Happy New Year!

I hope the New Year brings you happiness and prosperity doing what you love! May you explore more, enjoy life more and be able to spend more time with and feel closer to the people you love. Happy New Year!

xo

Bioderma Hydrabio Serum

A few weeks ago I was kindly sent the Bioderma Hydrabio Serum as a free sample by a beauty review app. 

The Bioderma Hydrabio Serum is a moisturising concentrate for very dehydrated and sensitive skin. It uses the Aquagenium complex patent (comprised of niacinamide and apple seed extract) which reactivates the natural moisturising process and boosts water circulation within cells, retraining the skin to generate its own moisture. It also contains hyaluronic acid, xylitol and glycerin to help improve hydration. 

The serum promises to leave skin intensely and durably moisturised, with regained comfort, suppleness and radiance. It also mentions to have very good tolerance, to be paraben free, hypoallergenic, and non comedogenic. 

What I really like about the Bioderma Hydrabio Serum is the lightweight gel formula that is easy to apply. I also like the faint soapy fragrance. It lightly hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy however I didn't think it stopped my skin feeling tight and even though it claims to be non comedogenic it actually made me develop some clogged pores/blackheads (which is unusual for me even though my skin is prone to breakouts) that got inflamed and have left scarring on my face. 

Unfortunately, even after giving it a couple of chances I think this serum is not for me and I'm not willing to risk any more scarring on my face for the sake of using it up so will be probably giving it away.

Find the Hydrabio Serum at Feel Unique, Look Fantastic and Escentual.

Have you tried the Bioderma Hydrabio Serum?

xo

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a lovely Christmas accompanied by all your family, friends and loved ones! Hope you enjoy the most delicious dinner, have a lot of fun and receive everything you have wished for. 

Much love,
Naville

xoxo

New In: November 2021

Last month I got a few skincare items and a new little bag. 

From Superdrug I've been purchasing a lot of skincare, including the Me+ Hyaluronic & Niacinamide Cleanser, Optimum Retinol Serum Extra Strength 0.3%, and Simply Pure Hydrating Serum. I got all 3 items for less than the price of the retinol serum - sometimes they have really good offers and I cannot resist ha!

A few free samples I receive last month are Vichy Mineral 89 Serum, Avon Renewal Power Protinol Serum, Dr Jart Ceramidin Liquid, Serum and Cream; 2 Maison Margiela Replica By The Fireplace perfumes and a Good Girl by Carolina Herrera perfume.

Also from Superdrug I got the Simple Water Boost Micellar Cleansing Water, Garnier Aloe Refreshing Gel Wash and a sample of Cetraben Cream.

Last but not least, a cute burgundy leather crossbody bag which was originally from Next and £24, from Choice and for just £6.

Did you get anything nice last month?

xo

Nivea Naturally Good Regenerating Night Cream

Having tried and liked this product in the past (see previous review) I decided to repurchase as I knew I enjoyed using it and it worked well with my skin. 

The Nivea Naturally Good Regenerating Night Cream is of 99% natural origin and contains organic argan oil plus glycerine, sweet almond oil, shea butter, jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil and vitamin E.

Here is the current full ingredient list for future reference:

Aqua, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil,Alcohol Denat., Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Dicaprylyl Ether, Glyceryl Stearate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate,Xanthan Gum, Levulinic Acid, Sodium Levulinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, p-Anisic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Linalool, Limonene, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Alcohol, Geraniol, Parfum.

This cream has the same scent as the previous version, however I do miss the glass jar as it felt so much more luxurious.

The Nivea Naturally Good Regenerating Night Cream promises to help skin regenerate during the night, leave it feeling supple the next morning; and to help achieve rested looking skin when you wake up.

It still has the same moisturising properties that I remember and when I wake up my skin does feel soft and supple, my skin also looks less red in the morning as it helps maintain moisture while sleeping. The only thing I do not like about this new version is that it is not as easily absorbed as it used to be, now it turns white as I apply it, instead of disappearing into the skin and feels a bit oilier than it did before too, so I'm not sure if I will be repurchasing once more which is very sad as this once was one of my favourite night creams.

Find the Nivea Naturally Good Regenerating Night Cream in FeelUnique.

xo

Pink Beret & Sweatshirt

Christmas Tree Collection Update

Mug // iPhone Case
Sticker Gift Tags // Notebook
Cushion // Sticker Collection

My Christmas Tree Collection on Redbubble has been updated, and now you can find a set of Sticker Gift Tags to use on your presents this year! Also available are stickers of each design, cards, apparel and home décor.

Find all of my Christmas designs here.

xo

All Used Up #12

A new instalment of the All Used Up (aka Empties) series is finally here after approximately 3 months! With half of it being skincare and the other half body and haircare. I've been trying to use up as many products as possible as I've been doing some shopping and also need to make some space in case I receive any more beauty products for Christmas ;) 

Avon Buttermilk & Cocoa Rich Shower Creme: from their Moon Milk Collection, this creamy body wash is enriched with glycerin, vitamins B5, E and cacao extract. The scent reminds me a bit of carrot cake, very spicy with cinnamon and nutmeg notes. It leaves skin very soft and would definitely use it again.

Avon Nourishing Body Wash with Coca Butter: I love anything chocolate scented (and vanilla and rose too!) so I wanted to try this body wash. It contains glycerin, vitamin E and Cacao Seed Butter. This doesn't smell that much of chocolate, but still has a sweet scent and leaves skin very soft and smooth. Would buy again.

L'Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Conditioner: designed for dry to very dry hair, this thick cream conditioner leaves hair feeling softer and has a delicate scent which  I like. Contains several natural oils like Coconut and Sunflower, plus flower extracts from Camomile, Calendula, Linseed, Gardenia and Rose. It is very rich and nourishing however, if you have fine hair it could weigh it down. Would buy again.

E45 Dry Scalp Shampoo: A perfume free, hypoallergenic shampoo to help soothe dry scalps and reduce itchiness and dandruff thanks to the use of Climbazole. It is very gentle and does not really lather up when massaged on the scalp, however cleanses well and leaves hair soft without weighing it down or making my scalp drier. I did like it but towards the end of the bottle it stopped working however it is a very gentle product that I would use again. Ful review here. 

Naturally Radiant Renewing Night Cream: Rich but not greasy, very nourishing and helps skin look plumper and more even in the morning. It has a fresh scent and is suitable for all skin types. This is my 2nd or 3rd pot of this and I would keep repurchasing. Full review here. 

The Inkey List Retinol: this serum contains two forms of retinol (1% Retistar stabilised retinol compound and 0.5% granactive retinoid) to help increase collagen production and promote skin renewal. Every morning after using this my skin would feel so smooth and I believe it helped smooth out some scarring and even out skin tone. Full review here. I would use it again however there's another serum I've bought that I want to try first.

Superdrug Vitamin C Booster: using a vitamin C derivative, this serum helps brighten the skin while leaving it moisturised and soft. It is very affordable and I like the citrus scent. Don't expect extreme results with it but if you are new to vitamin C it is worth a try. Full review here.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: a serum that helps control oil production and has antibacterial properties thanks to the zinc in the formula. This would be my 2nd or 3rd bottle and I have used niacinamide + zinc serums from other brands in between. After years of using this type of serum I believe my skin is no longer in need of it as it can actually make it feel a bit dry. Probably won't repurchase for that reason. Full review here.

xo

AW Must Haves 2021

Winter is almost upon us and with that the need to update some of our skincare routines and wardrobes also comes along. Below is a breakdown of my top picks for the season:

A decongesting product if you are prone to breakouts. The Ordinary are releasing a new Salicylic Acid 2% Serum in an oil base to avoid drying the skin out and contains a 4-t-butylcyclohexanol, to help reduce sensitivity. 

Another way for preventing breakouts would be salicylic acid in a different format, like the Me+ BHA Toner or even a moisturiser like the Glow Hub Purify & Brighten Moisture Lotion, which would be ideal for oily or dry skin respectively. 

A hydrating serum without hyaluronic acid (which when central heating is on it can end up dehydrating the skin) to use along the BHA product. The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics is HA free, plus contains amino acids for extra nourishment. Other options include the Me+ Prebiotic Booster, a hydrating serum that can help soothe the skin and reduce redness; or the Glow Hub Barrier Builder, which also has amino acids plus ceramides to improve the skin's barrier function. A set of products from any of the 3 brands will do for me.

As cold weather means wearing a lot of bulky layers most of the time, I want to keep my accessories more streamlined, so I'm looking for a tiny purse like this one from Paul Costelloe which has slots for cards so a separate card holder isn't needed!

To try to keep bulk to a minimum, I've been looking to invest in a Down Coat from Uniqlo for a while, so I don't need to wear as many layers underneath. Used to be interested in the green one a couple of years ago (yes, I've wanted one for years now) but now would probably go for the white one (!). Not quilted, with many pockets and detachable fur trim and hood lining, it is definitely in my wishlist. 

A fur bag (if you need to carry more than just your tiny wallet) to add some interest to any outfit, no matter how simple; a pair of knitted leggings or trousers for extra cosiness and texture; and if you are in look for an outfit the opposite of simple, a statement knit like this Powerpuff Girls jumper by Skinnydip is just the ticket.

xo

Trendhim Accessories: Lucleon Montreal Dotty RFID Leather Wallet

Recently I was kindly sent another product by Trendhim to review. Trendhim is an award-winning men’s accessories brand established in Denmark in 2007. This time they allowed me to select a wallet from Lucleon, one of their 13 house brands.

As I wanted this to be a gift for my dad which I haven't been able to see in nearly 3 years, I asked him to pick his favourite one, and he chose the Lucleon Montreal Dotty RFID Leather Wallet in navy.

The Montreal Dotty Wallet is made of genuine buffalo leather and features a perforated exterior for added interest, with a diagonal panel on the front and the Lucleon logo embossed on it.

The dark navy colour is barely perceptible and initially I thought it was black, however under certain lighting you are able to pick up the blue shade with green undertones, which I really like.

The Montreal Dotty RFID Leather Wallet has 6 card slots plus a dedicated mesh ID section, a press-stud pocket for change and 2 compartments for notes and documents. 

This design isn't one that I would have chosen myself but after seeing it in person my opinion changed. I love that it has so many compartments and the quality of the product is also great. 

If you are looking for a gift for any men in your life or even to treat yourself this Christmas then do take a look on the Trendhim website as they have many more designs to choose from.

xo