Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil

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 Until recently it had been a while since I had a Sunday Riley face oil in my stash. I remember absolutely loving the now discontinued Artemis facial oil and have been through a few bottles of the much-loved Luna retinol oil. But I had never got around to trying Juno before a few weeks ago.

Juno is considered a great all-rounder facial oil, suitable for virtually everyone.
A blend of organic, cold pressed 'super food' seed oils selected for their antioxidant properties, Juno is a dry oil formula that leaves the skin feeling nourished and looking dewy and glowing, without a greasy feeling. 

What are the ingredients in Juno?

The antioxidant formula includes a range of berry seed oils, specifically Blueberry, Blackberry, Cranberry and Red Raspberry, blended with Chardonnay Grape Seed Oil, Carrot Seed Oil, Black Cumin, Broccoli and Meadowfoam.

The oils combine to make a formula that is rich in the aforementioned antioxidants, as well as omegas and vitamins for a healthy looking and feeling, perfectly hydrated complexion.

I love the yellow and purple layered look that the oils create in the bottle – before I gently shake the bottle to mix and apply.

Speaking of application, you can really use as many drops as you like, depending on how your skin is feeling. I tend to use a couple for daytime and a few more for night.

The oil can be used before or after moisturiser, on its own or mixed into other products. It’s also perfect for rubbing into cuticles (I just rub the excess into my fingers/backs of hands) and can be applied to the ends of hair – it’s a very versatile skincare product!

The oil feels very comforting and calming on the skin, in fact I have been loving it on my slightly scaly nostrils (sorry) that have been subjected to a lot of nose-blowing recently.

 

Juno has a sort of organic, almost hay-like smell to it, that I find quite pleasant, but it does dissipate quite quickly so if you don’t love the scent it shouldn’t be a deal breaker.

 

Juno Antioxidant Superfood Face Oil is available in 15ml and 35ml glass dropper bottles for £27 and £54 respectively. I love that Sunday Riley offers smaller bottles of the oils these days – it makes the products much more financially accessible, more convenient for travel and great for trying out without potentially wasting a lot of product if it’s not for you. I bought my bottle of Juno at Space NK

 

 

Pre-Loved Gucci at ASDA!

In totally unexpected fashion news, George at ASDA are launching a pre-loved collaboration with luxury fashion house Gucci. To celebrate the release of Ridley Scott's House of Gucci film, starring Lady Gaga, Adam Driver and an unrecognisable Jared Leto, George at ASDA are launching a treasure hunt for pre-loved Gucci clothing in selected stores around the UK.  There will be 30 second-hand pieces of Gucci clothing 'hidden' in stores in the UK, all for sale, with prices starting at a measly £12. 

Launching tomorrow the 26th of December, the Gucci treasure hunt is in association with ASDA's sustainability partner, the vintage wholesaler PreLoved.

The exclusive designer pieces will be hidden on Asda shop floors at locations, including London, Edinburgh, and Brighton.

Keep an eye on George at ASDA's social media for clues on which stores will have these hidden gems!

Are you tempted to join the treasure hunt? I think this is such a cool idea!

Pietro Simone Dewy Reboot - a Luxury Skincare Gift Idea

(post contains sample) 

Luxury skincare brand/celebrity facialist Pietro Simone has just released a new range and it's definitely got my attention. The FIERCE collection is Simone's third range, with every product created using traceable, sustainable, vegan ingredients.

Combining high-end luxe with environmental consciousness, the FIERCE range is about empowerment and great results, with the collection made up of 18 face and body products.

The product I've got here is the Dewy Reboot and, as well as having a fantastic name, it's designed to 'reboot' the complexion thanks to a host of beneficial ingredients.
Bio-engineered Peptides and 100% stabilized Ascorbic Acid combine with the antioxidant Glutathione and Gold particles to create a radiant, dewy look. The Peptides act in something called Photo-modulation, which is a process that triggers the skin to convert light energy into cell energy, creating that coveted dewy look.

The Ascorbic Acid, Gold and Glutathione target environmental damage and work to even tone.
Dewy Reboot features 4 different types of Hyaluronic Acid, as well as Marrubium Vulgare Extract (a type of mint) which tackles blackheads and improves the texture of the skin.
Rounding things off, a probiotic compound balances, soothes, strengthens and improves moisture retention.
As you've probably gathered, Dewy Reboot is very much a multi-tasking product and I think a great introduction to the FIERCE collection. It would also make a great gift for anyone interested in skincare!
Designed for every skin type, the serum is silky in texture, a slightly thick liquid that absorbs very nicely.
Pietro Simone recommends applying a few drops to the face using fingertips, rather than covering the palms and then applying, to avoid unnecessary absorption into the hands and therefore wasting product.
I love the slight shimmer in Dewy Reboot- it makes the serum seem extra luxe and instantly adds a touch of glow. As with all Pietro Simone products, Dewy Reboot (£85 for 60ml) comes in a glass bottle, which feels satisfyingly weighty and is of course better for the environment than plastics.
You can find Dewy Reboot and other Pietro Simone products at Pietro Simone, in store and online at Harrods and at Oxygen Boutique. 

5 Tips to Find Your Fashion Style

(collaborative post)

 Fashion is a fantastic way to boost your confidence and express your creative side. If you don’t know much about fashion you might be wondering how you can find your style? To help you express your inner fashionista, take on board these five tips.

1 . Look for inspiration

If you’re looking to find your style the best thing to do is to get some inspiration. Try following fashion influencers on Instagram, or check out platforms like ‘Lookbook’. Using these websites you can browse for looks and get an understanding of what you like. If you like vintage-inspired fashion, check out influencers like Eliza Moore or Katie Jetson.

Fashion magazines are also a great place to get style ideas. The truth is you can get fashion influence from just about anywhere, whether it’s a movie you recently watched someone you saw walking down the street!

2. Learn from podcasts

Podcasts are a great place to learn plenty of new things, and there are so many cool fashion podcasts out there. To make a start, tune into these:

Creative Conversations With Suzy Menkes

This podcast is hosted by Vogue’s International editor, expect plenty of in-depth interviews from some of the biggest fashion names in history.

Dressed The History Of Fashion: Throughout these episodes, you’ll learn everything that you need to know about fashion. Learn about the history of different fashion looks, plus plenty of ideas about creating your own style.

3 . Make a mood board

If you’re keen to find your style it can be useful to make a mood board. A fashion mood board is a visual representation of fashion styles that you love. You can create a mood board by using cutouts from magazines, (or you might prefer to create a digital mood board, using online images). Designing your own fashion mood board helps you define your themes, and create the foundation of your style.

4. Assess your wardrobe

When you’re attempting to establish your style it’s a good idea to go through your wardrobe. Look at all your clothes carefully, figure out what you’re unlikely to wear, (you can donate or sell these items). Choose the clothes that you’d like to keep, think about which looks you could create with these. You might have a few staple pieces that you love. How could you enhance these? Which extra garments or accessories do you need to buy?

5. Don’t forget accessories

Finding your fashion style isn’t just about clothing items, it’s about accessories! With the help of accessories, you can really make a style of your own. You might choose bold hats, scarves, or jewellery. There are plenty of accessories that you can use to create a look. If you’re keen to create an edgy style you might be interested in a wide selection of tragus earrings? For a 90’s fashion style, you might shop for cute hair accessories? Once you’ve found your style there are so many ways to get creative.

THE Guide to Picking Your Winter Moisturizer

(Guest Post) 

The colder temperatures have officially arrived and it is time to switch up your moisturizer if you haven’t done that already. If your skin is feeling extra dry to the touch and/or becoming a bit flaky, you have to get a heavier cream for the winter season to get ahead of further irritation...but the question is: which texture best suits you and your skin? It can be hard to choose the right product for your unique skin type, so here is your guide to picking your winter moisturizer:

Guide to Picking Your Winter Moisturizer

Basic moisturizers

Basic moisturizers for the wintertime are easily accessible, as you can find them at any chemist or food market. While they aren’t packed with extra ingredients that will give your skin an extra boost, they do the job! And another major benefit for the winter especially when you are probably using way more moisturizer than you are used to, is that basic moisturizers are the most budget-friendly.

Active creams

Some argue that active creams are the best types of moisturizers! For example, products like the Blue Lagoon moisturizers for body skin, are thick in texture and while your skin is able to absorb all of the incredible ingredients, it is also left feeling and looking incredible. If you are struggling with significant dryness or really want that boost for a specific occasion, for example, using an active cream for even just a couple of days can allow you to feel a difference! 

Gels

Ideal for those who have more oily skin, generally more water based. If you have more oily skin, using a heavy-duty winter cream can cause your skin to be more-oily and just not feel its best. Gel moisturizers, on the other hand, are generally more water-based and better absorbed for this skin type. They help to nourish the skin but don’t add that slick feeling that some active creams and intense moisturizers can.

Moisturizers with targeted ingredients to help treat your skin

If you are dealing with specific skin issues or even just finding that your skin could use from a little boost of something in particular, using a moisturizer with targeted ingredients can be just what your skincare routine needs. If your skin is lacking in hydration for example, after washing your face and while your skin is still damp apply a cream with hyaluronic acid to help your skin maintain water levels and hydration. If you live in a city and find your skin could use a little extra protection and/or vibrance, opt for a moisturizer with antioxidants to help protect and boost your skin. It is never easy to find the perfect winter cream and it may take some trial and error. Before buying, try to see if you can get samples or inquire about their return policy so that you can make sure a product really works for you before being stuck with the investment. Stay in tune with your skin because even throughout the winter season, your skin’s needs may chan

Estee Lauder Wake Up Balm

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The Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme + Global Anti-Ageing Wake Up Balm has been on my to-try list for literal years and it finally became mine on my birthday a few months ago. And you know what? I've used it almost every day since.

It was Ruth Crilly who actually convinced me I needed this product. Ruth's review when the Wake Up Balm first hit the shelves made it sound like this one product that lives up to its name and I have to agree. 

I am currently a walking mum cliché and having a 13 week old and a 4 year old means that most days I look as knackered as I feel. So something that goes on like a moisturiser/primer, can be applied without the need for a mirror (often on the go) and works instantly is something I can definitely get on board with.

Minimal effort and maximum payoff is what this product is all about and I am here for it.

The Wake Up Balm combines 'optical' ingredients for that instant glow effect with a high tech skincare formula. The light- reflecting mica in the balm is so finely milled that it creates a radiant look without glitter or sparkle and creates such a pretty, subtle finish that instantly makes the skin look well-hydrated and rested. It just makes it look better really, but in a sort of understated, non-obvious way.

Designed to be worn instead of or on top of your moisturiser, the balm is silky and velvety, but not heavy or ‘silicone-y’. It contains a range of ingredients that work over time to improve the appearance and texture of the skin, including Estee Lauder’s trademarked RevitaKey Technology and Plant Stem Cell extracts. RevitaKey features Moringa extract which is rich in Amino Acids, Vitamin C and Omega 3 and works to firm the skin and reduce the look of lines and wrinkles.

To be honest, I would use this product for the instant, optical effect alone, I like it that much.

I have used the Wake Up Balm as the only thing on my face, on top of serum and moisturiser and underneath foundation and enjoyed it every time. I didn’t experience any pilling when wearing beneath foundation which is a major win because I really hate a product that pills! 

If you’re in the market for something you can literally apply in seconds, will instantly refresh the look and feel of your skin and just give you a bit of a spring in your step I would highly recommend this. It makes me feel at least a tiny bit put-together for the morning school run and that’s got to count for something, right? The Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme + Global Anti-Ageing Wake Up Balm has an rrp of £49 but I’ve found it for £39.20 at All Beauty.                                                                                                                               

Nourish London Organic Beauty Gifts

Nourish London are back again this year with a range of vegan, organic beauty sets perfect for Christmas gifting. Presented in organic, handmade toiletry bags by Fairtrade Organisation Freeset in India, the sets are as gorgeous as ever, with something to suit every budget.

Lemon and Black Pepper Handcare Duo £25

This duo features a Lemon and Black Pepper hand wash (proven to kill 99.99% of bacteria) and hand lotion in a beautifully refreshing scent. I've tried the hand wash before and it's particularly good in the kitchen - lemon is very good at ridding hands of garlic and other 'cooking' smells. A lovely gift for just about anyone.

Antioxidant Duo £15

A perfect stocking filler or Secret Santa present, this set features the Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm and Antioxidant Peptide Mist in travel/ handbag friendly sizes. The balm cleanses and moisturises while the (gorgeously scented) mist preps and refreshes. A good 'to me, from me' option too!

Luxury Argan Collection £70

With full sizes of Argan Anti-Ageing Peptide Serum, Argan Skin Renew Moisturiser and Skin Renew Cleanser, this set is complete with a Jade Stone Facial Roller.  Organic Moroccan Argan Oil is the star ingredient in the collection and is rich in Omega 6, Vitamin E, Antioxidants, Tripeptides and Hyaluronic Acid. This is a generous gift for any skincare lover in your life.

The Gift of Radiance £65

All you need for a luxury facial at home, this gift is ideal for practically anyone who could use a little me-time this festive season. Featuring a Rose Quartz Gua Sha tool, the set contains a 50ml jar of the Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm, Radiance Firming Facial Oil (a stunning oil) and Radiance Rejuvenating Peptide Serum. The Gift of Radiance is valued at £108 so this is a really good deal too!

Blissful Sleep Gift Set £45

The present I'd most like to see under my tree, the Blissful Sleep Gift Set is a three piece collection consisting of the Sleepy Pillow Mist, Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask and Sleep Essential Oil Blend. With formulas that include calming essential oils like Lavender, Chamomile, Frankincense and Rose, this trio is perfect for loved ones who could do with a bit of rest this Christmas.

Nourish London really is such a lovely, conscious brand and this year's gift sets are thoughtfully curated, with a great mix of luxury and afforable options. For more information about the products visit Nourish London.