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

The Body Shop Haul & Discount Code

As mentioned in my last New In post, The Body Shop kindly sent me a package with their best sellers which I have been trying out so expect reviews for them soon!

The products I received include:

• Edelweiss Daily Serum Concentrate
• Hemp Hand Protector
• Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
• Almond Milk Body Butter
• Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask

And in case you missed out on the last 20% off discount, you can use code 13025 to get 20% off everything, including gifts and advent calendars!

But be quick as this offer ends Sunday 30th October 2022 at 9am.

The code above has expired? Fear not as I have an exclusive 15% off code for you: 21758, valid until 14/11/22.

Happy shopping!

xo

NaturELLE Mira EDP by Elle Parfums

I received a complimentary bottle of NaturELLE Mira Eau De Parfum by Elle Parfums to try out and review for being part of the Superdrug Community.

The perfume comes packaged in a plastic-free recycled cardboard box with floral photography as background; an outline cut-out of the bottle displayed in the centre. The pink-tinted perfume is encased in a simple (but by no means boring) clear glass bottle with a sticker that displays the fragrance name, brand and main notes on the front, mimicking the colour scheme and print of the box. The wooden cap draws on the natural theme, and the light colour scheme gives the bottle a refined, elegant look. 

NaturELLE Mira Eau De Parfum's notes are as follows:

• Top - Blackcurrant, Mandarin, Praline
• Mid - Freesia, Cocoa, Jasmine and Sambac
• Base - Vanilla, Vetiver Oil Haiti ‘For Life’ and Patchouli Heart

Upon first spray it smells sweet and fruity, with the citrus from the Mandarin being the most perceivable out of the two fruit notes. Also noticeable is a a hint of nutty Praline.

It quickly evolves into a fresh floral with standout notes of strawberry-like Freesia as well as Cocoa tones. A light nutty trail remains through the heart notes of the fragrance. 

The base is comprised of warm, creamy Vanilla with a prevailing blend of Praline and Cocoa which is very comforting, almost reminiscent of a hot cup of chocolate malted milk. I can also perceive a whisper of a grounding woody essence, provided by the Vetiver Oil. The Patchouli is not noticeable on my skin (which isn't necessarily a bad thing as personally, I'm not that keen on it) but I really enjoy the blend of the most prominent notes on me. 

Each fragrance in the NaturELLE range champions a different project and the Mira program supports the education of young girls in Madagascar where Elle sustainably sources the Vanilla for their fragrances. The Mira program ensures that young girls are provided with the necessary equipment to attend school. 

This perfume could be classed as a natural or "skin" scent, so doesn't seem very strong or long lasting, however, I don't mind reapplying, especially since it is an affordably priced fragrance at £50 for 100ml and is currently half price at Superdrug.

NaturELLE Mira EDP by Elle Parfums is a soft fragrance, great for daytime and warmer weather as it will not be overpowering. I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys a delicate, floral-gourmand aroma or is looking for a subtle new perfume to wear during the day which is socially responsible as well. 

I truly enjoy NaturELLE Mira Eau de Parfum and desire to try the rest of the perfumes in this collection as they also sound beautiful and I would feel good knowing that Elle supports several communities across the globe with their social programs. 

Find NaturELLE Mira EDP exclusively at Superdrug.

xo

New In: September 2022

Last month I was very lucky to receive several PR packages, including the StaticJam Seriously Good Styler Hair Serum, Nacific AHABHA range, Chloe Rose Naturelle Perfume, Garnier Pineapple & Amla Haircare, NaturElle Mira Perfume, Nyx Milky Lip Glosses, L'Oréal Lipstick and The Body Shop best sellers.

Dotcito treated me to some gifts and flowers for our 10th wedding anniversary, which I will share more about soon!

I also received some free samples of Paco Rabanne Fame EDP, Alien Goddess EDP, Prada Paradox EDP, Face Theory, Kiehls Retinol Serum and CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser.

xo

The Body Shop Limited Edition AW 2022

Oranges & Stockings Set £23 // Wonder & Wishes Hand Balm Duo £12

Wild Pine Body Lotion-To-Oil £12 // Spiced Orange EDT £12 // Pine & Divine Mini Set £10

This year, The Body Shop has launched two limited edition scents: Spiced Orange and Wild Pine. The range includes shower gels, body butters, hand balms, bath bombs, body scrubs, body yogurts and eau de toilette, as well as a couple of gift sets. 

Fans of sweet and warm scents will love the Spiced Orange fragrance which features notes of candied orange, comforting vanilla and spicy cinnamon; while lovers of invigorating fragrances will enjoy the fresh Wild Pine scent, conformed by an uplifting pine, refreshing mint and smooth sandalwood fragrance. Pictured above are my favourite picks from this limited edition range. 

Find the Spiced Orange and Wild Pine range in store and online.

xo

3INA Has Arrived In The UK

3INA, the Spanish makeup brand known for its bold colours and long lasting, highly pigmented products, has arrived in the UK and is now available in store and online at Superdrug.

They kindly sent me a set with some of their favourite and hero products, divided into 3 mini collections:

900 - Bold, all-black Makeup: The essentials you need

The 24H Pen Eyeliner: highly pigmented, long-lasting with a super precise tip

The 24H Level Up Mascara: long-wearing 3-in-1 Definition, Volume and Length

The Lipstick: comfortable texture available in 40 highly pigmented shades

All The Colours: Beauty is in all the colours
The Cream Eye Shadow in 482: waterproof and available in 19 highly pigmented shades
The Eye Stick in 791: long-wearing creamy formula available in 20 shades
The Color Pen Eyeliner in 850: 14H long wear in 8 vivid shades

503 - That viral nude-pink #perfectnude
The Longwear Lipstick: 12H long-wearing, transfer-proof and matte
The No-Rules Stick: a 3-in-1 for lips, cheeks and eyes available in 8 creamy shades
The Automatic Lip Pencil: long wearing formula with a fluid glide tip and built-in brush

The products look very good quality and I am especially loving the colour-matching embossed cardboard boxes, magnetic closure, sand-blasted glass pots and velvet touch packaging. Full review of the products coming soon!

Find 3ina exclusively at Superdrug.

xo

Garnier Argan & Camellia No Rinse Conditioner

A few months back I received the Garnier Ultimate Blends Marvellous Oils Argan & Camellia Nourishing No Rinse Conditioner, to try out and review. 

This leave-in conditioner is designed to provide intense nourishment and more shine to dry, dull hair. It is silicone free for a 'natural feel'. 

To use you are meant to skip conditioner in the shower after washing your hair, then use this product and leave it on, with the premise of saving up to 100 litres of water per tube, compared to a 200ml rinse-off conditioner. 

This no rinse conditioner is packaged with 75% less plastic, and uses cardboard tube. It is also cruelty free. 

The main ingredients in the formula are Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sunflower Seed Oil, Argan Oil and Camellia Seed Oil, which help nourish and soften the hair. 

The Garnier Ultimate Blends Marvellous Oils Argan & Camellia Nourishing No Rinse Conditioner has a lightweight lotion consistency that is easy to apply and work through the hair, without leaving it sticky. I use about half a teaspoon and it helps make my hair very soft, controls frizz and adds shine. It has a warm, floral scent, which I like. 

I have actually not used it instead of conditioner, as I don't dare leave the shower without having used conditioner on my hair, so I apply it afterwards for extra softness which has worked well for me.

If you are looking for a leave-in conditioner that detangles and softens hair using prized nourishing oils while being good value for money, and you are also interested in reducing your water consumption I would definitely recommend the Garnier Argan & Camellia No Rinse Conditioner.

Find it Feel Unique, Look Fantastic and Superdrug.

xo

On My Birthday

H&M Top // Gant Jeans // Osprey London Bag // Zaful Mules

(Similar: Broderie Anglaise Top, Croc Leather Bag, Leather Mules)

Back in August we went to Braintree Village for my birthday to do a bit of shopping. It was incredibly hot and sunny that day - not a cloud in the sky and every surface was too hot to sit on! You can read more about my gifts and what I got on the New In post for August.

When we got back we went out for dinner - see what I had at the end of my latest Instagram reel.

xo

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L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche A Lipstick Is Not A Yes

Recently I was kindly sent the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in Shade 300 A Lipstick Is Not A Yes to test and review.

This lipstick will donate 100% of the profits from this shade to the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, the UK's pioneering personal safety charity.

The packaging features a classic rectangular red plastic case with rounded edges and a gold accent band around the middle, separating the cap from the base. The cap has a slanted top, a small indentation where it meets the gold centre band and a rounded groove on the same side for easier gripping. The tube inside matches the exterior gold band, and the lipstick is easily dispensed with a smooth twist up motion. The case closes with a satisfying click when replacing the cap.

This limited edition of the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in Shade 300 A Lipstick Is Not A Yes features an embossed illustration of several female faces in line-art style on the bullet as a feminist symbol of sorority. It has a retro baby powder scent that doesn't linger, and a creamy texture that feels moisturising, immediately reducing the look of flaky and dry skin on the lips thanks to Lanolin (one of my favourite lip-care ingredients), Castor, Sesame Seed, Argan and Soybean Oils; as well as Petrolatum, Beeswax and Vitamin E.   

This lipstick is very pigmented and only a light touch is needed to achieve full colour payoff. The shade appears to have orange undertones in the bullet and looks like a hot pink shade when swatched. When applied it looks more like a neutral red, which I find quite flattering on my complexion (for reference, I have a 'warm autumn' colour palette). It also makes redness within my face less apparent and creates the illusion of a whiter smile. It is quite long lasting and stains the lips so will still be noticeable after eating and drinking. I believe it would be a shade suitable for all skin tones. 

I really like the message behind this lipstick: of women supporting other women as I believe we are stronger together. 

Find L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche A Lipstick Is Not A Yes at Superdrug.

xo

Get 20% off The Body Shop Advent Calendars

The Body Shop has released this year's Advent Calendars which are great value for money, but on top of that you can get 20% off their regular price!

The 3 calendar options this year are: 

Box of Wishes Advent Calendar £55 (worth £89.50) - This calendar celebrates the women of Chhattisgarh, India, using their Community Fair Trade Mango Seed Oil in the indulgent Body Butters included in this calendar.

Box of Wonders Advent Calendar £95 (worth £159) - This calendar celebrates the women of Tamale, Ghana using Community Fair Trade shea butter and supporting them with healthcare and education projects.

Box of Wishes & Wonders Advent Calendar £145 (worth £219) - The advent calendar for ultimate pampering, it is made using Community Fair Trade recycled plastic and supports waste pickers of Bengaluru, India with a fair wage and improved working conditions.

Each calendar is packed with 24 goodies (click each link to discover what's included in each of them). The small one is great to try out several ranges and discover a new favourite, while the medium and big ones are ideal if you want to stock up on your holy grails as they include several full sized items!

To get 20% off your next purchase at The Body Shop online or in-store, use code 21758 at checkout or at the till. 

But be quick, as this offer ends 11th October!

T&C - 03/10/22 –  9am 11/10/22. Online & in store. Enter code online for 20% off in a single transaction. Valid between 03 October 2022 and 9am 11th October 2022. The offer excludes (1) Delivery Charges, (2) Gift Cards, (3) Sale, (4) Gifts. This offer cannot be redeemed in conjunction with any other promotion or offer. 

xo

StaticJam Seriously Good Styler

Around the start of September I received a bottle of the StaticJam Seriously Good Styler, kindly sent to me by Beauty Buddy.

The Seriously Good Styler by StaticJam is a styling hair serum that helps achieve a smoothing effect by eliminating static, frizz and flyaways. It is designed to be used on wet hair and is suitable for all hair types. Their goal is to create the look and feel of second day texture while keeping the freshness of clean hair.

Some notable ingredients in this hair serum include Panthenol, Hydrolysed Wheat Protein, Amino Acids from Wheat and Soy, plus Arginine, Serine and Threonine. 

The Seriously Good Styler has a thick, gel consistency which can feel a bit sticky when applied, however that goes away as the product dries. It has a fresh, crisp apple scent reminiscent of shampoo, which I like. The fragrance is quite strong at first but mellows down over time.

I apply around a grape-sized amount, concentrating on lengths and ends, and any residue left on my hands I will apply on the crown and root area. It does not make hair look or feel greasy at all.

At first I was a bit sceptical but the serum does deliver on the claim of reducing frizz. After washing, sometimes even after applying leave-in-conditioners, my hair turns very frizzy and pretty much uncontrollable, but with this serum my hair dries out with virtually no frizz, which is amazing. It also helps my hair feel soft and smooth while keeping its volume.

It makes me feel a lot more confident if I am going out with wet or damp hair because I know that it won't turn into a frizzy mess. 

The only thing I didn't love is that it does not feel very nourishing, so if you have dry hair you probably won't like it, however, it would work great for oily and thin hair as it maintains volume. It also seems to leave some white residue towards the ends of my hair, which are usually almost dry when I apply the product so do make sure that hair is wet to avoid this.

If you are looking for a reasonably-priced, frizz-reducing hair serum that won't weigh hair down then I would recommend the StaticJam Seriously Good Styler.

The StaticJam 200ml Seriously Good Styler serum retails for £12.

xo

All Used Up #16

It's time for a new instalment of the All Used Up Series! My most recently finished products are:

Better You Magnesium Sleep Body Lotion*: infused with Lavender and Chamomile oils, this lotion helps relax muscles thanks to Magnesium Chloride. With nourishing Beeswax and hydrating Glycerin, this product helps moisturise the skin while the relaxing effect and gentle Lavender and Chamomile scent also helps to fall asleep. Would definitely have this again!

Simple Water Boost Micellar Water: a gentle cleanser and makeup remover with Glycerin and Saccharide Isomerate (or Pentavitin) to hydrate the skin. It is effective and affordable, especially when on offer. It is also Hyaluronic Acid-free which is great. Will probably repurchase in the future. 

Dove Daily Moisture Conditioner: a basic conditioner for frequent use. It contains Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Lysine and Arginine. I found it a bit watery and didn't do much for my hair. It does soften and help detangle but it is not very nourishing. Probably would not repurchase as it wasn't amazing.

The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 Serum: contains Panthenol and several amino acids to soothe and moisturise the skin. It has a light dry oil consistency that gently nourishes the skin but does not feel greasy. Great for adding into your usual moisturiser for an added boost, also nice used on its own. Would have it again as I liked how it made my skin feel soft and moisturised but did not cause breakouts or oiliness.

Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate Hand Cream: this product is very nourishing without leaving any greasy feeling. Comprised of amazing ingredients such as Macadamia Oil, Shea Butter, Pomegranate Oil and Extract, Argan Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Saccharide Isomerate and Ceramides, it restores and softens the skin, leaving hands softly scented. I would definitely repurchase (this is my second one) but the brand seems to be having some stock issues. Truly hope it is not discontinued!

Elizabeth Arden Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules: this was a sample containing 7 capsules. I find that the content of one capsule can go further than one use. They can feel a bit greasy but they are great after using an exfoliating treatment or retinoid to prevent any dryness. I would use them again for such purposes. Full review here.

Have you tried any of these products?

xo