Dr. Ceuracle Vegan Active Berry Range

I received these products for free from Picky and Dr. Ceuracle in exchange for my honest review.

Dr. Ceuracle Vegan Active Berry First Essence: it is formulated with encapsulated resveratrol and upcycled berries to improve elasticity and achieve a plump complexion. 

This clear Essence has a low viscosity texture with the encapsulated particles floating inside, evenly distributed.

I apply a moderate amount (around 7 drops) of this Essence onto my clean, damp skin and can immediately feel my skin becoming very soft. 

It is absorbed easily into the skin and leaves it hydrated and glowing, while helping any following products get absorbed more easily as well.

The spheres of encapsulated Berry Active dissolve without leaving any residue on the skin.  It has a mild clean and fruity scent that doesn't linger.

I like that it also contains soothing and moisturising ingredients like Centella Asiatica Extract, Beta Glucan, Ceramide NP and Postbiotics. 

I love the packaging: the glass bottle makes it feel very luxurious, while the lilac colour scheme makes it very aesthetically pleasing. 

Full ingredient list:

Water, glycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, methylpropanediol, glyceret-26, centella asiatica extract, fig extract, kelp extract, eclipta leaf extract, cranberry extract, eclipta extract, neem leaf extract, hydrogenated lecithin, sodium hyaluronate, grape seed oil , olive oil, essential oil of fragrant pelargonium, essential oil of angustifolia lavender, essential oil of Roman chamomile, essential oil of orange, essential oil of Mexican juniper, diglycerin, isononyl isononanoate, octyldodecet-16, carbomer, tromethamine, adenosine, disodium EDTA, fructooligosaccharides, butylene glycol, Guar Gum, Agar, Beta Glucan, Betaine, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide NP, Xanthan Gum, Titanium Dioxide, Moringa Seed Oil, Resveratrol, Collagen, Leuconostoc Lactobacillus Fermented Radish Filtrate, Squalane, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol .

Dr. Ceuracle Vegan Active Berry Lifting Cream: it is also designed with encapsulated resveratrol and upcycled berries to improve elasticity and plump the complexion. 

This anti-ageing moisturiser has a lightweight gel-cream consistency and it is easy to apply onto the skin. I use it as the last step in my routine to lock in hydration. It effectively moisturises and in the morning my skin looks plump and feels so soft and supple, even without any previous exfoliation. 

It has a light, fruity scent that compared to the Essence, is a bit stronger and sweeter, however, it's not overpowering and does not linger. 

The only thing I didn't like about this cream is that the capsules are quite hard to dissolve when applying and I've found them all over my face after I have finished my routine, which is not ideal. Massaging the cream is not enough and sometimes the capsules will not burst even when pressed between 2 fingers, which is disappointing given how easily they dissolve when using the Essence. 

Full ingredient list: 

Purified water, propanediol, glycerin, cyclohexasiloxane, 1,2-hexanediol, betaine, polyglycerin-3, hydrogenated poly(C6-14 olefin), isonylisononanoate, dika Prilyl carbonate, caprylic/capric triglyceride, polyglyceryl-10 stearate, hydrogenated polydecene, kelp extract, nasturtium leaf extract, cranberry extract (230ppm), nasturtium extract, indian mulberry leaf extract , Grapeseed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Olive Oil, Scented Geranium Flower Oil, Lavender Oil, Chamomile Flower Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Mexican Juniper Oil, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vpico Polymer, C14-22 alcohol, vinyl dimethicone, dimethicone, C12-20 alkyl glucoside, acrylate/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, tromethamine, polyquaternium-51, disodium EDTA , adenosine, fructooligosaccharides, butylene glycol, guar gum, agar, beta-glucan, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, glucose, vegetable squalane, xanthan gum, titanium dioxide, collagen, drumstick seed oil , Leuconostoc root fermented filtrate, resveratrol, ceramide NP, triethoxycaprylylsilane, aluminum hydroxide, ethylhexylglycerin, caprylyl glycol.

I really enjoyed using both products and how plump, hydrated, soft and supple they made my skin feel.  

Have you tried any Dr. Ceuracle skincare products?

xo

Revolution 5D Whip Lift Mascara

Revolution & Superdrug kindly sent me the 5D Whip Lift Mascara to test and review. This Mascara is designed to provide salon-lifted lashes at home thanks to its vortex brush which "grabs every lash and directs them upwards".

The Revolution 5D Whip Lift Mascara also promises no crumbling, no drooping and no smudging.  

Because of its drier texture as soon as I applied it I knew it would be a crumbly mascara, however, it wasn't a lot and only happened after a couple of hours. Also it did not smudge at all and the drooping was minimal. 

I like that it provided lots of volume with just one or two swipes (any more than that and it starts to get clumpy), and it contains nourishing Castor and Argan oils, plus Panthenol which can help condition and potentially improve lash growth.

Didn't love that the brush twists in a vortex style as you have to turn it when applying to ensure even coverage, as this causes the longer bristles to touch the eyelid, staining it with product. 

As this mascara doesn't dry hard it will not make lashes feel "sore" when removing.

It is quite easy to remove (which I attribute to the drier formula), which I really like as when using mascaras I always regret it when it's time to take them off because it takes so long.

The Revolution 5D Whip Lift Mascara features a sturdy hot pink plastic tube packaging with a gold R detail on the top of the lid, contains 12 ml, has a PAO of 6 months and retails for £9.99.

I would recommend the Revolution 5D Whip Lift Mascara if you are looking for an affordable non-smudging mascara that easily adds lots of volume and does not smudge. 

Find the Revolution 5D Whip Lift Mascara at Superdrug, Revolution Beauty, Asos and Look Fantastic.

xo

New in: January & February 2023

Versace Dylan Purple

@skincarestationery Versace Dylan Purple perfume unboxing 🏺 #versace #dylanpurple #unboxingperfume #versacedylanpurple @Versace #veganperfume ♬ Beautiful - Soft boy

Last week I received a bottle of the new Versace Dylan Purple perfume which I was kindly gifted in return of my honest review.

Love the packaging: the magenta box and raised gold accents, with the bottle inside matching the colour scheme perfectly. The heavy glass bottle features the classic Versace amphora shape with a contrasting gold mirrored cap, which is topped with the fragrance name engraved into it. The top of the bottle, also with the mirrored gold finish, features the Versace name on it in raised form, the letters playfully arranged like on the box. On both cap and bottle, the brand's face logo is added in 3D form. 

The perfume bottle is well protected with cardboard padding inside the box, which is sealed in translucent cellophane. 

Versace Dylan Purple opens with fruity and juicy warm citrus notes provided by Orange, Bergamot and Pear.

It quickly turns into a floral harmony comprised of Freesia and Mahonial, with a touch of sweetness added by the Pomarosa note, which is reminiscent of crisp fruit and fresh roses. 

It finally settles into a warm, woody base thanks to Belambre, Iso Super E and Cedarwood. 

The vegan formula replaces Ambergris with Ambrofix, which together with Silkolide add a soft musk tone. The sweetness of the top and middle notes remains throughout as Silkolide keeps it fruity.

Versace Dylan Purple is a very long lasting fragrance (I could still smell the perfume on my clothes the next day even when I only applied 2 sprays on my wrist) that could be classified as a skin scent once it has dried down thanks to what I would call a "modern musk" base, which is comprised of soft and creamy woods with a sweet edge.

As I love wearing sweet fragrances I will continue to use Versace Dylan Purple. I also enjoyed learning about the synthetic notes in this perfume.

The only things to note were that the pump sprayed a bit too much perfume, at least the first couple of times I used it. Also I found it a bit hard to hold when applying due to the shape of the bottle which may take a bit of time to get used to.

Overall, a beautiful feminine and youthful fragrance that I really enjoy and will continue to use through spring and summer. 

If you like sweet, sharp fruity scents with a creamy base that last all day then Versace Dylan Purple is definitely for you! 

Find Versace Dylan Purple at Superdrug, Selfridges and Escentual. 

xo

On Valentine's Day

On Valentine's Day this year, my gorgeous Dotcito got me a card (not pictured), some flowers, chocolate and Le Labo Santal 33 Perfume, as well as Byredo Gypsy Water Hand Cream. They both smell amazing so expect a review very soon!

The weekend prior we also went out for dinner. We don't usually do anything on Valentine's day so it was nice to be able to spend some time alone, together.

xo

They're back at Lush!

@skincarestationery Back at @LUSH self-preserving vegan skincare: Grass #showergel King of Skin #bodybutter and Karma Kream #bodylotion #lush #lushcosmetics #lushcommunity #vegan #skincare #skincarehaul #lushhaul #veganskincare ♬ Strangest Things - Sweet After Tears

Lush kindly sent me these products which have come back into the permanent Lush catalogue by popular demand:

Grass Shower Gel: infused with fresh wheatgrass juice and bergamot to uplift and refresh. It also contains Sandalwood essential oil, known for being calming and soothing on both mind and skin; and Neroli which is proven to increase serotonin levels, resulting in a better, more positive mood. To me it smells quite warm, and reminds me of PlayDoh! for some reason, but then the warm, sensual sandalwood comes through. The green colour comes from the Wheatgrass, the bottle is not tinted as I initially thought. What I really like about this cleanser is how smooth and soft it makes my skin feel, plus a small amount goes a long way. 

Karma Kream Body Lotion: this perfumed moisturiser contains Lush's signature blend of sunny orange, patchouli and fir and claims to last all day. It is inspired by summer days and hippy vibes of the 1960s. It is very lightweight but nourishing at the same time thanks to the Almond Oil, Glycerin and Cocoa Butter in the formula. The scent truly last all day long and if you are a lover of patchouli and warm citrus fragrances then this is definitely for you. 

King of Skin Body Butter: back after a little break, this solid in-shower moisturiser is designed to be hydrating and softening with oat milk and fresh organic fair trade banana. It also contains Cocoa and Shea Butters, fresh Avocado; plus Coconut, Jojoba and Almond Oils. Out of the 3 product scents, this one was definitely my favourite with its delicious orange and chocolate notes, even when I don't usually fancy a chocolate orange, the scent is just irresistible and I wish it was stronger and lingered on the skin for longer. It is very nourishing and easy to use. One to try if you can't be bothered to moisturise outside the shower.

Have you tried any of these products?

xo 

All Used Up #20

Welcome to the 20th edition of All Used Up!

Authentic Biotics Pro-Aging Natural Skincare Capsules*: contains 100% naturally sourced ingredients including Vitamins C, D3, E, K2, B3 and B7, as well as Zinc, Flavanols, Glycosylceramides, and Superoxide Dismutase. While taking this supplement for only 30 days might not be enough to see a very noticeable difference, I found my nails seemed to grow faster and my skin felt soft, moisturised and had barely any breakouts while taking them. Unfortunately I found the capsules quite big and difficult to take (they even got stuck a couple of times which was a bit traumatising), and while there was no aftertaste, I did experience repeating it a few minutes after taking it, with a strong herbal scent. 

Iunik Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum: this hydrates and lightly moisturises the skin, while giving an extraordinary glow to the skin in two ways: skin reflects light because it is moisturised and hydrated but also seemed to give the most subtle sun-kissed look to my skin. I feel like it helped reduce some pigmentation I have had for years while being gentle on the skin. Would repurchase. 

Neogen Real Bakuchiol Firming Serum*: contains 10% Phyto-Retinol complex which is comprised of Bakuchiol plus Blackberry Extract and Squalane. I also liked that it contains Peptides ( Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) to further help smooth and firm the skin; plus Vitamin C and E, and Guaiazulene. When using this serum my skin felt softer and smoother. 

Nivea Cashmere & Cottonseed Oil Care Shower*: infused with vitamins C & E, plus nourishing oils of Cottonseed and Grapeseed Oil, it cleanses well and leaves skin feeling soft with a baby powder/candy-like scent. The bottle was a bit flimsy as every plastic container seems to be these days and the scent wasn't my favourite but it does the job and it's affordable. 

Iunik Propolis Vitamin Eye Cream: this nourishing cream smells amazing and feels very light on the skin. It helped achieve a smoother look on my eye area thanks to Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, and Niacinamide. It also contains soothing Probiotics, Centella, Rosemary and Chamomile Extracts, plus it is amazing value for money. Would definitely repurchase. 

Paco Rabanne Olympea EDP: a long lasting, sweet and warm fragrance. With top notes of Jasmine and Tangerine, Heart Notes of Ginger Flower and Ambergris, and Base Notes of Vanilla and Cashmeran Wood. The most noticeable notes for me are the Vanilla one which is reminiscent of Salted Caramel and gives it a gourmand quality. While it is a really nice perfume I don't think I would have it again as it didn't amaze me.

Have you tried any of these products?

xo

Shapewear for Spring at Shapellx

 *This is a sponsored post

With only a couple of weeks to go, Spring will finally be here and with that a great reason to update our wardrobes. Gone will be the days of having to wear multiple layers (around 4, in my case!) when going out and soon we will be swapping all of that for lighter knits, maybe a jacket, and hopefully dresses and short sleeves when it gets sunny outside!

Sometimes clothing designs or fabrics can be fitted or cling on areas that we wish they didn't, but that's where Shapellx comes in: they are a women's shapewear destination where you will find products for any occasion and for every shape and size. 

With several ranges including sculpting Airslim, seamless PowerConceal, sustainable EcoSeries, supportive CoreSculpt and NeoSweat activewear, you are bound to find something to suit your lifestyle. 

If you are looking to wear an airy top or even a dress, then a backless body shaper might be the choice for you. Pictured above is the AirSlim® Lace Smooth Firm Control Full Body Shaper, which helps to smooth and lift. It comes in 3 different colour options, is fully lined, with adjustable straps and the lace fabric gives it an ultra feminine touch. 

If airy tops are not your thing and are looking forward to wearing some fitted jeans this spring you might prefer some butt lifting shapewear instead. However, there's nothing better than when something can save you not only time but also money, like the Built-In 360° Smooth Ruched Shaping Dress, which, as its name suggests, combines both shapewear and a dress in one piece. This fitted knee-length dress features removable pads on the bust, ruching on the front and back for a slimming effect and long sleeves for a modest look that shows off your figure at the same time. 

You can also head over to the Shapellx blog, where you can read more about the best tummy control shapewear that doesn't roll down. Here they explain the different ranges and products they have to offer on their website so you can find the ideal one for you this spring.

xo

NYX This is Milky Gloss

A while back I was kindly sent a set of the new NYX This Is Milky Lip Glosses to test and review:

Milk n Hunny smells amazing and buttery, like butter sweets or candies. The beautiful scent lingers for a while after applying instead of disappearing instantly. I found this product softening and moisturising and when applied lightly it looks a subtle and natural shade, very glossy, one layer was virtually non-sticky. Notable ingredients include oils of Sunflower, Jojoba and Almond; Glycerin and Vitamin E. I applied it before lunch and my lips felt soft and moisturised even after eating. 

Salted Caramel Shake smells quite similar to Milk n Hunny, but has a bit more pigment (somehow it also smelt less delicious to me). The colour sits somewhere in between the Milk n Hunny and Choco Latte Shake shades. Personally don't feel like this shade suited me very well as it washes me out but if you like a nude coloured lip then you might like this one. Also includes nourishing Sunflower, Jojoba and Almond oils; Glycerin and Vitamin E. It leaves lips feeling soft, shiny and moisturised. 

Choco Latte Shake also has a delicious buttery scent with a hint of chocolate, which I really like. The chocolate fragrance is not very strong or long lasting, with the buttery note being more persistent. It is more pigmented than the Salted Caramel Shake shade, which adds some colour to my lips. Having a "dark autumn" colour palette, I find that this shade did compliment my skin and lip tone, so it would be suitable as a nude shade if you have the same colour palette as me. Out of the 3 nude shades I tested this one would be my favourite as it did not wash me out, added a bit of a tint and evened out the colour of my lips. Like the other shades, it contains nourishing Sunflower, Jojoba and Almond oils; Glycerin and Vitamin E. It offers the same result and leaves lips soft, shiny and moisturised. 

Mango Lassi features a sweet, fruity scent, reminiscent of mango-flavoured sweets rather than a fresh fruit fragrance. It offers a warm orange tint on the lips with a shiny finish. On its own I don't believe it is a colour that suits me very well however, it layers well over other products to add more dimension, moisture and shine. I would say this shade is an ideal SS shade for anyone with a warm complexion. Like the rest of the Lip Glosses, it brings moisture to the lips thanks to Sunflower, Jojoba and Almond oils; as well as Glycerin and Vitamin E.

The This Is Milky Gloss range features clear frosted plastic packaging which makes it look like a more expensive glass tube, and also like that the lid matches the shade inside. The applicator is a flat, velvety doe foot that picks up product easily and is gentle on the lips. 

Something I find a bit confusing is the fact that the front states the product is X flavour but the back mentions "Important: do not ingest", so I assume it is meant more as a fragrance than flavour, like the French wording suggests. 

I appreciate that the products come sealed with a small sticker seal to ensure the product is new and unused. The seal can be easily broken before first use, as it is perforated along the gap between the tube and lid, and the range has a PAO of 18 months.

Find the NYX This is Milky Lip Glosses at Superdrug and Asos.

xo

3INA All The Colours

As part of the 3ina & Superdrug PR package I received, I got a set of 3 makeup items showcasing their Colours collection: 

3INA The Color Pen Eyeliner in 850

This eyeliner pen comes protected in a cardboard box which matches the shade inside so even though the colours are named using numbers, it is easy to select the colour you want or need. Inside it houses the plastic pen which has a light matte texture. It is very lightweight and easy to work with. 

The pen's felt tip is fine and very precise, allowing you to make very thin lines on the eyelids with ease. It is also incredibly pigmented, and even though I would not usually go for a coloured eye pencil, the electric blue shade was very interesting to try out and I quite liked how it looked when I used it for a colourful mini cat-eye.

I wasn't sure what the shade would look like once on but the intense colour is very fun to use. I only did one pass of the eyeliner and after a couple of hours, however, the intense colour seemed to dull down a bit and it looked matte and slightly patchy which could be expected given my skin is on the oilier side. 

Overall, this pen eyeliner is good quality and I would not rule out trying it out in different colours. 

The PAO is 6 months, which is the usual time for this type of product.

3INA The 24H Eye Stick in 791
It comes packaged in a cardboard box with the 3INA logo embossed on the front and is coloured in the same shade as the pencil inside. Contained within the box is a chunky plastic pencil with a soft matte texture, presenting the 3INA logo, product name and shade. 

Once the cap is slid off, it reveals the pointed eye shadow stick, which can be shaped into a neat point again after each application by utilising the handy sharpener included, which is hidden inside the base of the pencil. The twist up action is smooth and whatever product is dispensed stays up when applying.

The colour 791 is an aqua or teal shade, a bold green with a hint of blue which pops against the skin. While the shadow stick is not difficult to apply and glides on without tugging or pulling, I did find it a bit hard to blend as it dries almost instantly after application to help it achieve a longer lasting wear. The 24h Eye Stick also has a matte, chalky finish which isn't personally a favourite. 

Bold colours are not something I usually reach for when doing my makeup, however I believe this shade goes well with the 3INA The Color Pen Eyeliner in 850 and they can be used together to attain a fun, 60s inspired makeup look. 

This product has a 24 month PAO, so gives plenty of time to use it up.

Unfortunately, this was probably my least favourite item from the trial because of the unusual shade colour, difficulty blending which caused patchy application, as well as the matte finish. 

3INA The 24H Cream Eyeshadow in 482

Comes in a tiny cardboard box coloured in the matching shade inside, with the contrasting 3INA logo embossed on it in white. Inside it contains a hefty frosted glass bottle with a matte plastic lid which also matches the eyeshadow colour. I find the packaging very appealing and of great quality. I also like that the lid and bottle are connected with a sticker for security and in the interior it has an extra detachable plastic lid to prevent any spilling or the product drying out. 

The eyeshadow itself has a creamy, whipped consistency that is easily picked up with fingers. I also found it extremely easy to apply and blend onto my eyelid, which is fantastic as it means it is perfect for a quick makeup look. 

This cream eyeshadow is very pigmented and only used the tiny amount I initially picked up with my finger to cover my entire eyelid without having to use more product. 

It looks very dark and metallic inside the pot, however once applied and blended it is more of a lilac with a pink and purple iridescent shimmer. 

After only minutes the eyeshadow sets onto the lid and will not rub off, however it does make the skin feel slightly dry. 

Contains vitamin E and Caesalpinia Sappan Bark Extract added as skin conditioners and has a PAO of 12 months. 

The shade is very pretty and even though is not a colour I usually wear, I think it would make some lovely spring/summer looks and because of the colour payoff and formulation I would also love to try other shades.

Have you tried any 3ina makeup?

xo

Mother's Day Gifts at The Body Shop: Free Gift & 20% off Discount Code

It's Mother's Day in just over 3 weeks so take advantage of The Body Shop's gift sets to treat her (or yourself!). Pictured above are my favourite sets:

Sweet Dreams Gift Set £36 // Lather & Slather British Rose Gift Bag £13

Smooth & Plump Edelweiss Skincare Set £52 // Shake & Swish Ginger Haircare Gift Set £30

Boost Shine On Hair & Body Oil £20 // Soak & Slather Mango Bath Set £16

As you can see, there is something for every budget but you can also create your own bespoke gift set and get 20% off when using code 14315, or you can get a Free Gift worth up to £22.50 when you spend over £35 online using code WELLNESS until 21 March.

xo  

Discount code T&C's: This offer is valid until 31st March 2023 (excluding purchases of Delivery Charges, Gift Cards, Sale and Gifts.) #TBSAFF

Banana Republic Dark Cherry & Amber EDP

Superdrug kindly sent me the Banana Republic Dark Cherry & Amber EDP last week to test and review.

I love the elegant packaging comprised of a sliding compartment that pulls out with a ribbon loop to reveal the faceted red glass bottle nestled inside the padded drawer. The bottle features a simple textured-paper sticker on the front with the brand and fragrance names, and is topped with a weighted gunmetal cap.

The notes in the Banana Republic Dark Cherry & Amber EDP are as follows

Top: Black Cherry and Pink Freesia

Heart: Cherry Blossom and Praline

Base: Blonde Cedar, Red Amber

Upon first spray I notice the very volatile but deliciously juicy and ripe Black Cherry note without the Pink Freesia being very perceptible, and it quickly evolves to nutty Praline with a hint of Cherry Blossom.

I would have like the Black Cherry to have more staying power and not be a fickle top note that almost fades completely after a few seconds as it such a gorgeous smell.

Sadly, the Blonde Cedar doesn't come through when I wear it, and dries down to a warm, powdery note which is not a personal favourite but I don't dislike it either, as some faint sweetness from the cherry is still noticeable. 

It is a very long lasting perfume and only a couple of sprays are needed for it to stay on the skin for the whole day.

Banana Republic Dark Cherry & Amber EDP is also great value for money, I had seen it is £58 and initially thought it was a bit expensive as it is not a designer perfume but once it arrived I realised it is 75ml, so on offer it would be even better value!

The PAO is 24 m so even if worn infrequently, it gives plenty of time to use it up.

I would recommend this perfume if you like long-lasting sweet and fruity scents, and it would make a great evening or AW fragrance.

Find the Banana Republic Dark Cherry & Amber EDP at Superdrug.

xo

YesStyle Haul #12

@skincarestationery YesStyle haul featuring products with peptides 💕 use code NAV2019 for money off your next order. #YSLuxSkinCare @YesStyleInfluencers @YesStyle #peptides #yesstyle #ceramides #yesstylehaul #iunik #beautyofjoseon #dhc #skincarehaul ♬ ily (i love you baby) - Surf Mesa

I know it's not in order as I didn't post hauls 9 - 11, but this is my biggest YesStyle haul yet! I won a $100 coupon in one of their giveaways and this is what I got:

• coxir Black Snail Collagen Eye Cream (as my sponsored product, reviewed here)
• MARY & MAY Vegan Blackberry Complex Cream Essence
• Catalunya Heart Rhinestone Pendant Alloy Necklace
• HOLIKA HOLIKA Good Cera Super Ceramide Lip Oil Stick
• Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun
• MARY & MAY Cica Soothing Sun Cream
• RNW DER. CONCENTRATE Ceramide Plus
• iUNIK Centella Calming Daily Sunscreen
• MIZON Snail Repair Intensive BB Cream sample
• Benton Honest Eyelash Serum
• DHC Color Lip Cream Red

Have you tried any of these products?

Don't forget to use code NAV2019 to get money off your next YesStyle order and join the YesStyle Influencer Program to get a sponsored item every month!

xo

coxir Black Snail Collagen Eye Cream

With my last YesStyle order (haul post coming soon, or watch the video on my Tiktok) I received a sponsored product as part of their Influencer Program. This time I selected the coxir Black Snail Collagen Eye Cream which is designed to nourish the skin and has anti-wrinkle properties thanks to the Snail, Collagen and Black Bean in the formula.

I have used another snail eye cream before, the Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Eye Cream (full review here) but the texture is a bit different for the coxir Black Snail Collagen Eye Cream: it is very lightweight, almost like a gel, and also very stringy, which can make it a bit hard when trying to distribute between 2 fingers. 

Star ingredients include Snail Secretion Filtrate, Olivoyl Hydrolysed Wheat Protein, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Babassu Seed Oil, Rosehip Oil, Adenosine; Extracts of  Black Soybean, Sesame Seed, Rice, Cacao, Ginseng, Tomato, Peony, Honeysuckle, Edelweiss, Buddleja davidii, Thyme, Aloe, Camucamu, Bamboo and Acai; as well as Hydrolyzed Collagen and Copper Tripeptide-1. 

I find this eye cream very hydrating, easily absorbed and non sticky, it also works well under other products and doesn't pill or rub off. I love that it has so many moisturising ingredients and Copper peptides to help hydrate and smooth the skin. It also is less than $20 for 30ml and as only a tiny amount is needed, it will last a very long time. 

While it still is early days to comment on full results, I would still recommend trying the coxir Black Snail Collagen Eye Cream if you are looking for an affordable anti-wrinkle eye cream with amazing ingredients. 

Find the coxir Black Snail Collagen Eye Cream at YesStyle, currently with 20% off!

xo

PS. Use code NAV2019 for money off your next order.

Get a Free Cleanser at The Body Shop

To celebrate the relaunch of the Edelweiss range, The Body Shop is giving away a free cleanser with all skincare purchases over £30. 

Edelweiss is a rare alpine flower that defies extreme weather conditions by producing an antioxidant called leontopodic acid to protect itself. 

This amazing ingredient is the MVP of the Edelweiss range, and helps protect the skin from environmental aggressors. 

If you are looking for healthy, glowing skin make sure to try out the Edelweiss range. 

Make sure to claim your free cleanser with code CLEANSER when you spend £30 on The Body Shop skincare (but hurry, offer ends 9am on Tuesday 14th February 2023).

xo

Garnier Glowing Lengths Pineapple Hair Drink

Recently I posted a review for the newly launched Garnier Ultimate Blends Glowing Lengths haircare range, and at the beginning of the year they welcomed a new addition to the range: the Garnier Glowing Lengths Pineapple Hair Drink*, which is described as an "instant lamellar rinse-out treatment" for 10x smoother hair with mirror-like shine.

Like its sister brand L'Oréal Paris' Wonder Water, this Hair Drink uses lamellar technology: with lamellas that coat the hair fibre to polish and smooth.

The product is quite runny so it can be hard to use, and has an oily feel compared to traditional conditioners. I dispense onto my hands and then apply it to the lengths of my hair, massaging the product in, then leave it on for a few seconds and rinse. 

The Garnier Glowing Lengths Pineapple Hair Drink has a smell that is reminiscent of lightly fermented pineapple with a hint of beer, sadly not as fresh and delicious as the other products in the range, however it is not bad or unbearable.

Personally, I feel like the amount indicated on the back is excessive, I have long, thick hair and use about 3 spoonfuls of product, otherwise I would use up the whole bottle in just 4 or 5 washes. 

This Hair Drink is easy to rinse off and leaves hair soft and very shiny thanks to the use of Stearamidopropyl Betaine, Amla & Pineapple Extracts, Glycerin and Vitamin E. Even though it is silicone free for a "natural feel" (which I usually avoid as it often results in frizzy hair) I have found that the more I use this, the better my hair looks, with increased shine, softness and smoothness, with frizz being reduced.

I would definitely recommend the Garnier Pineapple Hair Drink if you are looking for a product to smooth and add shine to your hair. The PAO is 18 months so if you use a smaller amount as I have been doing, it should last way longer than expected and it is plenty of time to use it up. 

Find the Garnier Glowing Lengths Pineapple Hair Drink at Superdrug, Look Fantastic and ASOS. 

xo

All Used Up #19

Welcome to the latest instalment of the All Used Up series! I hadn't posted one since December so here it is:

Vichy Dercos Energising Shampoo*: contains aminexil and vitamins B3, B5 and B6 to help complement hair loss treatments. It has an inoffensive smell, cleanses the scalp well and leaves hair feeling soft. It is meant to be left on for one minute and I may have left it on for a bit longer while conditioning my hair, however I believe that it might have contributed to increased thickness, length and density of hair not just on my head and for that reason I would not use it again. 

Sanex Zero Gentle Moisture Shower Gel: a very gentle shower gel with no added fragrance so it's perfect for sensitive skin. It lathers well and leaves my skin feeling clean, soft but not tight or dry thanks to the addition of Glycerin and Lactic Acid. If you are sensitive to fragrance or are looking for a gentle shower product I would definitely recommend this one. 

L'Oréal Elvive Hydra Hyaluronic Conditioner: contains Glycerin and Silicones to help leave hair feeling softer and smoother, plus Hyaluronic Acid (which I believe does nothing for hair). I did really like the sweet, more "expensive" scent of this product and how my hair remained detangled compared to other products. I would have it again.

Olay Total Effects SPF 30: this 7 in one daytime moisturiser promises to nourish and protect the skin. It includes Vitamins B3, B5, C & E plus broad spectrum SPF30. I was hoping this would also be tinted like the SPF 15 version but it is not. It also contains Zea Mays Starch which gives it a more matte look, and while I would have really liked that years ago, I just don't like the slightly gritty texture it gives the cream. I'm also unsure about the "minimises the look of pores" claim so I don't think I will be buying this again.

BetterYou Hair, Skin & Nails Daily Oral Spray*: includes Vitamin C, Biotin, Zinc, Vitamin B5, Selenium and Iodine to maintain healthy skin, hair and nails. This spray has a sweet maple syrup-like taste which I liked. While using it I did not experience any major breakouts to my skin and my nails also seemed to grow faster. It comes in a pump bottle which I found hard to get accurate sprays out of so would prefer a dropper or tablet/gummy. I would have it again but preferably in a different presentation or dispenser.

Suqqu Framing Eyebrow Liquid Pen*: I was selected to test this product and at first I wasn't sure I would like it but it grew on me. It has a soft brush tip that doesn't scratch or pull on the skin, and the light pigmentation of it gives a natural look, which I like. It is also easy to remove so I would have it again however, being a high end priced product keeps me from purchasing, as I don't like to spend a lot in makeup items.

Have you tried any of these products?

xo

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

Bourjois, the Parisian cosmetic brand has returned to the UK and it is now available at Superdrug. They have kindly sent me the Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation to test and review. 

I have actually used this foundation before and it is the one I wore on my wedding day. 

It used to come in an airless pump plastic bottle, and now comes in a heavy glass bottle which gives it a luxurious feel. 

The Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation has a semi matte finish and prevents my skin from getting shiny throughout the day, which I like. This can be attributed to the addition of Corn Starch, Bentonite and Silica. 

It also contains hydrating Glycerin; plus vitamins C, B5 and E, as well as Melon, Apricot and Apple extracts, however, these are only included in very small amounts (fragrance being higher on the ingredient's list) so I am unsure if they would provide much of a benefit overall. 

The foundation has a mild fruity scent and an easy-to-blend texture that offers light to medium coverage with a natural-looking finish.

It diminishes the look of redness and evens out skin tone without any sensation of heaviness or stickiness. 

The only thing I didn't love is that it can cling a bit to any dry patches or texture but if the skin is well moisturised and exfoliated, any of these problems can be prevented. 

The product comes sealed for hygiene with a sticker that connects the plastic lid to the bottle and the foundation has a PAO of 24 months. 

I would definitely recommend this foundation if you are looking for medium coverage and a natural, semi matte finish.

Find the Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation at Superdrug.

xo

Knitwear & Leather Boots

Garnier Pineapple & Amla Haircare Collection

A couple of months ago Garnier sent me some products to try from their new Ultimate Blends Pineapple & Amla Haircare range:

Pineapple & Amla Hair Mask: it has a delicious pineapple scent and a non greasy consistency. When used as a leave-in conditioner it leaves hair soft and reduced frizz considerably and the fragrance lasted until the next day. However, it does have kaolin which absorbs moisture and made my hair feel a bit dry and lacklustre, so I will not be using it as a leave in conditioner again. 

I also used it as a wash-off hair mask and it made hair soft and shiny. However on both instances I felt like my hair would get a bit tangled because of the dryness caused by the kaolin. I would only recommend if you are looking for a hair mask that helps increase volume and your hair is not easily tangled. 

Pineapple & Amla Shampoo: It has a delicious juicy, sweet pineapple scent. This shampoo has a lightweight gel-like consistency that gently lathers but cleanses scalp well without any irritation or dryness. It rinses off easily and leaves hair smelling nice and feeling soft. My hair also seems to be shinier, which I like. 

Pineapple & Amla Conditioner: like the other products in the range, it has a delicious pineapple scent. It is easy to apply and rinse off, though I would recommend storing the bottle upside down to help dispense the product. This conditioner makes my hair feel soft and shiny. I believe the inclusion of Kaolin in the formula can make hair feel dry and become tangled easily, however, it also makes the hair appear more voluminous so I would recommend this conditioner for thin or flat hair that does not become tangled easily. 

The whole range smells amazing and helped increase shine and add volume to my hair, however, the mask and the conditioner left my hair feeling somewhat dry and a bit rough because of the lack of silicones. Out of the 3 products the only one I would have again is the shampoo.

Find the Ultimate Blends Pineapple & Amla Haircare at Look Fantastic and Superdrug. 

xo

Caring for Dry Skin with Australian Bodycare

For my latest collaboration with Australian Bodycare, they have kindly sent me 3 products to try out and review! This time I received their Hand Cream, Shave Oil and Foot Cream, all in the original scent. 

The Hand Cream is designed for extremely dry hands, and is recommended to be applied 1-2 times daily or as needed. It has a subtle earthy fragrance provided by the natural Australian Tea Tree Oil, and leaves hands feeling soft and supple thanks to amazing ingredients like Shea Butter, Glycerin, Rice Wax, Castor Seed Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Almond Oil, Rhus Peel & Fruit Wax, Soybean Sterols, Panthenol, Lactic and Linoleic Acids, Saccharide Isomerate, Lactic Acid, plus Vitamins E and C. Only a small amount is needed each time for a soft and moisturised effect that can easily last after washing hands. 

The Shave Oil is formulated to help reduce red spots and ingrown hairs, while providing a close and comfortable shave. This product is also scented with Tea Tree Oil, however it features a sweeter fragrance thanks to the nourishing Almond, Sunflower, Coconut and Crambe Oils. It also contains moisturising Shea Butter derivatives and Vitamin E. This Shave Oil is easy to use and you only need a few drops each time. It is very moisturising and leaves skin feeling soft. The only thing I didn't love about it is that my razor was getting clogged because of the oil so I need to find a way to prevent this. If you have any tips let me know!

Last but not least, is the Foot Cream, which provides intensive care for dry feet. It can be applied daily or as required and is ideally used after bathing. Enriched with 10% Urea to effectively exfoliate skin and reduce dryness and roughness, it also contains Shea Butter, Glycerin, Castor Oil, Vitamin E, Allantoin and Lactic Acid. Featuring the classic Tea Tree Oil scent that Australian Bodycare products are known for, this lightweight foot cream has a nice almost-whipped consistency that absorbs quickly into the skin and left my feet feeling baby soft. I would have loved to try the Mint version however, that is now discontinued and this version also felt cooling on the feet throughout the day. 

If you are looking to nourish dry skin on your body this season I would definitely recommend taking a look at the products mentioned above!

xo

Vinny The Pug's First Book is Out Now

*This is a sponsored post

The first volume in the series that will share the details of Vinny's adventures in the Sonoran Desert, titled Vinny the Pug; The Life & Times of A Canine Rock Star: How a little pugs quest to set a Guinness World Record helped him to become a 'rock star' is available to buy now. 

This book details how the little pug adapted to the move from Florida to Arizona, and after learning to appreciate his new rocky surroundings, he discovered climbing and set out to establish a new Guinness World Record. 

As a limited offer, the first 100 buyers will receive a free ceramic pin with every book purchased through March 1st. The pin is part of Vinny the Pug's collectors series for 2023.

Don't miss out on the chance to learn more about this amazing canine companion with this interactive book!

Find Vinny the Pug; The Life & Times of A Canine Rock Star on Amazon UK and USA.

xo

Valentines Gift Ideas Under £50

Valentino Donna Born in Roma Hair Mist £38 // Valeria Coupe Glass £16 
Charbonnel et Walker Truffle Heart Box £30
Korres Greek Yoghurt Discovery Kit £24 // Birthstone Hoop Earrings £35

Korres Oceanic Amber £38 // Lion Bolo Tie £12

Le Labo Hinoki Hand Lotion £29

Accidentally Wes Anderson £25 // Maison Margiela Replica By The Fireplace Candle £48

Valentine's Day is just over a month away so here are my gift ideas, all under £50 to treat your sweetie (or yourself, I won't tell!).

xo

Nivea 2 in 1 Cleanser & Toner

A few days ago I received the Nivea 2 in 1 Cleanser & Toner to try out and review. 

This versatile product is designed to cleanse and tone the skin, while also moisturising thanks to Vitamin E. 

It claims to deeply cleanse the skin by removing daily impurities and makeup, leaving it refreshed and toned. 

The Nivea 2 in 1 Cleanser & Toner can be applied with fingers or cotton wool, and after massaging it must be removed, again with cotton wool or just water. 

Some notable ingredients in this product include Glycerin, Lotus Flower Extract and Vitamin E. 

It features a creamy but lightweight consistency and the classic Nivea cream scent. 

I found the Nivea 2 in 1 Cleanser & Toner easy to apply and remove, and it definitely left my skin feeling clean, soft and refreshed, so will be using it as a first step in my nightly double-cleanse. 

The only downside to this product is that it cannot be used on the eyes, so the need for an extra product just for that area isn't ideal. It also contains alcohol and perfume so sensitive skin types may not love this product. 

Find the Nivea 2 in 1 Cleanser & Toner at Superdrug and Tesco.

xo

New In: November & December 2022

Garnier Vitamin C Micellar Water

A few months ago I received the Garnier Micellar Vitamin C Cleansing Water, which is designed to remove makeup and cleanse the face, eyes and lips without the need to rinse it off. 

Ideal for dull and uneven skin, this Micellar Water is enriched with Vitamin Cg to help brighten the skin. 

The simple formulation contains only 10 ingredients; with some notable ones including Glycerin, Hydrogenated Castor Oil and Ascorbyl Glucoside. 

This Micellar Water does effectively remove makeup easily, has a mild soapy scent which I like and it also leaves skin feeling very soft. 

While I'm not sure it has provided any brightening to my skin given that I always rinse off the product, it might be worth a try if you are looking to incorporate vitamin C into your skincare routine. 

Given it is effective and affordable, I would have it again and would recommend it for gentle makeup removal.

Find the Garnier Micellar Vitamin C Cleansing Water at Superdrug, Savers and Sephora. 

xo

Happy New Year!

Wishing you all a Happy New Year, full of prosperity, happiness and love! I hope you are able to accomplish all the new goals you set yourself for this new year that begins, that all your projects are fruitful and any new friendships become lasting. For a New Year full of amazing and meaningful experiences!

xo