CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

A couple of weeks ago I received the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum to try out and review. 

This serum is designed to reduce the appearance of post-acne marks and pores while smoothing skin and helping to restore the skin barrier. It contains 3 types of ceramides, liquorice root extract, niacinamide and encapsulated retinol.

From first use it was noticeable to me that my skin felt much softer and moisturised, which I would attribute to the ceramides. 

I have been using the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum for 2 weeks and in the morning I'm always surprised at how soft and smooth my skin feels when I wash my face. 

While 2 weeks is not enough time to gauge retinol results, some small breakouts and dark marks have completely disappeared thanks to the Niacinamide, which, while the percentage is not specified, is the 5th ingredient in the list.

The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is very gentle and suitable for everyday use. I have noticed smoother, softer and more even skin tone without any irritation or dryness due to the moisturising ceramides, which are one of my favourite skincare ingredients. 

I will continue to use and will share my thoughts once I have finished the product. 

This serum has a PAO of 12 months, comes in an airless pump bottle and retails from £16 for 30ml.

If you are new to retinol I would definitely recommend trying this serum as it is extremely gentle, yet effective. 

Find the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum at Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic and Sephora. 

xo

Christmas Gift Ideas Under £50

Jimmy Choo I Want Choo Forever EDP £47 // BIOSSANCE Love, Joy & Bestsellers £45 // Uniqlo x Marni  Cardigan £49.90

Paul Costelloe Leather Pouch £20

Be My Baby Hard Cover Journal £17.33 // Nuxe Happy in Pink Set £32 // Aveda Cherry Almond Hair & Body Set £35

Whittard Best of Hot Chocolate Bundle £35.50 // Kate Spade Ring Dish £35 // The Body Shop Spiced Orange Set £23

Diesel D by Diesel EDT 30ml £36 // Ben Sherman Watch & Wallet Set £45 // Wahl Beard Trimmer Kit £20

The Body Shop Wild Pine Set £23

Pokémon Violet £49.99 // Fenland Sheepskin Slippers £35 // Uniqlo Cashmere Scarf £49.90

Lab Series Daily Rescue Set £18 // Belkin Bluetooth Headphones £25 // Neon Tree Light Sculpture Sweatshirt £36

We are just a month away from Christmas! Here is my yearly Christmas Gift Guide with all suggestions priced under £50. Make sure to check out each individual link as I always use full price but some products may be on offer ;)

xo

Christmas Gifts at Trendhim

Christmas is just over a month away and if you are still on the lookout for something to spoil that special man in your life then look no further than the Trendhim website. 

They have kindly gifted me the Lealand Brown Foldable Duffle Bag, which features a sturdy canvas construction with 2 outer snap-closure pockets to easily access your essentials; contrasting zip top closure and a large interior zip pocket to keep things organised.

The bag can be easily carried by hand or over the shoulder thanks to the longer handles. It also has loops on each end to attach extra accessories or even a crossbody strap if needed.

This lightweight bag is very spacious and has a durable water-resistant finish. Something remarkable about the Lealand Duffle Bag is that it can be neatly folded away inside the interior pocket, so will save plenty of room when not in use.

The writing detail and detachable ornamental tag are both reflective, which is quite handy to have when using it after dark. 

For more men's duffle bags visit the Trendhim website. 

xo

New in: October 2022

Didn't really do much shopping last month (except for some Christmas gifts!)

At the start of the month I received a new Nivea Serum (review coming soon) and a 3ina PR package (read more about it here).

Also received couple of samples of The Body Shop Edelweiss Serum and Elizabeth Arden Ceramide H.A. Capsules (not pictured).

The only thing I purchased was a Daler & Rowney Masking Fluid. The Aveda Botanical Repair Leave-in Treatment was a free sample.

From the community, I got the Lancôme Génifique Night Cream (full review here), and Australian Bodycare sent me their 3 Hair Products set for dry, itchy scalp (reviews here).

Other samples I receive include Prada Paradox EDP, Paco Rabanne Fame EDP and Nivea Soft Cream.

From Asda got some Alice in Wonderland Glasses (not pictured) and last but not least, Superdrug sent me a Revolution Relove Makeup package (which I only received this month - reviews also coming soon!)

xo

The Body Shop Ginger Shampoo & Black Friday Offers

If you saw my latest The Body Shop haul you would have noticed that one of the items that was kindly sent to me was the Ginger Shampoo, which is part of their anti-dandruff range and helps reduce dryness and flaking on the scalp. 

It contains Piroctone Olamine, Willow Bark Extract, White Birch Bark Extract and Ginger Root Oil to help exfoliate, soothe and control dandruff; while Panthenol and sr-Spider Polypeptide-1 (or vegan silk protein) leave hair shiny and silky soft.

The Body Shop Ginger Shampoo has a low viscosity texture and lathers well but not excessively, it is also easy to rinse off. 

Before trying it I wasn't sure if I would like the smell of it but it has a delicious spicy and slightly citrusy scent which I actually really enjoy.

This shampoo cleanses my scalp very well while being gentle and after a couple of uses I can definitely notice barely any itching and flaking. I feel like I could go an extra day without washing since using this shampoo. It also leaves my hair soft, shiny and does not weigh it down. 

I would definitely recommend The Body Shop Ginger Shampoo if you suffer from a dry, flaky or itchy scalp. 

Onto the Black Friday Offers: You can save over 50% on 6 especially created collections for all occasions:

• Pamper Collection: 4 items for £25 (worth £51)
• Glow Collection: 4 items for £25 (worth £60)
• CBD Collection: 3 items for £25 (worth £59)
• Drops of Youth Collection: 4 items for £40 (worth £86)
• Tea Tree Collection: 6items for £35 (worth £74)
• Party Collection: 3items for £15 (worth £34)

So it is the perfect time to treat yourself or stock up on Christmas gifts and take advantage of the big savings.

xo

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Night Cream

A couple of weeks ago Lancôme kindly sent me a jar of their reformulated Advanced Génifique Night Cream.

The new formula is inspired by microbiome science to help boost the power of overnight repair. 

It is luxuriously packaged in a hefty glass jar, topped with a mirrored lid over which a clear domed top sits, which features a Lancôme rose logo detail. Also features a stopper inside to avoid spillage. 

Notable ingredients include Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Sunflower Seed Wax, Yacon Root Juice, Ceramide NP, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine, 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol, Adenosine, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, Capryolyl Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Lactobacillus, Faex Extract, Beeswax and Tocopherol. 

The Lancôme Advanced Génifique Night Cream is very emollient thanks to the use of several natural origin waxes, as well as diverse ceramides. It is also hydrating with Gycerin, Alpha-Glucan, Lactic and Hyaluronic Acid. Adenosine, Vitamin C and E provide antiaging as well as antioxidant properties; while pre and probiotics soothe and repair the skin barrier. 

Despite the numerous occlusive ingredients it never feels heavy or greasy on the skin and any breakouts are prevented by the inclusion of exfoliating LHA.

After suffering consistently with redness and tightness on my facial skin for over a year, I believe it was caused by an impaired barrier and can attest to the skin barrier-repairing properties of the Lancôme Advanced Génifique Night Cream. 

I have been using the Génifique Night Cream for a while now and I really enjoy how nourishing it feels on my skin, with an occlusive yet breathable texture. It also seems to reduce redness considerably, which I love!

While it may be on the pricier side of the scale, only a small pea sized amount is needed to cover the entire face and neck, so cost per use is heavily reduced. 

The only thing is that I would have loved to see a small spatula included for an easier and more luxuriously hygienic way of dispensing the product.

Overall, a great night cream featuring some of my current favourite skincare ingredients (probiotics and ceramides), with a beautiful rich texture and pleasant delicate orange blossom scent that efficiently nourishes and reduces redness while repairing the skin barrier. 

If that sounds like something your skin needs then I would definitely recommend the Lancôme Advanced Génifique Night Cream.

Find the Advanced Génifique Night Cream at Lancôme, Look Fantastic and Feel Unique.

xo

Olay 7 in 1 Eye Transforming Cream

A few months back I purchased the Olay Total Effects 7 in 1 Eye Transforming Cream, which is described as a one step to healthier-looking eyes by delivering the following benefits:

1. Hydrates
2. Reduces the look of puffiness by application
3. Reduces the appearance of dark circles
4. Evens skin tone appearance instantly
5. Smooths fine lines & wrinkles visibly
6. Enhances brightness around the eyes
7. Evens skin texture

The Olay 7 in 1 Eye Transforming Cream comes nicely packaged in a cardboard box with silver accents, and a padded tab inside to prevent the product rattling around. The pot itself also looks great, with a hefty base and a silver cap. Originally believed it was a glass pot but sadly, both cap and pot are plastic, which takes away from the luxurious feel seen in pictures. On the upside, it is lightweight so good to travel with. 

Some notable ingredients include Glycerin, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Sinesis Leaf Extract and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate. It contains several antioxidants and brightening ingredients which will help reduce the look of dark circles and fine lines. 

As it comes in a pot it gave me the impression that it would be a thicker consistency than it actually is, but it's actually quite lightweight, easily picked up with fingertips and melts quickly into the skin, which I like. 

The main reason I got it was because it is tinted, and such eye creams are quite hard to come by. I don't really wear makeup so wanted an eye cream to brighten the area for during the day or when going out. 

This Olay 7 in 1 Eye Transforming Cream lightly moisturises the skin and has a very sheer tint. I would have liked it to have a slightly richer consistency and/or more pigment to achieve a higher coverage in one go like with other tinted eye creams I have tried, instead of having to layer it, which can be time consuming. I would probably repurchase but I would like to try other tinted eye creams first. 

I would recommend the Olay 7 in 1 Eye Transforming Cream if you are looking for a product that can instantly brighten the eye area and also has antioxidant and antiaging benefits. 

Find the Olay 7 in 1 Eye Transforming Cream at Superdrug.

xo

All Used Up #17

Welcome to the latest instalment of All Used Up, where I share my last thoughts on my most recent empties.  

Dove Indulging Ritual Body Lotion: this lightweight moisturiser is quickly absorbed and leaves skin feeling soft and supple, plus it smells amazing: of warm, sweet porridge thanks to the Oat Milk and Acacia Honey which, alongside Rosemary Leaf Extract, also soothe the skin. Contains Glycerin, Sunflower Seed Oil and Petrolatum to nourish and prevent trans epidermal water loss. Would have loved to buy again but sadly it has been discontinued.  

Trichology Revitalising Scalp Shampoo: after suffering from one of the worst itchy and flaky scalp episodes I had ever experienced, I came upon this anti dandruff shampoo by Superdrug. Contains Piroctone Olamine to treat, plus Caffeine, Lime and Ginseng to energise. The scent reminds me of grapefruit soda. It is very gentle and moisturising, and leaves hair soft as well thanks to Panthenol. Alongside the scalp serum, it cleared up my scalp in record time compared to the multitude other shampoos I tried. Would definitely recommend and also repurchase if I ever need to again.

Elysium Spa Himalayan Salt Bath & Shower Gel: designed for deep cleansing, it helps to relax body and mind, as well as support healthy skin thanks to the minerals contained in Himalayan Salt. It is also enriched with Magnesium Sulphate to help relax muscles; and Glycerin for soft, moisturised skin. It has a mild citrus scent, which I like. Cleanses the skin well and is very affordable so would have it again.

Botanical Lab Pumpkin & Papaya Enzyme Daily Exfoliator: this exfoliating toner promises to help achieve clear skin thanks to it's skin resurfacing and radiance-promoting properties. Infused with a blend of Glycolic, Lactic, Citric, Malic and Salicylic acids plus Pumpkin and Papaya Enzymes to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores; moisturising Glycerin avoids drying the skin out while Aloe Vera soothes. I didn't use it daily as I've been traumatised from over exfoliating my skin a while back, but it does a great job at gently unclogging and smoothing the skin without irritating. Would recommend and repurchase.

Simply Pure Hydrating Serum: one of the best affordable serums I have used. Lightweight but very hydrating thanks to Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides (NP, AP and EOP), Lactic Acid, Urea, Cholesterol, antibacterial Phytosphingosine and soothing Boswellia Serrata Gum. Annoyingly this serum has been recently reformulated and they've taken the ceramides out so will have to find an alternative (which I might already have!).

Lierac Hydra-Chrono+ Levres: this lip balm melts onto the lips beautifully and gives a subtle rosy look thanks to the glossy rose effect achieved by the pH-reacting formula. Enriched with Cocoa Butter, Rosa Damascena Flower Wax and vitamin E, it leaves lips soft and moisturised, with a subtle sweet berry-floral scent. I also loved the chrome packaging. Sadly this lip balm has been discontinued but I would have definitely repurchased. 

xo

Australian Bodycare Hair Products

Australian Bodycare kindly sent me a set of their 3 Hair Products, which are designed to help with a dry, itchy and irritated scalp. The set contains the following products: 

Scalp Serum: an intensive scalp treatment and mask. It can be used 1 to 3 times a week and should be left on for at least 30 minutes. It contains Tea Tree Oil, nourishing Madacamia Seed Oil, plus soothing Allantoin and Vitamin E. The Scalp Serum features a strong tea tree oil scent, has a refreshing lightweight texture that doesn't make hair feel greasy and leaves the scalp feeling moisturised. It is also easy to wash off in the shower. 

Hair Clean: the shampoo in this set is also infused with Tea Tree Oil to help reduce dandruff. Like other shampoos it is massaged into wet hair and rinsed off, however it should be left on the scalp for one minute. The Hair Clean also has a strong tea tree oil scent, however it doesn't really linger. It lathers and rinses off easily and cleanses the scalp well without leaving it feeling dry. It seems to help soothe my scalp and did not sensitise it or make it itchy.

Hair Care: the conditioner in the set. It is designed to be used after shampoo, just like traditional conditioners. It should be left on for 2 minutes before being rinsed off. Out of the 3 products in the set this one had the most pleasant smell as it was not only scented with Tea Tree Oil but I could also perceive some sweetness within the fragrance, which I liked. It is enriched with nourishing Shea Butter, Wheat Protein, Panthenol, Tasmanian Pepperberry Extract, Allantoin and Tocopherol. It is easy to apply and rinse off in the shower and leaves hair feeling soft and with a natural shine. I would prefer it to contain silicones for added smoothness however if you have thin hair, it will not weigh it down.

Find the 3 Hair Products set on the Australian Bodycare website.

xo

@skincarestationery Ad | @Australian Bodycare kindly sent me their 3 hair products set with #teatreeoil for dry, itchy scalp to try out. Full review on the blog ✨ #australianbodycare #haircare #textureshot ♬ BORN FOR THIS - Foxxi