Origin Deep Ocean Gel Comforter: a lightweight hydrating gel with glycerin, panthenol and seaweed extracts in a giant 70ml pot (full review here).

The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5: a hydrating serum with soothing panthenol to lightly moisturise the skin. I apply it last to avoid any redness or stinging (full review here).

Extras:

Garnier Micellar Rose Water: if I've been wearing makeup or need to pre-cleanse to remove mineral sunscreen I will use this (full review here).

Botanical Lab Pumpkin & Papaya Enzyme Daily Exfoliator: once a week I will use this toner to exfoliate my skin. Haven't fully reviewed it yet but I am really liking it so far after only 3 uses!

The Inkey List Retinol Serum: twice a week I will apply this serum all over my face after cleansing and under the Naturally Radiant Glow Serum and Klavuu moisturiser. Haven't reviewed it in full as it can take a while to see results. 

Cien Tropical Summer Mango Face Mask: a fruit enzyme brightening and smoothing mask that I've been using once a week (full review here).

Sanctuary Spa Charcoal Detox Mask: a warming clay mask that doesn't dry out the skin. I have been using it once a week (full review here).

Do you currently use any of these products?

xo

Naturally Radiant Products Review

When it comes to skincare I always like trying new things but can also be a bit picky about what new products to try because of my skin type.

The Naturally Radiant line at Superdrug is the re-launched skincare line previously known as Natural High. I don't know if the formulas remained the same but the packaging looks much more sleek and modern. 

The line claims to be infused with plant extracts and to awaken skin's glow. 

The first products I got were the eye cream and mask back in February last year, but only started using them a couple of months after that. The night cream I got after running out of the Simple Regeneration Age Resisting Night Cream (reviewed here).

The Brightening Eye Cream claims to reduce puffiness and dark circles and contains kiwi fruit and mulberry extracts. The cream has a really light consistency and is fast absorbed and helps moisturise and reduce puffiness around the eye area but doesn't do wonders for dark circles. It is quite affordable at £5.99 but I don't think I would buy again as I didn't love it.

The Renewing Night Cream also contains brightening kiwi fruit and mulberry extracts, as well as renewing fruit acids (lychee, lotus flower, kiwi, mulberry, bilberry, sugarcane, orange, lemon, sugar maple and sugar beet extracts) and claims to nourish and replenish the skin. It has a light natural scent and a nice thick consistency that feels luxurious when applied. The cream is very moisturising and my skin feels soft, smooth and plump when I wake up in the morning, as well as looking more even. I recommend it and would buy again. 

The Brightening Renewal Face Mask mentions that it clarifies and smoothes, containing again kiwi, mulberry and renewing fruit extracts (same as the night cream). It also says that it helps refine skin texture, clarify skin discoloration and smooth the appearance of fine lines for a healthier and more youthful-looking complexion. 

The face mask has a gel consistency and is almost clear in colour; it also has the same slightly fruity, plant-like scent as the night cream. When you apply it on your face it feels a little slippery. You are supposed to leave it on for 10 minutes and wipe off with a damp flannel. After that I rinse my face with my hands to get rid of any left over product and my skin feels so smooth and soft. It doesn't dry my skin out and makes it look a little bit more even. I would also repurchase this product and recommend it if you are looking for an alternative to mechanical scrubs or chemical peels to refine the texture of your skin. 

Have you tried Naturally Radiant products?

xo

PS. Don't forget to enter for your chance to win a dress worth up to $200 with DresSale here.

All Used Up #11

Welcome to another instalment of the All Used Up series! This time it is an all skincare exclusive post:

Naturally Radiant 5% Glycolic Tonic: this exfoliant mentions that it can be used daily in the morning and evening, which is too much and unnecessary. Only a couple of times a week is more than enough (I learned the hard way). It leaves skin smoother and softer, will probably purchase a full sized bottle.

The Body Shop Strawberry Smoothing Face Mist: I really enjoyed the fruity scent of this face mist. It contains blueberry, strawberry, sugar cane, orange, lemon, maple and guava extracts to exfoliate and brighten the skin, so a great option if you are looking to start using chemical exfoliants.

Garnier Organic Lemongrass Detox Gel Wash: a nice non-drying cleanser for combination skin types. It contains glycerin and mild surfactants however it is fragranced with lemongrass essential oil. I would probably repurchase however I have a couple cleansers I'm excited to try now!

Simple Kind to Skin Protecting Moisture Cream SPF 30: a great moisturising cream with chemical and mineral UV filters, plus glycerin, niacinamide, almond oil, vitamin E, allantoin, lactic acid, serine and urea. It evens out the skin and smoothes texture while reducing shine. It unfortunately was discontinued so will be trying its replacement very soon.

SNP mini Moisture Petal Toner: a hydrating toner that leaves skin super soft and supple, while moisturising. Great as a first step after cleansing for light moisture, also ideal for traveling because of the size and packaging. Will probably repurchase.

SNP mini Eye & Facial Nourishing Cream: a lightweight multi-use moisturiser that is great value for money even if used not only as an eye cream. Leaves skin soft and contains many great ingredients including peptides. Will probably repurchase too. Full review here.

Naturally Radiant Glow Prebiotic Booster: a serum that calms the skin and helps reduce breakouts without drying out the skin. I did find this product to be effective and a gentle way to prevent breakouts so will probably repurchase it as well (even though it's gone up in price since I bought it back in March). Full review here.

Have you tried any of these products?

xo

New in: March 2021

This year I've started to get more consistent work and with that also more consistent income (yay!) so I've started to treat mahself a bit more. Here are some of the things I got last month:

Dotcito also spoiled me and got me a Peanuts Sweatshirt and a L'Oréal Extraoirdinary Oil Conditioner; as well as a Korres Japanese Rose Hand Cream and the Garnier Organic Lemongrass Face Wash.

Last month I received a couple of samples from Yves Saint Laurent, the Libre EDT and Touche Eclat Le Teint. Another sample I received was the Dr Hauschka Balancing Day Lotion.

Last but not least is a mini Superdrug haul, where I got the Naturally Radiant Glow Prebiotic Booster, Botanical Lab Pumpkin & Papaya Enzyme Exfoliator, and the Beauty Laundrette Pink Satin Creamy Body Wash and Whipped Body Moisturiser. 

Did you get anything nice last month?

xo

7 Spring Skincare Must Haves

A new season is coming soon and I've picked out a couple of products to help look and feel your best after many months in hibernation. I've included not only facial skincare but also something for body and scalp as well.

SNP Peptaronic Serum £12

A hyaluronic acid and peptide serum for face and body in a supersized 200 ml bottle.

Trichology Re-balancing Scalp Hair Tonic £4

Hot showers can leave the scalp dry and itchy, so this tonic will help soothe and caffeine will thicken hair.

Garnier Organic Lemongrass Gel Wash £6

A gentle cleanser that helps regulate sebum production without drying skin out.

Nivea Organic Cocoa Body Lotion £8

Those hot showers again! This body lotion will help with dry skin, plus it's cocoa scented!.

Botanical Lab Pumpkin & Papaya Enzyme Daily Exfoliator £6

A chemical exfoliant with an impressive combination of glycolic, lactic, salicylic and malic acids.

Naturally Radiant Glow Skin Perfecting Booster £7

Contains prebiotics to calm and balance the skin and help reduce blemishes. 

Nivea Naturally Good Face Night Cream £6

With organic argan oil to help soften and regenerate skin.

Will you be trying any of these products?

xo

New in: December 2021

Summer Skincare Wishlist

My actual wish list is much larger than the couple of items pictured above, but these would be a nice start! 

My skin has been feeling dehydrated which is very different to the oily skin I was used to and grew up with. It can get tight, a bit red, dry and uncomfortable so I'm on the lookout for gentle exfoliants, non-drying cleansers and lightweight moisturisers.

Farm Stay Dermacube Probiotics Therapy Toner: with salicylic and glycolic acids, as well as vitamins, and fermented complex to hydrate, brighten and reduce fine lines.

Pyunkang Yul Black Tea Time Reverse Eye Cream: a nourishing eye cream with macadamia oil and shea butter, plus ceramides, peptides and centella asiatica, for softer a and smoother undereye. Oh and an adorable metallic box that I would definitely repurpose for stationery ha!

Garnier Micellar Gel Face Wash Sensitive Skin: with a very similar formula to the Cetaphil cleanser for oily skin, this fragrance free gentle cleanser contains glycerin to avoid drying out the skin.

RNW DER. CONCENTRATE Ceramide Plus: a serum with niacinamide, oat extract, 5 types of ceramides and 8 types of peptides for smoother, softer skin.

Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glow Serum: after using the Booster version of this product, I'm looking for something a bit more moisturising and this prebiotic serum has a lotion consistency that sounds great. With Pentavitin (or Saccharide Isomerate) to moisturise the skin.

blanc doux Prebiotic-Cera Liquid: contains mango seed butter, glycerin, 5 types of ceramides, prebiotics and soothing dandelion and frankincense in a lightweight moisturising toner formula.

B. Pure Micellar Oil: an oil-to-milk cleanser with vitamin C and E to help dissolve mineral sunscreen at the end of the day and provide gentle exfoliation.

Have you tried any of these products?

xo

Top 6 Summer Must Haves

Summer has officially started and here is my top 6 must have items of the season:

1. Paul & Joe Dress: an airy dress with puff sleeves for summer frolicking in the sun.
2. Naturally Radiant Glow Tonic: A gentle exfoliating toner that won't over-dry skin now the temperatures are rising. 
3. Marine Hyaluronics: A hydrating serum without hyaluronic acid (which actually dehydrates my skin).
4. Fresh Sugar Icon Red Tinted Lip Balm: to look instantly put together with minimal effort. 
5. Hotter Sandals: on too hot for closed toe shoe days, a pair of mules or sandals in a nude shade will be ideal.
6. Radley Vale Close: a stylish but timeless bag in a neutral colour. Can't decide between the croc off-white or the tan version, though.

What are your spring/summer must haves this year?

xo

All Used Up #13

Welcome to the 13th instalment of the All Used Up series, where I share my final thoughts on my finished products.

Avon Senses Gingerbread Shower Creme: great value shower cream, smells amazing and the spicy scent lingers for a while after showering. It also leaves skin feeling very soft. Would definitely repurchase but I believe it is a limited edition :(

Dove Relaxing Body Wash: a skin softening body wash that gently cleanses the skin without leaving it dry or tight. The scent is a light floral and creamy one, which I like. Would have it again.

Vitamin E Body Cream with Moonstone Extract: got this a couple of birthdays ago when I was still very much into crystals as I thought that skincare infused with Moonstone was really cool. Even though it is a cream, it doesn't feel heavy or sticky, it just absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves it very soft. Full review here. Would repurchase but it was a limited edition :(

Sanex Dermo Sensitive Anti Perspirant: one of the very few deodorants that actually work for me. This one isn't drying, has a light powdery scent and is alcohol free. 

Olay Lightweight Day Lotion Normal/Oily SPF 15: this light moisturiser is very affordable so it is a staple in my skincare bag. This version for oily skin is scented which I found overpowering after using the unscented Sensitive skin version for about a year. Would probably repurchase but I enjoy the unscented version more at the moment.

Naturally Radiant Glow Serum and Moisturiser: a 2 in 1 product with a lotion texture that lightly moisturises the skin. With probiotics to rebalance and soothe. Good option to help prevent breakouts without drying the skin out. Full review here. 

Cogerie Paris Facial Cleansing Foam: a very gentle cleanser with probiotics that leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. Lightly hydrates and soothes. Love the fresh floral scent, it somehow reminds me of a Princess Peach Bubble Bath I used to have in the 90s! Full review here.

Garnier Micellar Rose Water: cleanses and removes makeup well. Leaves skin feeling soft. The scent is not my favourite but it is good value so would probably buy again. Full review here.

Have you tried any of these products?

xo

New In: July 2021

Top 6 Probiotic Cleansers to Try This Autumn

You may remember I recently wrote about the current probiotic cleanser I've been using, and how I wanted to compile a list of probiotic cleansers that are readily available as my Cogérie one was one of those rare TK Maxx finds.

In general, probiotic cleansers are soothing, suitable for sensitive skin and very gentle, which makes them great for the colder months or if you are using actives in your routine. Take a look at my top 6 of probiotic cleansers to try this season:

Naturally Radiant Glow Cleansing Milk £8
With vegan coconut yogurt, this cleanser helsps reduce irritation, redness and breakouts.

Aurelia London Miracle Cleanser £22
Comes with a muslin cloth to wipe off this cocoa butter and Vitamin C enriched cleanser. 

Liz Earle Pro-Biotic Balancing Milk Cleanser £18
A soothing cleanser with jojoba oil and oat extract to soothe and replenish the skin.

Elizabeth Arden Superstart Probiotic Whip to Clay Cleanser £22
A mineral rich foam with a blend of pink and green clay, this one is ideal for oily skin.

Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser £21
With amaranth extract and honeysuckle, this cleanser will reduce redness and make skin supple.

Balance Me Pre + Probiotic Cleansing Milk £20
Contains willow bark, salicylic acid and antibacterial manuka honey, making it great for breakout prone skin.

Have you tried any probiotic cleansers?

xo

Top 3 Skincare Trend Predictions

After a couple of years going hardcore on high strength active ingredients and over exfoliating which damaged many skin barriers (including mine), the future of skincare is looking less harsh and much more soothing, so here are my top 3 Skincare Trend Predictions for the foreseeable future:

1. Ceramides: after all that exfoliating we need to bring back nourishment to the skin.

2. Probiotics: a gentle and non-drying way of dealing with breakouts is balancing the microbiome.

3. Low strength active ingredients: prepare to see lower percentages of actives and kinder exfoliants such as PHA everywhere!

If you are looking to try out any of these trends (which I'm loving!), then here are a couple of products that are also on my wishlist:

Naturally Radiant Glow Facial Tonic: with probiotics plus Gluconolactone to gently exfoliate.

BYOMA Clarifying Serum: with ceramides and PHA to prevent breakouts without drying. 

Vichy Normaderm Probio-BHA Serum: contains probiotics and a 5% combination of AHA and BHA.

Me+ Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser: with ceramides and niacinamide to avoid drying the skin out.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Fluide: this new formula now has soothing probiotics. 

Will you be trying out any of these ingredients?

xo