Kiehl's Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm

I would say I'm kicking myself for not buying Kiehl's Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm when it launched a few years ago but truth be told I don't think I really needed it way back then. You see, my skin was what could best be described as 'normal' before baby Tom but as I've said too many times before, since going through a pregnancy, breastfeeding and not really sleeping for two years, my skin has changed. And by changed I mean it's become mega dry. Of course I see the silver lining in this change; that is now I can try out all the lovely rich products I wouldn't have had much use for before. One such product is the Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm. 

This is described as a 'hydration blanket for the skin' which I have to agree is a pretty accurate description. Like a turbocharged version of Kiehl's best selling Ultra Facial Lotion, the thick, rich balm forms a sort of barrier on the skin while it's moisturising ingredients get to work. Speaking of which,  the balm contains olive-derived squalane, edelweiss extract , glycerine and antarcticine (a type of marine 'bacteria'). Squalane and antarcticine are moisture retaining ingredients which feature in other products in the Ultra Facial range while the edelweiss extract (edelweiss are famous for their ability to thrive in high altitudes) help strengthen the skin's barrier function.
You may have noticed I made a point of writing that the squalane is olive derived. This is because squalane used to be largely sourced from sharks (ugh!) or sugarcane. Thankfully most large cosmetics companies (including L'Oreal) no longer use shark squalane in their products these days but there are sugarcane- derived products on the market such as the Indeed Labs Squalane Oil. I had issues finding any huge difference between the olive and sugarcane variations other than that olive-derived squalane may be a little thicker than the sugarcane variant. If you're reading this and happen to know the difference please let me know in the comments because I am curious!

In addition to my already dry skin, I've been 'experimenting' with some Retirides (a Retinoid product) that I picked up in Spain a few months ago which is resulting in a bit of uncomfortable flaking and peeling in some areas and I've found this balm to be very helpful in keeping this at bay. When my skin balances out a bit I'll probably mainly reach for the balm at night as a treatment while I sleep but for now I'm happily smoothing it on morning, noon and night as and when I feel like it. If you don't have dry to very dry skin/are not about to go on some kind of arctic trek, this product might not suit you. It is very thick and as mentioned, it doesn't absorb quickly at all (which I personally love in cold weather particularly) and forms a sort of barrier on the skin. It just feels comfortable and cocooning and soothing and I feel like my face is in safe hands when I've got it on. Due to the thick consistency of the balm, you really don't need much product to sufficiently cover the face so you could expect it to see you through the Winter and then some. You can find Kiehl's Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm anywhere that stocks Kiehl's but I bought mine from Escentual for £24.50

Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar Reveal #16

Drawer number 16 reveals a cute travel sized bottle of Kiehl's Amino Acid Shampoo.
I have tried this particular shampoo before and I have to say I'm rather fond of its scrummy coconut scent and shine-imparting properties. Enriched with wheat proteins and wheat starch, the shampoo includes coconut oil and amino acids and is suitable for all hair types. If you like your hair to smell all tropical and coconut-ty, you'll want to try this one.
It's £16 for 250ml at Liberty.

And....Sleep.

I'm one of those people who has major issues getting out of bed in the morning, has a burst of energy between about 11am and 2pm, can't keep my eyes open by 5pm, then can't actually get to sleep until about 1am.
I will settle down for the night with a book or the TV, get all yawny and sleepy but then when it's time for lights out, BAM that silly brain of mine slips into overdrive thinking and worrying about EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING.

Staying up late is fine when you have nothing on the next day, but being stuck in this cycle constantly is pretty unpleasant to say the least.

Today I wanted to share a couple of little bits and pieces that encourage relaxation and sleep which you might find handy if you're anything like me!

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate is a wonderful night serum that is supposed to improve skin texture and replenish moisture overnight, but my favourite thing about it is the smell. Evening primrose oil and soothing essential oils including a hefty dose of lavender means this little product smells like refreshingly deep sleep in a bottle!

Elemis Quiet Mind Room Mist is the perfect way to prep my whole room for sleepy time - this stuff can be sprayed around the room and onto pillows and bed sheets, leaving everything delicately scented with soothing patchouli, eucalyptus and lemon. All in all it's just really lovely stuff!

Sranrom is a brand I wasn't familiar with until a couple of weeks ago when I was introduced to the Urban Wellness range - a lovely natural collection of body products.

One of my favourite's from Sranrom's Urban Wellness collection is the Sleep Tight Pulse Point Roller*, a lovely little tube packed full of a beautiful, relaxing blend of ylang ylang, lavender, white champaca and other snooze-inducing ingredients.

Using this is pretty self explanatory - just roll it onto temples and wrists and breathe in the soothing goodness to help you relax.
Then of course there is the humble Badger Sleep Balm which is essentially a beeswax formula brimmining with rosemary, bergamot and lavender. I'm afraid my tin of this is far too battered to photograph...

You can find out more about the gorgeous, natural brand Sranrom by visiting them at sranrom.co.uk.

I picked up the Elemis Quiet Mind Room Mist at Debenhams around Christmas and I've had the Badger Balm for far too long to remember where I got it, but I'm sure you can find it at Boots.

Thanks for reading and Goodnight!

Handbag Friendly Beauty Essentials

Most handbags have at least one thing in common- among the miscellaneous and often nondescript bits and pieces lies a stash of go-to beauty products poised for beauty emergencies or general maintenance throughout the day.
Similar to a 'what's in my handbag' post, today I want to show you the products that go virtually everywhere with me, minus the gum wrappers, receipts and biscuit crumbs that you would be exposed to if I actually showed you what's in my bag...

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

I bought this for the first time as an 18 year old back home in Australia. I had no idea what it was supposed to do or how to use it, all I knew was that the words 'beauty' and 'flash' used together could only be a good thing. Almost ten years later I use it to pep up my under eye area and pat it onto my cheeks for a dewy look. I especially love Beauty Flash Balm in the winter when applied as a mask- dry skin drinks it up.

Lucas' Paw Paw Ointment

Everyone should know about this stuff. It's one of those super products that does everything except make you a cup of tea. Produced in Queensland, Australia, the thick emollient balm instantly soothes dry skin, burns, cuts and insect bites and makes for a wonderful long lasting lip balm. I have been know to use this paw paw ointment to tame my eyebrows and highlight cheek bones. This isn't easy to find here in the UK but you can pick it up at the Australian shop in Covent Garden or get it online. *I haven't got my own photo of this because my man friend has stolen it!*

Moisturiser Sample

I've usually got a sample sized tube or pot of moisturiser that's the perfect size for popping in my bag. At the moment I'm using a rather generous sample of Kiehl's Rosa Arctica which is fantastic because it's a fairly thick, rich product., therefore has lasted me ages because I don't need much.

MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick

This is a cult product for a reason and I can't help but worship at the altar of this beautiful colour. Highly pigmented, smile brightening and uber long lasting, I'm rarely without this lipstick in my bag or on my lips.

Foundation Sample

I've found that those little '7 day trial' bottles of foundation many beauty brands provide after a colour match are perfect for carrying around in my bag with me. They weigh virtually nothing, can hold quite a lot of product and often come with a little spatula which minimizes mess. Don't actually like the foundation you're trialling? Rinse the little bottle out and fill it with your regular foundation. I've de-cantered some of my YSL Touche Eclat Foundation into this little bottle so I can touch up without having to lug around the full sized product.

Benefit 'They're Real!' Mascara

I do love this mascara, but it stays in my bag rather than on my dresser because I'm currently in love with an Avon mascara I got with a magazine recently. I know, it makes no sense to me either.

Bourjois Rose D'Or Blush

The pearly gold bits in this are terribly good at waking up my face and the rosey-pink base of the blush is so wearable it's almost ridiculous. I like how sheer and easily blended the colour is and the scent is lovely. The teeny size of the compact complete with built in mirror and brush make it handbag perfect.

So there you have it. Those are the products that reside in my handbag ready to pretty me up when I'm away from home. Do any of these live in your handbag too?

Thanks for reading :)