Lush's New Self-Preserving Skincare Collection

Ten days ago I received some products kindly sent to me by Lush: a set of their new Self-Preserving Skincare Collection. 

Preoccupied about the bacterial microflora that inhabits and protects the skin, Helen Ambrosen, Lush Co-Founder and Product Inventor, has created self-preserving versions of best selling products in order to protect the skin microbiome after finding that products with high levels of synthetic ingredients in modern cosmetics may alter or reduce the skin microbiome diversity. (Be aware that this study was made for a particular brand).

The new Self-Preserving Skincare Collection is comprised of Cleansers, Face Masks, Scrubs, Moisturisers and more. The products I was gifted include:

Ultrabland Cleanser: this rich cleansing balm contains Almond Oil and Beeswax, plus Fresh Iris Extracted in Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Glycerine, to cleanse and nourish the skin, while Rose Water soothes. Ideal for colder weather or dry skin as it is very rich and slightly occlusive.

Mask of Magnaminty: this clay mask is infused with antibacterial Honey and hydrating Glycerin, plus oil-absorbing Kaolin and Talc. It also provides a light exfoliation thanks to Ground Organic Aduki Beans and Evening Primrose Seeds. It has a mattifying effect that will be appreciated by oily skin types.

Ocean Salt: a scrub that can be used on both face and body. It uses Hand Harvested Sea Salt to exfoliate, plus Organic Silken Tofu, Glycerine, Japan Wax, Mango Butter, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and Avocado Butter to moisturise the skin. It has a fresh citrus scent which combines Grapefruit and Fresh Lime with a hint of alcohol due to the latter being extracted in vodka. The scrub dissolves as you massage it onto the skin and leaves it feeling soft and moisturised.

Vanishing Cream: this moisturiser nourishes the skin without feeling heavy or greasy and contains soothing Lavender Honey Water, plus Organic Cold Pressed Grapeseed Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Glycerine, Camellia Oil and Fair Trade Shea Butter. With Witch Hazel Extract and antibacterial Honey, this moisturiser lightly mattifies the complexion. Ideal for oily, combination and breakout prone skin. 

See the full range of Self-Preserving Skincare at Lush.

xo

PS. Follow me on Tiktok for skincare videos!

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum

Last week I received the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum that I was sent to try out and review. 

The Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum provides SPF 50+ and PA++++ UV protection and is made with pure Centella from Madagascar. It is designed to provide moisture as well as protect from UV rays.

Notable ingredients in the formula include Niacinamide, Glycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract, plus extracts of Betula Japonica Bark, Ginko Biloba Leaf, Green Tea, Wheat Sprout, Alfalfa, Broccoli Sprout and Rocket Leaf; as well as 3 types of Hyaluronic Acid at 10, 1 and 0.01 ppm.

The outer box packaging consists of a sleek tall cardboard box with a flocking/velvety texture and features a picture of ocean waves in the background which gives it a very elegant look and refreshing feeling. The bottle has a handy pump action to help control the amount of product dispensed and an oval cap that locks in easily to prevent spilling. The white tube also has a slim profile and velvety texture with a glossy panel on the centre including the product's most important details such as UV protection rating, weight and star ingredients. 

What I like about the Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum is that it has a lightweight consistency, similar to a lotion, that gently moisturises the skin and is quickly absorbed without leaving a sticky residue or greasy feeling. The product is easy to dispense and apply, and layers well with other products applied before or after this sunscreen. 

This Sun Serum is an organic (or chemical) sunscreen and thus leaves no white cast, making it ideal for all skin tones. It is also low in hyaluronic acid so it doesn't leave my skin feeling tight.

I would recommend the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum if you are looking for a fragrance free, lightweight moisturising sunscreen that offers high protection and is easy to use.

Find the  SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum at YesStyle and StyleVana.

xo

New In: June 2022

Last month Dot got me a vintage Mappin & Webb lizard bag and I was kindly sent the new Lush Life's What You Make It vinyl. 

Also got the Dr Pawpaw Lip Balm in red, and the Nails Inc polish came for free with a magazine. From Primark I got an oversized collar and from H&M a cute bralette. 

My newest obsession is tarot and oracle cards so I got 3 new tarot decks from Aliexpress. My YesStyle order arrived, where I ordered some makeup for a change (then won a very similar item a couple of weeks afterwards!) and I placed another order containing a sunscreen. 

Some free samples I got last month include Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules (not pictured), Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream, Skinceuticals HA Intensifier, La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C 10 Serum and Viktor & Rolf Good Fortune EDP (review here).

Did you get anything nice last month?

xo

Viktor & Rolf Good Fortune Eau de Parfum

Just four days ago, on 1st July 2022, Viktor & Rolf launched their newest fragrance: Good Fortune, which is "designed like a magic potion". This new release is described as a captivating Eau de Parfum that allows you to create your own destiny. 

Featuring notes of velvety, solar jasmine flower infused in a rich vanilla bath, this fragrance is encased in a bottle shaped like a crystal ball with a stopper that resembles a faceted amethyst quartz. The violet hue is provided by the colour of the perfume inside the bottle.

Viktor & Rolf Good Fortune is a warm, long lasting fragrance that opens with Top notes of Fennel and Gentian Co-distillate, followed by a Heart of Jasmine Superinfusion, with a Base of Bourbon Vanilla Infusion.

The fragrance starts with a noticeably sweet note, which slowly turns into a warm floral and finishes with comforting, milky vanilla. I feel like it would make a great autumn/winter fragrance plus I love the playful bottle design and find it quite appealing as I have recently started reading Tarot and oracle cards.

Find Viktor & Rolf Good Fortune at Look Fantastic, Escentual, The Perfume Shop and John Lewis.

xo

I Tried Viviscal for 3 Months and This Happened to my Hair

A couple of months ago I was selected to take part in a trial of the Viviscal Hair Growth Programme and I was kindly sent a 3 month supply of the Viviscal Maximum Strength Hair Growth Supplement.

Viviscal is designed to help maintain normal healthy hair growth from within and is formulated with AminoMar C, a proprietary marine protein complex, plus Vitamin C, Niacin, Biotin, Iron, Zinc and extracts of Horsetail and Millet seed. 

The recommended daily intake is 2 tablets per day for a minimum of 3 to 6 months (1 in the morning and one in the evening with water and food) and after that it is recommended to take 1 to 2 tablets daily as required.

Before I started the Viviscal 3 month course my hair had been falling out a lot and felt like it was thinning. It could have been due to stress, nutrient deficiency or lack of vitamin D as I barely spent any time outside for the last couple of years. 

Within the first month there wasn't that much of a difference, however my nails did seem to become thicker or stronger. During the second month I started to notice a difference as hair loss diminished and by the third month there was barely any hair falling out when I brushed or washed it - I could count them on one hand whereas before there would be too many to even try to count. 

After finishing the 3 month course of Viviscal my hair feels stronger and I have noticed new hair growth as well. 

I would definitely recommend trying the Viviscal Hair Growth Programme if you are suffering with hair loss.

Find the Viviscal Hair Growth Programme at Feel Unique and Lloyds Pharmacy

xo

Join Pugona Rock Club for Monthly Giveaways

Pugona Rock Club is a membership club that conducts monthly giveaways, with the first giveaway set for 1st August. Each month up to 20-prizes will be given away to randomly selected club members. For the month of December, one lucky member will become the winner of Vinny The Pug's one of a kind 'Mood Bag'.  On its front, it features Vinny The Pug, and on the rear, Bleudreaux the New Orleans Crawfish. 

The prizes available include Coffee Mugs, Stickers, Patches and Collector's Pins featuring Vinny the Pug. The products that will be given away each month are exclusive and can't be bought anywhere else, with some items like the collector's Pin being Limited Edition. 

The first prize will be Vinny The Pug's First Limited Edition Collector's Pin. The first in a series, it is a 1.5 inch Raised Nickel Metal Pin which features 2 pins with butterfly clip backings for added stability. This pin was designed from a photograph taken of Vinny The Pug atop a boulder in Arizona's Sonoran Desert, at Papago West Park of Phoenix.

Who is Vinny the Pug?

Vinny was born in 2000 in Orlando, Florida, near Disneyworld. While he was still just a pup, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona where he learned how to climb a rock. After becoming proficient at climbing and posing atop that rock, he began learning how to climb other rocks and climbing quickly became his new hobby.  

By 2006, Vinny the Pug was known the world over after having embarked upon a canine Guinness World Record attempt. His challenge was to climb and pose at the top of 100 large boulders in the Sonoran Desert in one  hundred days. You can read more about Vinny the Pug's quest here. 

What is the Grand Prize? 

The Grand Prize for the last giveaway will be the Mood Bag, which is designed for the woman who reserves the right to change her mind. She flicks her wrist and gives birth to an entirely different mood. 

This one of a kind bag is a Vinny the Pug collaboration with Bleudreaux, the blue crawfish created by the famous New Orleans artist, LUIS COLMENARES. The Mood Bag is ideal for a very serious collector because it is the only one of its design. The picture below shows Mood Bag's front featuring Vinny the Pug and rear showing Bleudreaux. An interview with Luis Colmenares. 

Join Pugona Rock Club to be in the chance of winning unique Limited Edition and Collector's items. 

xo

Stripes & Florals

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

New in: April & May 2022

Unleashia Glitterpedia Eye Palette

As part of the YesStyle Influencer program I received the Unleashia Glitterpedia Eye Palette in N°1 All of Glitter. 

The Unleashia Glitterpedia Eye Palette is available in 6 shades and comes in the cutest book-shaped box packaging to resemble a mini encyclopedia. Inside the cover it features a diagram naming the shades in the palette, plus 3 different looks to try. The palette is embedded on the right side of the book. 

The clear plastic packaging is very sturdy and the shades featured inside the Eye Palette in N°1 All of Glitter are soft peachy and pink shades, neutral browns, plus a champagne shade and frosty white. Some shades have a shimmery finish while others contain a chunky glitter for added texture and dimension.

The eyeshadows look very pigmented when swatched however, as they are applied the base colour looks more sheer. The shadows are also very shimmery and easy to apply and layer together. I love the holographic sparkle they create as they catch the light.

If you are looking for a new addition to your makeup wardrobe the Unleashia Glitterpedia Eye Palette in N°1 All of Glitter is a great option to create whimsical spring and summer looks.

xo

PS. Join the YesStyle Influencer program to receive sponsored products each month.

Thinking Cap Collection

If you have been watching the latest season of Stranger Things you may have noticed that Dustin's must have accessory collection keeps on growing as he has now been wearing a cap with the words Thinking Cap in primary colour gradients. 

I have recreated this design and it is now available to buy in my shop in the form of caps, mugs, homeware, apparel and accessories.

Find the new Thinking Cap design at my Redbubble shop.

xo

Paul & Joe x Uniqlo

Cotton Dress £40 // Stole £20 // T-shirt £15 // Briefs £8

Uniqlo has recently released a third collaboration with Paul & Joe, the French brand known for its feminine style and floral prints. 

This collection features cropped tops, tee shirts, camisoles, skirts, dresses, scarves, bags and underwear. Pictured above are my favourite pieces. 

Will you be purchasing anything from the Uniqlo x Paul & Joe collaboration?

xo

Father's Day Gifts at Trendhim

Father's Day is fast approaching but thankfully I have teamed up with Trendhim again, who have kindly provided me with some great gift ideas in case you are still in need of a gift for that special father figure in your life.

Trendhim is an online destination for men's accessories including bags, cufflinks, watches, hats, scarves, jewellery, cardholders and wallets with classic designs and crafted using great quality materials for a gift that will pass the test of time. 

Above you can see the Laris Tan Wallet which comes in buttery soft leather and several card compartments to keep you organised; the Evershade Retro Sunglasses, which are polarised to protect the eyes from glares now that the sun is starting to shine, and the Collapsible Glasses Case, which lays completely flat to save space when not in use. 

Any of these would make a great gift for Father's Day, however there are plenty more options on the Trendhim website.

xo

Shapewear for Spring at Sculptshe

*This is a sponsored post

Spring is already here, and with that also is wedding season! After what feels like an absolute eternity with lockdowns and being unable to see our nearest and dearest, as of late many of us are feeling like dressing up and celebrating.

Today's post is brought to you by Sculptshe, which is a shapewear and activewear online shopping destination where their goal is to empower women to feel confident and poised by providing shapewear of exceptional quality that will help enhance their natural beauty. 

At Sculptshe you can find all sorts of shapewear for any occasion and lifestyle, including Postpartum, Post surgery, Waist shapers (including vests, waist trainer wrap and leggings) and Daily Shapewear, such as bodysuits, shorts, panties, seamless shapers, push up shapers and plus size ones.

The Sculptshe website is very easy to navigate as you can narrow down your search by control area (abdomen, arm, back, waist, thigh, etc) or by level of compression (low, medium and high).

Some of the items you can find at Sculptshe are shapewear bodysuits in a variety of models, including different sleeve and leg lengths, plus a range of colours to suit every outfit. Pictured above you can find a couple of my favourite bodysuits available on the Sculptshe website. 

On the left we have the arm slimming and tummy controlling Seamless Long Sleeve Thong Bodysuit, which is made out of a breathable and comfortable fabric so you can wear it all day long, plus it can be worn on its own as a top. It goes really well with high waisted jeans to emphasize your figure. 

On the right picture you can find the Lycra Curve Smoothing Bodysuit, which features adjustable straps and full coverage from the underarm area through the hips. The rounded neckline allows for a variety of tops to be worn over this bodysuit. The fabric is stretchy and comfortable, allowing you to move freely, while the moderate compression around the abdomen helps create an hourglass silhouette. Just slip on your favourite dress over it and you're ready to go!

The shapewear at Sculptshe will help you achieve a smoother finish when dressed so you can focus on enjoying yourself this wedding season.

xo

Office Shoes Haul

In my latest New In post I mentioned that I purchased a couple of pairs of shoes from Office and now it is time for the big reveal.

On Christmas Day I bought a pair of brown boots from Hotter and not long after on the Office website I found the Approval Low Square Toe Boots in Dark Tan Leather and fell in love with their retro look. 

As I fancied a change from pointed shoes (and to qualify for free delivery at the same time) I also got a pair of blush coloured Forefront Soft Unlined Ballet Pumps in Soft Nude Leather. I really like how they cover the whole toe area plus they will go with everything this spring and summer.

xo

The Simpsons x Revolution Makeup

Revolution Beauty is known for its interesting collaborations with all sorts of people and brands and this time it is no exception. 

One of the latest Revolution Beauty collaborations is with The Simpsons, which is actually their second collaboration after a Halloween themed one. This time the collection is called Summer of Love and features retro inspired shapes in vivid colours on the packaging.

Within this new The Simpsons Summer of Love collection there is a set of brushes, 3 shades of tinted lip balms, a setting spray, 2 eyeshadow palettes, a makeup bag, 2 highlighters, a liquid blush and a liquid bronzer; plus 2 different sets. My favourite items are pictured above, including the Lisa Eyeshadow Palette, Makeup Bag, Tinted Lip Balm and Cream Blush.

Find The Simpsons Summer of Love x Revolution Beauty online.

Will you be purchasing any pieces form this collaboration? 

xo

There's a Starman waiting in the sky

H&M Coat // Osprey London Bag // H&M Scarf // Clarks Boots

(Similar: Longline Coat, Black Leather Tote Bag, Cashmere Scarf, Chelsea Boots)

Because of earlier discouragement from not seeing a lot of results relating to my dedication on posting on my Instagram, I have not been uploading on there as much but there's a renewed excitement that has taken over me as of late so might start posting more frequently again.

From the same "photoshoot" as my most recent Instagram picture is another one of me next to the great Starman, who I wish would come back down to Earth.

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram so you don't miss out on the action.

xo

Estrid Steel Razor

Last month the team at Estrid reached out to me and kindly sent me a Starter Kit as a gift to try out. 

Estrid is described as a "fairly priced, cruelty-free, vegan, high-quality steel razor." Using cocoa butter, shea butter and jojoba oil for the moisturising strip, they avoid using animal derived ingredients, their packaging is completely recyclable, and their Starter Kits are priced at just £7.95.

A newly(ish) confessed fan of all things pink, I chose my Starter Kit in the shade Bloom, which contains a steel handle, holder and 2 razor blades. 

I really liked the packaging design and branding, plus the set also included stickers!

The handle is quite heavy, which surprised me at first as you can't tell it is made out of steel from just looking at it. The razor has 5 blades which help achieve a smooth shave in less time and passes, and the moisturising strip leaves skin feeling soft. 

Available in 6 cute shades, the Estrid Starter Kit is a great option to try if you are looking for affordable, high quality razors. Replacement blades are £9.95 for 4, and they always have free delivery.

xo

Neogen V.Biome Advanced Eye Cream

As part of the YesStyle Influencer Program I received the Neogen V.Biome Advanced Eye Cream as a sponsored product with my last order. 

The Neogen V.Biome Advanced Eye Cream is formulated to give the eye area a youthful appearance thanks to the 10% V.Biome Liposome™ + 10 types of peptides, which help improve elasticity and reduce wrinkles. This eye cream also contains 5% Niacinamide to brighten and Panthenol to soothe the delicate eye area. 

Other notable ingredients include Mallow Flower Extract, Chamomile Flower Oil, Adenosine, Vitamin C, Bitter Orange Flower Extract, Ceramides, Probiotics and Hyaluronic Acid.

It is a bit early to comment on results from the product but I will report back once I have finished the full tube, which because of the generous 35ml size can also be used on other areas on the face that are also prone to wrinkles to improve the look of them.

Have you tried the NEOGEN Dermalogy V.Biome Advanced Eye Cream?

Don't forget to use code NAV2019 on your next YesStyle order for an extra discount!

xo

Lush New Candle Collection

Due to the success of the Lush limited edition Snow Fairy candle in 2021, 3 of their best selling fragrances have been turned into candles and added to their permanent collection of products. 

Available in Orange Blossom, The Olive Branch and Sleepy fragrances, the new candles have a burn time of 12 - 15 hours approximately and come in a luxurious frosted glass jar. 

The candle base is comprised of rapeseed wax, coconut oil, coconut wax, and castor wax while being palm, paraffin, soy-free, and vegan.

I was kindly sent one of their new candles to try and I chose the Orange Blossom, which contains 3 floral and citrus oils including Bergamot, Neroli and Orange flower absolute, plus a touch of warming sandalwood for an uplifting fragrance. 

You can read more about the new candle collection here.

xo

All Used Up #14

Welcome to the newest instalment of the All Used Up series! 

This time we have 3 facial products and 3 hair and body products that I've managed to finish since the last time.

Dove Nourishing Secrets Invigorating Ritual Body Wash: this cleanser contains avocado oil and calendula extract and claims to make you feel revitalised. While I don't recall feeling that way after using it, I did really enjoy the scent of this moisturising body wash. I experienced no itching or dryness to my skin so would use it again.

Sanex Sensitive Shower Cream: with 0% sulphates, this gentle shower cream uses a prebiotic complex to soothe the skin and strengthen the skin barrier. It contains Glycerin as the second ingredient, plus Lactic Acid, Zinc and Whey Protein. It has a bit of a sour smell at times but it prevents my skin itching when I shower and have already repurchased!

Dove Nourishing Secrets Soothing Summer Ritual Conditioner: this hair conditioner is infused with aloe vera and rose water. Got it mainly because it mentions it is inspired by the rituals of Mexican women. It is a good hair conditioner however, the smell was just not for me - I expected a nice rose scent but it was more of a plant smell which I did not enjoy at all and would not repurchase because of that. 

haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner*: designed to deliver intense moisture and hydration to the skin, and formulated with 2,000ppm Black Rice Extract which is an antioxidant to prevent ageing signs. It is indeed very hydrating, easy to use and helps absorption of the following products. Would have it again!

Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Eye Cream*: very lightweight gel-cream consistency that gently hydrates the eye area. It can also be used on the face and it is a generous 30g size, so good value for money. Full of great ingredients such as probiotics, niacinamide, amino acids, ceramides and peptides (including Copper Tripeptide-1).  I believe it has even helped my lashes grow longer and they seem more dense too. Would also use this again.

Nivea Naturally Good Regenerating Night Cream: designed to help skin regenerate during the night and leave skin feeling supple the next morning, it contains Argan, Almond, Jojoba and Sunflower Oils, as well as Shea Butter and Vitamin E. The ingredients aren't bad however it seems to have been updated and it just doesn't feel as light or absorb easily anymore and for that reason I will not be repurchasing it.

Have you tried any of these products?

xo

Clarins Double Serum Eye

As part of a Clarins sampling campaign I received a pack with 3 samples of their new Double Serum Eye, which is described as a Global Age Control Concentrate. 

Just like their original Double Serum for face, the Eye version contains 2 formulas contained in different chambers to separate the hydric and lipidic parts of the formula.

The Clarins Double Serum Eye is an anti ageing serum that is designed to nourish, smooth, firm and brighten the eye area. thanks to 13 plant extracts, including organic wild chervil extract, turmeric, organic leaf of life, organic kiwi, organic oat sugars and organic white horehound.

To use the gel-cream formula you need to dispense a small amount onto the hand and mix together the 2 phases using your fingers to then apply the product over the eye area, including eye lids. I like the creamy texture as it was moisturising but didn't feel greasy or ended up migrating into my eyes.

After 7 days, the Clarins Double Serum Eye promises to intensely nourish, smooth, firm, depuff and reduce dark circles. 

Having used this serum for over 7 days I can confirm that it is very nourishing and makes the eye area feel moisturised and comfortable, which also helps reduce the look of dehydration lines, thus making the skin appear smoother. It may also have helped reduce some puffiness and the look of dark circles - though mine aren't severe, even after not sleeping very well my eyes don't look too tired.

With 4 weeks of continued use it claims to help achieve smoother, revitalised, firmer and even skin, however I haven't been able to use the serum for that long to comment on such effects. 

All in all, a nice serum to use if you need to nourish the skin around the eyes and reduce dark circles. 

Find the Clarins Double Serum Eye at Feel Unique and Clarins. 

xo