Nourish London Vegan and Organic Beauty Gifts 2019

(Contains sample) I've blogged about Nourish London's vegan, organic skincare products a few times before- they really are lovely formulas that are a joy to use.

This year, Nourish London have some gorgeous gift sets on offer, all beautifully packaged and ready to present to your nearest and dearest, so all you have to do is take your pick.

Get Your Glow £55

This amazing looking set features the Radiance Firming Facial Oil, Argan Skin Renew Moisturiser and the amazing Antioxidant Multi-tasking Super Balm. I am a huge fan of the Super Balm (you can read my review here) and have tried the oil and moisturiser before and enjoyed both. A brilliant set for anyone who could do with a bit of a pamper this Christmas.

*Youthful Skin Saviours £42

I actually have this set to review and it's just as gorgeous as expected. This gift contains the Kale Anti-Ageing Eye Cream, Kale Anti-Ageing Hand Cream and the T.S.L Tighten, Sculpt & Lift Neck Elixir. This trio of targeted products is a perfect present for anyone interested in sampling Nourish's anti-ageing products and works out to be great value as the price of the set is what you'd pay for the eye cream and hand cream, so the T.S.L Elixir is free. The eye cream contains peptides, vitamin-rich kale extracts, B vitamins and antioxidants to soften fine lines and reduce dark circles, while maqui berry and pomegranate enzymes work to reduce puffiness in the eye area.

Extremely hydrating, the Kale Anti-Ageing Hand Cream works to improve skin texture and pigmentation while protecting the skin against the effects of pollution.

The rich hand cream contains kale extract (to protect against pollution) and rose of Jericho, argan oil and hyaluronic acid to provide hydration and even tone.

Bioactive peptides and antioxidants are in the mix to stimulate collagen production and minimise fine lines, while Frankincense, Neroli and Myrrh repair and heal the skin.

All Hail the Kale £55

Nourish have a unique kale extract that is used in a lot of their formulas for its anti-oxidant effects, so it makes perfect sense that they'd create a special set dedicated to the superfood. This set includes the Kale 3D Cleanse, which is a brilliant colour-changing cleanser, the Kale Enzymatic Exfoliator that contains pomegranate enzymes to slough away dead skincells, the Kale Anti-Ageing Eye Cream and the Kale Anti-Ageing Hand Cream. A fantastic gift celebrating the skincare benefits of kale really!

Nourished Hands Trio £20

A great gift for anyone looking to give their hands a little bit of love, this trio features the Kale Anti-Ageing Hand Cream, Lavender Hand Lotion and Damask Rose Hand Lotion. The lavender and rose hand lotions are limited edition so this is a good way to grab both of them at once before they sell out, too.

Ultimate Skin Hydration £60

This gift is basically a facial in a box with a cleanser, serum, moisturiser and mask all included, so it's a great present but also a good way to try out a whole Nourish regime for yourself. This set fetaures the Kale 3D Cleanse, Argan Anti-Ageing Peptide Serum, Argan Skin Renew Moisturiser and Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask. This set works out to be particularly good value too as you're paying for the argan serum and moisturiser and getting the cleanser and mask free. If that's not a good excuse to go for it, I don't know what is.

There's also a limited edition Bergamot and Cardamom Shower Cream, limited edition Lavender Hand Lotion and a Damask Rose Hand Lotion, which I think would make great Secret Santa gifts or stocking fillers.

You can find all the above gifts and more at Nourish London.

EcoPanda Reusable Bamboo Makeup Remover Pads

(Gifted Item) Sustainable products are everywhere at the moment and it's so good to see existing brands making the effort to adapt their existing products, But what's really exciting is all the new sustainable brands coming out with sustainable products designed to replace the usual disposable kind. One such brand is EcoPanda - a small UK brand creating sustainable products from renewable raw materials. So far, EcoPanda have created reusable makeup remover pads from bamboo which are completely washable, reusable and biodegradable.

I have the pack of 18 that come in a bamboo box (which has a cute panda illustration on the lid) and is complete with a wash bag. The presentation of this is so lovely, I think it would make an excellent gift for the eco-conscious beauty enthusiast in your life! You can also purchase a pack of 16 rounds that includes a bamboo face cloth and wash bag.

EcoPanda Reusable Bamboo Makeup Remover Pads

The pads themselves are made from 80% bamboo and 20% organic cotton and feature 2 layers, so they're thick enough to feel like a good quality cotton pad. Designed for any skin type, they feel perfectly soft and pleasant to use (because if they didn't, why would you?) when using them to take off eye and face makeup and when using them to apply toners and acids.

I will admit, I mainly use these to apply product rather than take it off, because I don't generally wear make up every day, and they perform in a very similar fashion to standard cotton pads.

How do you Wash Reusable Cotton Pads?

To keep the reusable bamboo cotton pads looking good and performing at their best, EcoPanda have the following recommendations:

• Give the pads a quick wash after you've used them. Warm water and bar soap works best.
• Before popping them in the washing machine, make sure they're in the supplied laundry bag. this will prevent them becoming frayed.
• If the pads are heavily soiled (eg, they've removed a lot of foundation and mascara), give them a soak in warm water with a little white vinegar and soap
• Wash the pads in your machine at up to 60 degrees Celsius
• Don't add fabric softener, stain removers or bleach on the cotton pads (I'm thinking using these might break down the fabric).
• EcoPAnda recommend that in place of fabric softener, just use a little white vinegar and a few drops of your favourite essential oil - the vinegar will soften the pads while the essential oil will disappate the smell of vinegar and leave them pleasantly scented

Bare in mind that it's going to be nearly impossible to keep the pads completely white - products like waterproof mascara will almost certainly leave their mark over time. This obviously doesn't mean the pads are any less effective, but it's good to have realistic expectations!

You can find the reusable cotton pads on Amazon and find out more at EcoPanda. The set with the bamboo box is currently £20.90 on Amazon while the set of 16 is £10.49.

Christmas at TK Maxx

(Gifted Experience) Over the last few years I've become quite a frequent shopper at TK Maxx. All year round it really is a total treasure trove of unexpected finds, absolute bargains and a whole lot of weird and wonderful things I never knew I needed. But at Christmas? There's even more to explore. Every visit to TK Maxx is different because there is always something new to discover and in my opinion, the bigger the store, the more fun there is to be had! Imagine my excitement then when I was invited along to the Oxford Street TK Maxx store to explore all that was on offer. My mission? To find unique and thoughtful Christmas gifts for my friends and family.
Opened in June this year, the Oxford Street TK Maxx is absolutely massive and is laid out across 4 floors with lifts and escalators to acces the different areas. I prefer stores that are planned out this way rather than just one big floor as I find it less overwhelming and easier to navigate.  During my visit I found some great items for my boyfriend, sister, son, Mother in Law and even my Secret Santa!

Christmas Gifts at TK Maxx

The Oxford Street store has an entire floor dedicated to men so if you're looking for Gifts For Him, this is the place to go. You can't go wrong with socks for Christmas (it's almost the law isn't it?) so I picked out a few warm, good quality pairs for Rich as well as a designer jumper in a neutral green colour I know he'll wear.

For Gifts For Her, TK Maxx is an obvious choice and I spent a long time looking through the Gold Label racks and Women's Accessories to find a scarf I know my sister will appreciate (it's actually a scarf with a zip so it converts into a poncho which I though was quite cool). I also picked her up a new hairdryer because I know hers recently blew up.

I also picked up a cute soap and a pampering gift set from the Body, Bath and Beauty section for my Mother in Law and a lotion and handwash from one of her favourite brands. I spent way too much time sniffing the scented candles from Candles and Home Fragrance on the Home level and chose a couple in fragrances I know she'll like. The Home level was probably favourite section to visit actually - there's a huge selection of acessories and furnishings for every room in the house and it's particularly exciting at this time of the year. There's a lot to choose from for the Foodie in your life too and I chose a Hot Chocolate Gift Set (complete with marshmallows) for the brother and sister in law to get stuck into.

There are loads of Gifts For Kids and Babies on offer, so it was easy to find a few bits for my toddler. The little one loves books (there is a decent selection of books for kids) found a sound book that I know he'll love and an educational book and block set (he's very much into stacking things up at the moment so I think this will be a hit). I also spotted a Christmas Eve box that we can add a few goodies to for him to enjoy the night before the big day.

Finally, my Secret Santa this year is a fan of gin so when I spotted a Gin Cocktail Set within the budget, I thought it would be perfect.

I think I did a pretty good job choosing gifts for some of my loved ones - it was a lot of fun visiting the store and really easy to find presents for everyone from babies through to grandparents. Having so many categories under one roof takes a bit of stress out of Christmas shopping and it's always nice to find quality and branded products at such great prices. If you can't get to a store yourself or don't fancy braving the Christmas crowds, you can shop Christmas Gifts online at the TK Maxx website.

*I was gifted a £200 TK Maxx giftcard. All words and views my own.

Sugaring vs Waxing

(aff links) Something a little bit different today because I spent a large portion of the Summer just gone thinking about body hair and how best to rid myself of it. I've therefore been asking myself a few very (un)important questions over the past few months:
What's the difference between waxing and sugaring?
Does waxing hurt more than sugaring?
Should I really attempt to wax or sugar myself at home?
How can I remove the hair on my legs without it growing back within 10 minutes?
Can I give myself a Brazilian wax and if so how do I avoid 3rd degree burns on my bits?
So. Many. Questions.

Summer may be long gone but while it was still here, I tried a few different hair removal methods - hot wax, wax strips, sugar wax and an epilator have all featured - and throughout this vanity-driven journey I've felt inspired to share my findings and try to answer that age-old question that plagues so many of us (it doesn't): Which is better? Waxing or Sugaring?
So let's break it down, first of all we need to discuss how these two methods of hair removal differ.

Sugaring vs Waxing - What's the Difference?

The main difference between the two methods of hair removal is obviously the general formula; one uses a wax of some description while the other involves some variation of sugar. With waxing, you can choose between soft wax or hard wax. Generally speaking, hard wax is used on smaller areas with coarser hair (think bikini area and armpits) and soft wax is used on large areas such as the legs. Hard wax is stripless (it's allowed to cool slightly before being quickly 'zipped' off) while soft wax is spread onto the skin with a spatula and then removed with a cotton or paper strip. You can also buy pre-waxed strips, that I have used for years on my facial hair and the large strips can be a good option for getting your legs hair-free.

Body Sugar or Sugar Wax also comes in a few different variations - there's the soft sugar, which you apply with a spatula and take off with a strip (you can find a few different brands in Boots) or a 'hard' sugar, which I haven't seen in any stores but is fairly easy to make yourself. Hard sugar formulas are actually quite fun to use (yep, I've made my own and it actually worked) as it involves 'kneading' your little lump of hard sugar until it becomes opaque and flexible, spreading it onto your hairy skin and then quickly zipping it off. There are plenty of recipes online and step by step videos on YouTube showing you how to make this but they generally involve a bag of sugar, water, lemon juice, a little salt and a bit of patience while you heat it over the stove.

Does Waxing hurt more than Sugaring?

In my experience, yes, yes it does. The reason for this is that wax formulas not only adhere to the hair you want gone, but to the skin as well...which you probably don't want gone. This means that when you remove the wax, you remove some skin cells with it, which, granted is good for a wax-and-exfoliation-in-one effect but not so good if the wax didn't grab all the hairs and you want to go over the area again. I have made the mistake in the past (which I actually haven't learned from as I still do it occasionally) of over-waxing my upper lip and essentially giving myself a graze. Not only is this not a great look, but it stings! If I behave like a normal person and don't overdo the waxing on my upper lip, it's totally fine though and I'm moustache-free for a few weeks. I have also had a few DIY bikin wax attempts that have ended with me CUTTING WAX out of my pubic hair with nail scissors because it's all gone terribly wrong and hardened too much before I've braved the big rip.

I have found sugaring to be much less painful - yes it still feels like you're tearing your hair out at the roots, but it's much more bearable. This is because sugar does not stick to your skin, it just wraps itself around the hairs, therefore you're not irritating your skin in the process. Sugar wax is also water soluble, so if you do happen to get some stuck in your hair, or you chicken out and want to get it off your skin without taking any hair off, you can just remove it very easily with water.

Some Waxing and Sugaring Products I Recommend

As mentioned, I have tried a lot of different hair removal products over the Summer just gone, so I thought I'd share a few that worked well for me.

Hair Removal Wax:

Smooth Appeal Original Facial Hair Remover Wax - This is a little saucepan of wax that you heat carefully on the hob before applying to the hair and removing quickly, without a strip. This is one of the more gentle formulas I've found.
*A note on post-facial wax care; I often would break out in tiny white heads on my upper lip a few days after waxing and it totally took away all the enjoyment of having a nice, smooth face. I found a way to stop this happening, which is quite simple really - I now gently cleanse the area after waxing (obviously cleanse before waxing too) with a tea-tree wash (we have a big bottle of Australian Bodycare Skinwash) and the next day apply a gentle acid exfoliant - I was using Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner but I've now run out so will try something else next time. If you have sensitive skin, this might not be a great idea, but it worked for me in keeping the post-wax spots at bay.

Jolen Facial Wax Strips - Pre-coated wax strips that look a lot like sticky tape. Hands down, the best, least irritating wax strips for face that I've tried. They're quite reasonably priced too, which is always a bonus.

Veet EasyGrip Ready-to-Use Wax Strips - Large, pre-coated strips that I found to be good for bigger areas, like legs. These are by no means painless but they are really easy to use. Just warm the strip a bit in your hands before pulling it apart so the wax is nice and sticky, ready to adhere to the hairs. Or, do what I do and sit on the strips to keep them warm and ready as you wax. If that's not an excellent hack, I don't know what is.

Sugar:

Nad's Natural Hair Removal Wax  - This is a sugaring kit that inlcudes a tub of 100% natural Sugar Wax, wooden applicators , fabric strips and a little bar of pre-wax soap. The soap is a really important step as it removes any oils (both natural and from body lotions etc) from the surface of the skin and hair, giving the sugar the best grip. I found this to be an excellent product and was really pleasantly surprised when I first tried it.

I haven't tried any other commercial sugar wax formulas as yet but as mentioned, I did make a little pot of my own that I used a few times and found to be really effective. There are a lot of tutorials out there but I followed this one on YouTube.

Overall, I definitely prefer sugaring as a hair removal method - it's less painful, it's easier to clean up and it's much less irritating. That said, I have had some great experiences with professional waxes (you can read my reviews of Brazilian and Bikini waxes at Ministry of Waxing here and here) and am yet to try professional sugaring - that'll be one for next Summer I think!

Clark's Botanicals Retinol Rescue Overnight Cream

(aff links) Clark's Botanicals Retinol Rescue Overnight Cream had been on my wishlist for quite some time. I first tried a sample size that came as part of a Space NK gwp a few years ago and had decided, as I scraped out the very last bit from that tiny pot, that it was a good retinol cream for beginners and one day I was going to need the full size in my life. That day arrived on my birthday in September so I've been the proud owner of my very own jar for a good few weeks now.

It can't have come at a better time really because I am far more inclined to use retinol products in Autumn and Winter than I am in the warmer seasons and this is one of the more pleasurable retinol creams I've used.
This is a really thick, buttery formula that smoothes onto the skin like a dream, smells quite a lot like vanilla ice cream (heavenly) and makes the skin feel instantly plumped and moisturised - an effect that makes it almost wasteful to apply it before bed really!

The rich moisturiser was designed to reduce the appearance of sun damage, fine lines and enlarged pores and features a time release Retinol and high potency Retinol as well as encapsulated Vitamin C. In the formula is Colloidal Oatmeal to soothe and calm, Red Clover Flower Extract, which helps to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, Vitamin E to moisturise and protect and Jasmine Extract to rebalance, soothe and protect.
The cream has a Glycerin and Shea Butter base and is free from silicones, instead using something called Diheptyl Succinate as an emollient which is derived from Castor Oil. Interestingly, the formula also includes synthetic Beeswax, which makes this a vegan product.
I'm usually quite interested to understand the exact concentration of retinol my skin will be receiving when trying a product like this but I can't seem to find this information, so I'm just enjoying it for what it is to be honest!

To use the Retinol Rescue Overnight Cream, you simply massage it into a clean face before bed, get some sleep, then wake up to a glowing complexion. That's how it works for me anyway.

I have not used this consistently over consecutive nights but rather use it a few times a week and so far, while I haven't seen an improvement in fine lines (yet, I have hope!), I have noticed an improvement in overall texture and brightness, so it's a yes from me.

Overall, I would say that this is a good 'starter' Retinol product, a good Retinol cream for beginners, if  you will. So if you're new to the world of retinoids and don't want something that could potentially peel your face off, this is a good option. It's a total pleasure to use too thanks to the thick texture and delicious scent.

I class Clark's Botanicals Retinol Rescue Overnight Cream as a bit of a luxury item as it comes in at £85 for 50ml. It's a treat, yes, but a treat worth having nonetheless. You can find it at Space NK.

ARK Skincare Triple Action Exfoliator & Hydration Injection Masque

(Samples) I'll start by saying these two products are the perfect partners; one exfoliates and preps the skin before the other comes in and delivers a whole lot of hydration.
Together they are an ideal addition to your Sunday night skincare ritual or equally, they're so quick and simple to use, they're ideal for those of us that are short on time but want a little something extra to get skin glowing.

These products are my second venture into ARK Skincare (you can read my previous review here) and I have another product to try out next, but for now, onto the goods!

Ark Triple Action Exfoliator Review

The Triple Action Exfoliator has the word triple in the name for a very good reason, that is, it exfoliates using three actions- physical, fruit acid and enzymatic.
The physical action comes from bamboo micro particles that literally slough dead skin from the surface of the face for a polished, smooth look and feel.
Fruit acids (AHAs) include Bilberry, Orange, Lemon, Sugar Cane and Sugar Maple support skin renewal and help to reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles and acne scarring.
Capping things off nicely, a Skin Regenerating Enzyme works to dissolve the bonds that 'glue' cells together on the surface of the skin and therefore aid in fading pigmentation and improve absorbtion of the skincare you apply afterwards (in this case, the Hydration Injection Masque).

Designed for use once or twice per week, the exfoliator is applied to a damp face and neck and then massaged gently using circular movements. The amount of time you leave it on your skin depends on your age; Teens and Twenties are advised to wash it off after massaging, Thirties and Forties leave it on for two minutes and Fifties and beyond are advised to leave the Exfoliator to work for up to five minutes. To remove, you need to use a damp, warm cloth and by need, I mean you need to use a cloth to take this off - trying to rinse it off is just not going to work given the texture of the formula.

Ark Hydration Injection Masque Review

Like a big old drink of water for your face, the Hydration Injection Masque was created for tired, stressed out skin that lacks radiance. Featurimg a 'Hyaluronic Acid Booster' to drench the skin, this is a multivitamin mask that plumps and restores vibrancy. The masque contains an encapsulated blend of vitamins inlcuding Vitamin A, Vitamin B5, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Vitamin A is in the blend to boost Collagen production while Vitamin B5 smoothes the skin, Vitamin C fades pigmentation and Vitamin E is included to act as an anti-inflammatory and provide some protection against UV damage. Rounding off the formula, Sugar Beet and Abyssinian Oil offer intense nourishment for a soft, smooth look feel.

On application, the Hydration Injection Masque feels instantly cooling and calming and instantly relieves irritation and discomfort - perfect for using after active products like the Triple Action Exfoliator really! Though it's worth mentioning that I didn't feel any irritation after using it.
To use (once or twice a week), simply smooth a think layer over the face and neck and leave on for the amount of time recommended for your age. For Teens and Twenties, leave on for five minutes, leave it to work for ten minutes if you're in your Thirties or Forties and for Fifties onward leave it on for up to twenty minutes. Remove with a warm, damp cloth, pat dry and follow with your usual skincare. The Masque can also be left on overnight for an intensive treatment.

I really like both these products individually but when used together they are an absolute treat with instantly visible results that left me looking refreshed and hydrated with a buttery-smooth feeling face.

Both the Triple Action Exfoliator and Hydration Injection Masque retail for £35 each for 75ml. As a side note, I've just discovered that ARK also have a range of scented candles in a range of scents including Vanilla, Sandalwood & Amber and Nutmeg, Cinnamon & Clove (which sounds perfect for Christmas). You can find the candles here and the Exfoliator and Masque here.

5 Reasons to Love Autumn

(Gift/non aff link) Having grown up on the south-east coast of Australia where it's pretty warm all year round, the British Autumn is quite a novelty to me. In fact, it's probably my favourite season of all - not warm but not so freezing you need multiple layers on just to put the bins out. Pumpkin Spice Lattes (I know), woolly jumpers with wellies and cosy candle lit nights are just a few of the things I look forward to when this time of year rolls around. It might be an unpopular opinion but I'm always glad to see the back of Summer (bye bye10pm sunsets) and look forward to the colder months closing in- here are 5 reasons why.

It's Time to Switch Up my Skincare Routine
I am such a lover of thick face creams, rich oils and luxurious body butters and obviously these are more necessary and enjoyable in cold weather. I enjoy my skincare and bodycare routines so much more in Autumn and Winter and live for the moment when I get to crack out my richer products, as well as my beloved retinols and actives that I don't reach for as much in the Summer. I don't really enjoy the feeling of lotions and creams on my body during hot spells but when it's cold it's a whole different story - I love cocooning myself in nourishing, hydrating products, especially before snuggling down for the night.

It's Leggings Season
I don't know about you but I love me a pair of decent leggings and I'm always pleased when the mercury drops and I can bring my favourite, most comfy pairs out of retirement and get them on my legs. Leggings are excellent because they're basically a hybrid of tights and trousers but I have some very strict criteria when it comes to what I will bare on my pins. Firstly, they must be thick and opaque. Whether colured, patterned or classic black, my leggings must absolutely, under no circumstances be sheer enough to show what shade knickers I've got on. Secondly, they must be high-rise. High-rise styles are more flattering on me and so much more comfortable than hipster style cuts. Which leads me to my third, most crucial criteria - the leggings must be comfortable otherwise I may as well just wear jeans. One pair of leggings I've found that tick all the boxes are the *Wolford Velvet Sensation Leggings which are super comfy, cosy and thick enough to wear like trousers.

Shorter Days mean Longer Nights
I personally prefer nighttime to the day and as an adult, I always have. To me, Autumnal nights mean snuggling up wearing thick, woolly socks, endless cups of tea in front of box sets and enjoying the flicker of a scented candle or two (extra points for pumpkin/baked goods fragrances). There's just something a bit magic about Autumn nights isn't there? As a side note, it's also officially slow-cooker season, which is my favourite because there's no easier, lazier way of cooking dinner than that!

Everything Looks Extra Beautiful
I know not one person that doesn't appreciate a crisp, delicate oak leaf that has welcomed Autumn by turning various shades of red, brown and yellow. I think London was made for Autumn weather and the city and surrounds are at their visual best when there's a chill in the air. Trees full of turning leaves are quite simply stunning and to me, everything just looks so much more beautiful. And, as my little family and I enjoy long walks on the weekends, the slight bite in the air and the sight of my little boy enjoying the crunch of leaves beneath his wellies brings me so much joy.

It means Christmas is coming
...and Halloween is just around the corner. Autumn signals the start of a distinct festive vibe - supermarkets start stocking all kinds of limited edition delicacies, there's a mix of Halloween and Christmas themed decorations and products in the shops  and the coffee chains bring out their long-anticipated special flavours. I'm personally a great fan of Christmas and all the festivities that come with it and the weeks leading up to Halloween are my favourite time to browse Instagram - I really enjoy all the clever Halloween looks posted around this time! Autum is basically one big mash up of spooky stuff and Santa and it's the ideal time to watch the Iconic The NIghtmare Before Christmas. Perfection.
Are you a lover of all things Autumn or do the warmer months have your heart?


This post contains a non-affiliate link to a gifted item. I was not paid for this article.

CeraVe Comes to the UK

(Samples/Affiliate Links) CeraVe already has a huge following on its home shores of the US and now the Dermatologist-developed skincare brand is making a name for itself in the UK thanks to its gentle, effective products. I have been trying three different products from CeraVe; the Hydrating Cleanser, Facial Moisturising Lotion for PM and the Daily Moisturising Cream.

Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser Review

The Hydrating Facial Cleanser has already achieved cult status this side of the pond thanks to its gel formula rich in Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid. This particular cleanser was developed for 'normal' to dry skin (there are cleansers for other skin types available) and is described as being fragrance-free, non-irritating and non-comedogenic. The Ceramides in the formula work to protect and restore the skin's natural barrier while Hyaluronic Acid does it thing as a humectant by attracting hydration to the skin. Something I have found with this cleanser is that sometimes it ever so slightly 'stings' my skin during use. I couldn't figure out why sometimes it did this and sometimes it was perfectly fine and soothing until I looked at other products I was using. Basically I have used anything very active the night before (exfoliating acids, retinol products etc), this will sting a little bit! I know for a fact that many, many people get on extremely well with this and the sensation I experience when using after actives doesn't take away from the fact that it's a very well known, well loved product.

Cerave Facial Moisturising Lotion for PM Review

The Facial Moisturising Lotion for the PM however is a whole different story. I really like it as a light but effective moisturiser (and not just at night either). Packaged in a tube with a convenient pump, the moisturising lotion features Ceramides, Niacinamide, Glycerin and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, which is an antioxidant consisting of coconut oil and glycerin. As forementioned, Ceramides work to protect and restore the natural barrier function of the skin while Niacinamide (Vit B3) improves fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone and dullness. Glycerin, which is second on the list of ingredients after Purified Water, is also a humectant that works to keep the skin shielded and hydrated. A very nice night cream that feels much more luxurious than it looks. ETA I have linked above to the lotion available at Boots - though it doesn't say PM on the tube, it seems to have the same ingredients!

Cerave Moisturising Cream Review

The Moisturising Cream for Dry to Very Dry Skin is designed for use on both the face and the body (which are words that usually frighten me a bit for no particular reason) contains 3 different Ceramides as well as Hyaluronic Acid to attract hydration to the skin and keep it locked in. This is a very nice, very inoffensive, very decent product that I imagine pretty much everyone would like. Because it doesn't really smell like anything at all (except, maybe a bit like...water? Does water smell like anything??), absorbs quickly and leaves skin suitably soft and smooth, it seems to me that it's a one-size-fits-all sort of moisturiser that you'd have in your bath and body stash ready for when you don't want anything fancy or scented but just crave a decent hit of moisture and don't want to wait an age before you can get dressed. By happy coincidence it just so happens that the Daily Moisturising Lotion is recommended by various pro fake tanners as an excellent aftercare moisturiser. It was great timing when this arrived because I was literally sitting there in a fresh layer of fake tanning foam in preparation for our holiday when the Postman turned up. The reason it's praised for its faux-tan maintaining powers is because the formula doesn't contain any of the oils that usually break down the colour.

One of the main selling points of the products is that they are affordable yet effective with the cleanser on sale for £9.50, the facial moisturiser at £13 and the moisturising cream coming in at £9. CeraVe products are available at Boots.

Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser

(Sample/AffiliateLinks) This newly launched gel cleanser arrived just in time for that second heatwave we recently had and it was a very welcome addition to our bathroom!
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser was developed for oily and combination skins and is designed to fight blemishes without drying out the skin. While my skin leans to the dry side of the spectrum and I wouldn't usually seek out a cleanser to control blemishes, I get on really well with this cleanser. Here's why.

Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser Review

This is a refreshing gel formula with a consistency that reminds me a bit of watered down aloe vera. You know that sort of slippery, jelly-like feeling that fresh aloe vera has? It's a little like that. The gel formula of the cleanser makes it absolutely perfect for warm weather, when we naturally reach for something a bit lighter and refreshing. I've really, really enjoyed cleansing with this both in the morning to refresh and revive and in the evenings to cool my face before bed.

Featuring a unique blend of essential oils including Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint and Rosemary, the gel cleanser contains antioxidant Polyphenols and Salicylic Acid which provides a gentle exfoliating action and works to gently shift any gunk stuck in pores. The cleanser is enriched with organic Grape and Rose waters to keep the formula hydrating on the skin while the essential oils and Salicylic Acid purify and clear. The gentle foaming action of the cleanser is down to Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate which is a mild surfactant derived from coconuts, so if you're sensitive to SLS, this could be a good option. In terms of scent, the Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser has a fresh, natural botanical scent, which just enhances the whole cleansing experience in my opinion.

Overall I think this is a great, gentle cleanser that most people would enjoy (I know my boyfriend is quite fond of it!). It's pretty affordable too at £16 for 150ml.
You can find Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser at a range of retailers or direct from Caudalie where they currently have a special offer of a free Vinopure duo with a spend of £45 or more. There are other items in the Vinopure range that I am yet to try including an award-winning toner, a serum and a mattifying moisturiser.

Nakin Skincare

(Gifted/Affiliate) Nakin Skincare is a natural beauty brand I've actually been wanting to try for ages but never quite got round to it, until now. The British brand uses key natural anti-ageing ingredients to create products that not only feel luxurious to use, but are good for your skin too. I've been incorporating a few of Nakin's gorgeous products into my skincare regime over the last few weeks so here's a bit of info on each as well as how I got on with them.

Nakin Skincare Review

Nakin Natural Anti-Ageing Advanced Cleansing Milk (£15)
If you follow my Instagram you might have seen me compare this cleansing milk to coconut cream- it's that thick and luxurious. Designed to be removed with a cotton pad or damp cloth, this creamy cleanser contains Hyaluronic Acid, Pomegranate Extract, Seaweed Extract and olive oil unsaponifiables. The cleanser also contains Sunflower and Grape Seed oils and I've found it be effective as both a first cleanse to remove makeup/ SPF and a second cleanse to properly clean the skin as the formula combined with removal with a damp flannel encourages cell turnover and leaves a healthy looking glow. Overall this is an incredibly gentle cleansing milk that leaves the skin feeling clean and comfortable without any tightness.

Nakin Natural Anti-Ageing Purifying Face Toner (£15)
It's been approximately 100 years since I've used a toner with Witch Hazel (I think the last time was actually when I was a teen in the early noughties) so I was particularly interested to see how my skin got on with this. I've always associated Witch Hazel with being super drying but there is nothing uncomfortable about this toner. At all. It's incredibly refreshing and has been an absolute God send in this recent heat wave, waking up my skin in the mornings and giving it a nice cooling hit before bed at night. As well as astringent Witch Hazel to cleanse it contains Aloe to soothe, Hyaluronic Acid to plump and purifying, nutrient dense Seaweed Extract. I apply the toner after the cleansing milk using either a cotton pad or just sweeping it on with my hands. Lovely.

Nakin Natural Anti-Ageing Revitalising Face Oil (£22)
I'm pretty much a facial oil veteran by now and have tried a fair few over the years so I know what I like. A good face oil should absorb well and leave you glowing, not greasy, which is exactly what this one does. Featuring a subtle natural scent, this is a blend of Peach Kernel, Sweet Almond, Grape Seed, Baobab, Argan and Jojoba oils with Olive Oil unsaponifiables and added Vitamin E. The 100% natural face oil is best used gently pressed into the skin after your serum and delivers a dose of Omega oils that are great all-rounders for keeping skin looking and feeling supple and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Overall I'm really pleased with all three of the Nakin products I've tried, but my favourite has to be the cleansing milk; it's just such a joy to use and I love its thick, rich consistency. To find out more and check out these lovely natural products for yourself, click on over to www.nakinskincare.com.

Beauty Shopping in Covent Garden

This is a collaborative blog post.

Covent Garden is a pretty special corner of London; not only are there brilliant museums, incredible restaurants and great hotels in Covent Garden, but it's also a fantastic shopping destination for beauty enthusiasts such as myself. If you've not visited in recent years, you might be surprised to know that Covent Garden has emerged as one of London's favourite destinations for beauty shopping and the eclectic vibe of the area extends to the plethora of beauty stores on offer. There's a brilliant mix of designer beauty destinations, niche skincare and makeup shops and pop up stores so virtually every taste and budget is catered for.

It had been a while since I'd properly explored all that Covent Garden has to offer so I recently   ventured to the West End to have a little explore, with my mum and toddler along for the ride.

It's not often I find myself in a designer beauty boutique so the lure of Dior, Tom Ford and Chanel's dedicated beauty spaces were kind of hard to resist. To be honest, this first stop was pretty much just about immersing myself in a little luxury, plus I needed to inspect Chanel's Baume Essentiel (in Transparent) in the flesh since basically falling in love with it via a few blogger's reviews. Let's just say it didn't disappoint and may well be one for the birthday/ Christmas wish list.

Next stop was Charlotte Tilbury, which I'll start by saying is a totally different experience to visiting a CT concession in a department store. This place is called a Beauty Boudoir for a reason; it's all red velvet chairs and light-framed mirrors, very glamorous and vintage and gorgeous. A definite must-visit if you're in Covent Garden (I repurchased my beloved Hollywood Glow, one of the most impressive bits of makeup I've tried in recent years).

All this beauty browsing had us working up an appetite pretty quickly so we opted for an early lunch. There are so many places to grab a quick bite (and an array of lovely restaurants perfect for long, lazy lunches) but I've always wanted to visit the iconic Shake Shack so we indulged in a quick burger and fries. I had the mushroom burger, which was much tastier than it sounds, while mum enjoyed the chicken burger and all three of us partook in a generous portion of cheesy crinkley fries, which were particularly appreciated by my little boy.

After lunch we followed our noses to some classic fragrance retailers including Molton Brown, Floral Street and Penhaligon's (which you can smell in the air long before it comes into view!).

Africology is a brand and store I hadn't actually heard of before but the spa-like scent wafting from the shop definitely had us interested.

The small but perfectly formed shop has shelves of natural skincare, bath, body and wellness products and I felt we couldn't leave without a souvenir or two so picked up some incredibly scented bath salts and a pillow spray.

Of course our excursion to Covent Garden wouldn't be complete without visiting the amazing new Boots concept store. Opened in June this year, the revamped Boots stocks all the usual brands as well as newer offerings including Fenty and Urban Decay and has a strong focus on wellness and sustainability. The new flagship features a whole host of exciting innovations and even has a Rehydration Station to refill your water bottle. I really loved exploring in here and picked up a few bits I hadn't come across before including a shampoo bar and an eco-friendly toothbrush for my son.

It's worth mentioning the Boots is open until 11pm every night (except Sunday where it closes at 6pm) so most evenings you can browse till your heart's content well after the sun has gone down.

It was really lovely to spend a few hours wandering around Covent Garden and we finished our day with a caffeine fix via seriously delicious iced lattes from Abuelo, a small, hip cafe on Southampton St that serves Aussie coffee.

Even though we packed so much into the day, we only scratched the surface of all that Covent Garden has to offer- not just in terms of beauty retailers, I'm talking things to see and do too! If you are a lover of all things beauty though, it might be worth knowing that Covent Garden is hosting the first ever London Beauty Week next month. Coinciding with Fashion Week, London Beauty Week is in partnership with the British Beauty Council and will take over Covent Garden's Piazza with a variety of special events. Special events aside, my visit to Covent Garden has reminded me what a special part of London it is and I'll leave this post here with one piece of advice- if you've never been, go!

The spending money for this blog post was gifted by Hotels.com, but all views and words are my own.

Weleda Week: Weleda Lavender Creamy Body Wash

(affiliate link) If I had to choose one shower gel or bath salt scent for the rest of my life, lavender would be it.
Its obviously a flower (herb?) long associated with relaxation and having a calming effect, which I would certainly say is true in my case. I know some people can't stand the smell but it's definitely one of my favourites. That said, I only appreciate a proper lavender fragrance, with that beautiful true lavender scent which is exactly what you get with Weleda's Lavender Creamy Body Wash.

This is a mild body wash that gently cleanses using Coco-Glucoside and Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate (surfactants derived from coconut oil and fruit sugars) and has a silky base of organic Sesame Seed Oil and Glycerin. Lavender Essential Oil is obviously a main player in the mix, giving the creamy body wash a soft, comforting scent that soothes mind and body.

I'm not sure what more I can say about this other than that it's a really worthwhile addition to any bathroom (provided you don't detest all things lavender) and is particularly welcome during a pre-bed shower or even added to bath water to help you relax.
Weleda Lavender Creamy Body Wash is £7.95 for 200ml at Look Fantastic.

Weleda Week: Weleda Oat Replenishing Shampoo

I think it's important that I begin this review by saying that the Weleda Oat Shampoo smells really good. I know that fragrance is a very subjective thing and this particular one is tricky to describe but I just feel like most people will enjoy the way this smells. Also, as if you would expect an oat shampoo ( or an oat anything, let's be real) to smell fantastic! Oats are just bland, beige little fibrous things some of us like to eat for breakfast aren't they? Apparently not, if this shampoo is anything to go by.

As it turns out, the humble oat is actually really good for your hair. This is because oats absorb silica in liquid form from the soil that the crops grow from, and silica is an important mineral that promotes healthy, shiny hair.

Phosphorus and Iron are also found in oats and are beneficial to the hair as, along with the silica, they smooth the hair cuticle, therefore reducing hair breakage and split ends.
Who knew?

The shampoo has a Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate base, which is essentially an alternative to SLS made from vegetable oils and Disodium Coco Glucoside Citrate which is a Sugar Surfactant ideal for people with sensitive skin and scalps.
Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids ( a salt made from the fatty acid Lauric Acid and amino acids from oat proteins) is 4th on the inci list. I mention it's position on the inci as the higher an ingredient is on the list, the higher the percentage (hopefully that makes sense) and it's great to see a product marketed as an oat shampoo actually have oat as a vital component. You know when you see shampoos or body products with things like 'with lemon extracts' or worse, just called 'lemon shampoo' or 'lemon body lotion' (no idea why I'm using lemons as an analogy here) and then you look at the ingredients and lemon is listed right at the bottom, as if the bottle was once just in the same room as a lemon and that's it and you feel a tiny bit ripped off? There's none of that here. This is an oat shampoo and oats play a major role!

Using this shampoo is a slightly different experience to washing your hair with a typical SLS based shampoo (I don't have a problem with SLS as a side note) and the first time I used it my hair felt a little too clarified if you know what I mean. While it was still wet it felt quite stripped but bare in mind that I rarely actually use a conditioner after I shampoo (I prefer leave in conditioners) so that could have been a factor. Once it was dry, my hair went oily quite quickly and it didn't look or feel excellent by the next day. Not one to write off a product after one use, I persevered and washed with it again and things started looking up. Now I've used the shampoo four times and I'm really pleased; my hair is shiny and healthy looking with natural volume and it smells magnificent too.

Maybe the first wash was a bit weird because the formula was getting rid of some kind of build up left behind from my previous shampoo? Maybe I didn't rinse it out properly the first time round? Who knows. Either way, I think it's a lovely shampoo that's worth a shot whether you exclusively use natural products or not.
Weleda Oat Replenishing Shampoo is £11.95 for 190ml at Feel Unique.

Weleda Week: Weleda Wild Rose Cream Bath

(affiliate link) At the Weleda Insight Day in June, we were let loose in the brand's on-site shop for a while (extra exciting when you're feeling all enthusiastic and passionate about a brand!) and I was instantly drawn to the Wild Rose Cream Bath.

Earlier in the day we were guided through Weleda's Harmonising Rose Facial which involved us all sitting around tables with bowls of warm water, flannels and gorgeous products and giving our faces a proper cleanse, tone and massage. This was surprisingly relaxing - you wouldn't think sitting in a large room full of strangers wearing disposable headbands would be a particularly soothing experience but it really was! One of the steps in the facial included the Wild Rose Cream Bath, which threw me a little at the time when actually it made perfect sense. Incredibly calming and infused with the natural relaxing fragrance of damask rose, the cream bath was used in the facial by adding a capful to a bowl of warm water and soaking a flannel in it and using it as a sort of compress to remove a cream mask from our faces. This step felt so comforting and I absolutely loved the scent so of course I sought it out in the shop straight away!
Milky and opaque, the rose cream bath is unlike any bath milk or cream I've used before. The texture is sort of unusual, it's on the runny side rather than the gloopy one, and it doesn't bubble or foam, probably because of its uber-natural inci list.

The base of the cream bath is Jojoba and Olive oil, with organic Rosehip seed oil and natural Damask Rose oil giving it that beautiful true-rose fragrance.

Sinking into a warm bath with a couple of capfuls of the cream is relaxing in both a physical and mental sense and you emerge with soft and silky skin without feeling like you're coated in something, if that makes sense?. I love using bath oils and I do like how they make my skin feel but I'm not so keen on emerging from a slippery bath so this is a great way to get the same sort of fragrant experience without the slip factor.
Weleda create a variety of different bath products- I bought my boyfriend the Arnica Muscle Soak which has gone down a treat- and I'm currently bathing my toddler using the Baby Calendula Bath which is particularly excellent at the moment as the poor little guy has chickenpox and Calendula is brilliant for reducing inflammation and soothing the skin.
The Weleda Wild Rose Cream Bath is £14.95 for 100ml at Look Fantastic.

Weleda Week: Weleda Gentle Cleansing Foam

(gift/affiliate link) Designed for normal and combination skin types, my dry-ish complexion isn't strictly the target audience for the Weleda Gentle Cleansing Foam but I have been enjoying it nonetheless.

The natural face wash features mild plant-derived cleansers including Coco-Glucoside (a surfactant made from coconut and fruit sugars) and contains Marshmallow Root and organic Witch Hazel extract to soothe, moisturise and refine the skin.

I want to clarify that this isn't a foaming cleanser, it's a cleansing foam - foaming cleansers are known for drying and stripping the skin as they lather up but this one is simply liquid that comes in a pump that creates a fluffy ball of foam as it's dispensed. As for drying the skin, it doesn't do that either; I've not experienced any tightness or discomfort whatsoever, just a pleasantly clean feeling.

To use, you just give the bottle a pump or two to release the foam, massage it onto a damp face then rinse off with warm water. There is an uplifting and sort of invigorating scent to the cleanser thanks to a special blend of essential oils, so I think it's particularly good for a morning cleanse to wake you up a bit and give you an aromatherapeutic boost before you start the day.

The cleansing foam rinses away very easily and leaves behind no detectable residue so it's a good option if you like to get things done in a hurry! I haven't used it to take off makeup but a friend has and she commented that it did the job well so that's worth noting too.
Overall, after using the cleansing foam a good few times myself and having my boyfriend, sister and friends use it too (we've had a few visitors lately!), I'd say that it's a good shout for pretty much everyone really.
Weleda Gentle Cleansing Foam is £15.95 for 100ml at Look Fantastic.