New! Nourish London Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25

 Post contains sample

 The latest launch from Nourish comes just in time for the sunnier days we've got coming. The new Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 25 is formulated with a blend of skin-benefiting ingredients and zinc oxide - a natural mineral sun filter.

Zinc sunscreens are generally pretty good for people with sensitive eyes (and skin for that matter) and as someone who's eyes often react to sunscreens, I can attest that this doesn't irritate me in the slightest. It’s worth mentioning that this product is actually completely safe to use on babies, which is always reassuring!

While the Zinc protects against damaging UVA and UVB rays, the moisturiser is supercharged with antioxidants and anti-ageing active ingredients to nourish, protect and firm the skin.
Turmeric, Tocopherol, Rosehip Oil and Camellia protect against environmental stressors and pollutants, while good old Hyaluronic Acid and Hexapeptides hydrate.

Argan, Kale, Pumpkin Seed Oil and Rose of Jericho are rich in Ceramides, protecting the skin's lipid layer and working to protect and smooth. To round things off, soothing Aloe Vera, Borage Oil and Bisabolol calm inflammation and redness.

The Daily Moisturiser is a satisfyingly thick consistency. In fact, it sort of just looks like a lovely jar of old school zinc sunblock, though on application it does melt into the skin and blends out sheer, on me. I would be interested to see how this blends out on dark skin. It leaves a semi-matte finish and works just fine under base makeup like tinted moisturiser and foundation. I usually need a little extra hydration underneath Zinc suncreams and while I find this moisturiser quite comfortable without anything else, I do like to use the Nourish London Relax Hydrating Peptide Serum underneath. Nourish actually recommend using a serum beneath the moisturiser to make it easier to apply and spread.


The reef-safe moisturiser is 55% organic (COSMOS certified organic) and comes in at a reasonable £28 for 50ml/with a wooden spatula or just £10 for a min 15ml travel size pot. You can find it online right now at Nourish London.

By Beauty Bay Thirst Class Rich Moisturiser

(affiliate links) 

 I was hunting for a new, really rich moisturiser a couple of weeks ago when I came across the aptly named Thirst Class Rich Moisturiser from By Beauty Bay.

If you didn't already know By Beauty Bay is retailer Beauty Bay's own brand with a focus on vegan and cruelty free ideals and effective formulas with minimal ingredients.

I wanted something really hydrating, gentle and unscented to use both at the end of my pregnancy and while nursing a newborn and this one seems to tick all the boxes.

Perfect for dehydrated skin, Thirst Class is enriched with colloidal oatmeal and oat lipid. Colloidal oatmeal soothes and hydrates while oat lipid is ceramide-rich, helping skin to absorb and retain moisture.

Served up in a simple, screw top jar, the moisturiser is soft and buttery. In fact, the texture reminds me a bit of Lurpak that's been left on the kitchen counter for half an hour. Like all of the By Beauty Bay products, it's designed to be non-comedogenic, so while it's thick and gorgeous, it's not going to clog pores or feel cloying on the skin. A little bit of this does go a very long way, so if you try it I'd recommend using a little less than you think you might need and adding more of required. I also find that using too much does result in a bit of pilling, so I make sure to apply it sparingly and it's absolutely fine.

The inoffensive, unfragranced formula paired with a soothing, hydrating effect makes Thirst Class ideal for use after retinols and actives. I imagine I'm going to really enjoy it in the colder months too when cool air and heating really tend to dry my skin out.

By Beauty Bay Thirst Class is £7 at Beauty Bay. I'm keen to try some other bits from the brand and I think my next purchase will be the Butter Cup Cleansing Balm, which looks perfect for a first/ makeup and SPF removing cleanse.

Top Products for Dry Winter Skin

Collaborative Post

It might be a massive cliché but January really is a pretty gloomy month isn't it? Christmas is over and done with, payday feels like it's years away and it usually starts to get really, really cold.

With the cold comes dry skin that needs a little extra love and I have a few favourite products I use to keep the skin on my body happy and hydrated.  A scrub with cult status, some lovely Aromatherapy body oils, pampering lotions and an OG bath bomb all feature. Read on to find out more about the bits I use on my body for a little less gloom and a lot more glow!

Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish is my ultimate body scrub. Thinking back to a few years ago, I remember seeing this on US beauty blogs and feeling extremely left out! Fresh wasn't available in the UK at the time and I thought I'd never get to try the scrub for myself. Fast forward to present day and we have Fresh at our fingertips and their original product does not disappoint. Made with brown sugar crystals (a natural humectant), the body scrub smoothes and softens with a blend of evening primrose, sweet almond, apricot kernel and jojoba oil. Citrus oils are in the mix too and give the scrub that signature Fresh scent. Blissful.

Speaking of exfoliating, I have to mention Italy Towels. If you're not familiar, an Italy Towel (not pictured) is basically a textured, reusable mitt that you slip over your hand and scrub your body with. You can use an Italy Towel either with or without soap or shower gel and they're most effective after you've soaked in the bath for a while or when used towards the end of your shower. I really like mine and have found that a very light touch is enough (in other words, don't scrub too hard!) because these things are quite abrasive. Italy Towels are a Korean Beauty staple and are named as such because they're made from viscose rayon, which was originally imported from Italy. That's what the internet has told me anyway. They are truly excellent at smoothing the skin and getting rid of flaky bits so I imagine they'd be brilliant for pre-fake tanning sessions and equally as good at removing old tan. I found mine on Amazon where a pack of 4 is under a fiver.

Clarins Renew Plus Body Serum has been a favourite of mine for years. It's a bit of a spendy body lotion but a bottle lasts me a good while as I only use it on the upper part of my body. This stuff is fanstastic for keeping dry, flakey skin at bay because it contains gentle exfoliating ingredients including a pre-retinol and Wintergreen extract. It also has a sort of gel/lotion texture that means it sinks in quickly so you can get dressed pretty much straight after applying without feeling tacky or sticky. You can read my post dedicated to Clarins Renew Plus Body Serum here 

I'd settle for any of the Aromathery Associates body oils to be honest but the De-Stress Body Oil is one of the standouts for me. With arnica, rosemary and ginger, it feels incredibly soothing on aching or tense muscles and the coconut, peach kernel and jojoba oil base is neeply nourishing. I really rate the De-Stress Muscle Gel too. Heaven when massaged into an aching lower back. 

I came across Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Lotion with Pistachio Cream and Magnolia in Boots quite recently. I'm borderline obsessed with pistachio scented things ever since I fell in love with the Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache Body Souffle without knowing it was limited edition! I've been looking for something similar ever since, and while this doesn't quite have the same luxury gourmand scent, I'd say it's a pretty good dupe. The fact that it's incredibly affordable is a bonus too. Aesop Geranium Leaf Hydrating Body Treatment was given to me last Mother's Day and it's still going strong so it's safe to say a little goes a long way. Geranium is my favourite Aesop collection (the body cleanser in particular is gloriously refreshing) with geranium leaf, mandarin and bergamot rind. The Hydrating Body Treatment blends skin-softening macadamia and sweet almond oils with antioxidant Vitamin E to leave skin glowing and subtly scented. 

Is there anything more comforting than a Lush Butterball Bath Bomb? One of the originals and one of the best, this little fizzer brings me so much joy. I'm not really a 'bath person' to be honest (give me a steamy shower please) but when I do soak in the tub, I always wish I had one of these in there with me! Packed with cocoa butter and featuring a comforting musk and ylang ylang scent, the Butterball Bath Bomb satisfyingly fizzes away to leave buttery, chocolate scented bathwater that leaves my skin smelling sweet and feeling moisturised enough to skip and after-bath lotions.

In keeping with the cocoa butter theme, Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula will forever be a reliable treat for my skin when it's feeling a bit dry. It's affordable, effective and deliciously scented, though there are unscented variations of Palmer's products available. When a product is this iconic and so universally adored, it must be decent right? 

So those are just a few of my favourite products for dry winter skin. All perfect for the beginning of the year when skin needs some extra attention. Any favourites of your own you'd like to share? Let me know in the comments.

*Paid collaborative post

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.

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.

Weleda Week: Weleda Skin Food Light

(affiliate link) I recently had the pleasure of attending a Weleda Insight Day at the brand's UK headquarters. It was a beautiful day of exploring Weleda's bio-dynamic gardens and fields, learning about the brand's history and ethos, trying out a relaxing rose facial and sampling tasty vegan food. It was a very early start for a lot of us to get up to Derby for the day but it was more than worth it and only made me even more interested in a brand I already had a lot of time for.
Along with the other attendees (a mixture of Bloggers, Makeup artists and Weleda enthusiasts) I received a lovely gift of some Weleda products at the end of the day (I also raided the on site store and picked a couple of bits myself), all of which I've been enjoying trying out so I thought I would show my appreciation and share a few on the blog over the next 5 days.
To kick things off, I'll start with a variation of the brand's most well known product, Skin Food Light.

A multi-purpose cream/lotion, Skin Food Light is, you guessed it, a lighter version of the cult Skin Food.
Unlike the thick, rich texture of the original, Skin Food Light is, well, lighter really. The lotion texture of the formula absorbs beautifully, making it perfect for use all over and particularly ideal in warmer weather.
The formula combines organic Sunflower oil with Chamomile, Pansy and Calendula for a skin-calming hit of soothing moisture.
I personally really enjoy the thick glossiness of the original and use it on my face regularly in winter but as mentioned, this version is great for summer when richer creams can feel a little too heavy on those really hot days.

Skin Food Light has the same refreshing scent as the original and actually feels quite cooling on the skin so I find it to be really great for 'waking up' my face in the morning. The fast absorbing formula makes it perfect for using on hands throughout the day too.
If you're a fan of the original Skin Food, you'll probably appreciate Skin Food Light too. It's £7.95 for a 30ml tube at Boots.

ARK Skincare Review: Age Defend Cleanser & Moisturiser

(sample) I had wanted to try ARK Skincare for quite a while so I'm really happy I've had the opportunity to try a couple of products over the past few weeks. Cruelty Free, vegan-friendly and utterly joyful to use, these two have been a welcome addition to my skincare stash but before I get into the details, here's a little bit about ARK.

The award-winning British brand are big on celebrating beauty at every age and use carefully selected bioactive natural ingredients in their formulas to complement and benefit different age groups. To help customers decide on the products most suited to them, ARK came up with a three step system.
Step 1 is age; there are three cleansers and three moisturisers that have been specially developed for three different age categories. Called the Age Intelligent range, these products are designed to treat age-related needs, so there is Age Protect, which is for teens and 20s, Age Defend for 30s and 40s and Age Defy for 50+.

Step 2 is concern; targeted treatment products called Skin Perfectors to treat specific concerns such as hydration, firming and clearing. Products in the Skin Perfectors range include serums, a masque and an exfoliator.

Step 3 is lifestyle; the Skin Essentials range is designed to complement and enhance the rest of your regime and includes a pre-cleanse, hydrating mist, primer with SPF30, eye cream and plumping lip cream.

As I'm in my 30s I've been trying out the Age Defend range which includes a conditioning cleanser and replenishing moisturiser and so far I've really been enjoying both products!

The cleanser and moisturiser both contain Kiwi and Passion Fruit lipids which are rich in Omega 3 and help to retain moisture levels in the skin. Blue Lotus also features in both products. Touted as the 'sacred flower of anti-ageing', Blue Lotus is an effective antioxidant which helps to maintain firmness and elasticity.

The award-winning Conditioning Cleanser (£25) is designed to cleanse, nourish and aid the skin's natural exfoliation process via a soothing gel formula. The cleanser contains Moringa Oil which is naturally rich in Vitamin C and A to help create a radiant, glowing complexion as it cleanses away makeup and dirt. 'Conditioning Cleanser' is a spot-on name for this formula as it's very comfortable to use - skin feels nice and clean but not tight or stripped. The Conditioning Cleanser also rinses away easily (this isn't necessarily a washcloth job) and is just really pleasant to use overall. It's worth mentioning that it also smells incredible - sort of herbal and both invigorating and relaxing at the same time. I realise that makes very little sense but you're just going to have to trust me on this.

The other product in the Age Defend range is the Replenishing Moisturiser (£35). First and foremost, I really, really rate this moisturiser. From the packaging through to the finish of the formula, I'm very impressed! A cream formula with a slight gel consistency, the moisturiser has a Shea Butter and Olive Oil base enriched with Co-enzyme Q10 and skin plumping peptides including Matrixyl. Along with the aforementioned Kiwi and Passion Fruit lipids and Blue Lotus, the Replenishing Moisturiser also contains Retinal Parmitate which is gentle enough for sensitive skin and works to increase collagen production and help to keep skin plump and resilient. Like the Age Defend cleanser, this moisturiser smells pretty amazing, which is always a bonus when it's going on your face.

I'm really impressed with both the cleanser and the moisturiser from the Age Defend range and ARK as a brand has certainly got my attention and I'm keen to have a play with more of their products. You can find out more about ARK and have a browse at arkskincare.com.

Nourish London Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm

(ad/gifted) Like most people I can appreciate a decent multi-purpose product and the newly launched Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm from Nourish is a great one! I'm already a fan of Nourish (you can read my posts about some of their other products here ) so I was pretty excited to try the brand's latest offering, the Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm.

The 100 percent vegan balm is super rich and luxurious and features a unique formula that helps to strengthen and protect the skin from free radical damage. The formula contains omega-rich oils as well as a patented French Marine Algae extract to help tone, firm and smooth.
Here's a little overview of the key ingredients in the Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm including their functions:
Antioxidant Tea Oil - Protects the natural lipid layer on the skin
Macadamia Oil with Linoleic Acid - balances sebum production in combo skin and helps to supplement lower sebum levels in more mature skin
Oil Soluble Vitamin C - to aid the production of collagen
Tocopherol, Vitamin E - to improve moisture levels
Borage and Pumpkin Seed Oil - to help reduce sensitivities
Bisabolol and Ginger - to help prevent damage from free radicals
Kale Extract -a 'detoxifying' antioxidant that helps to protect against pollution
Patented French Marine Algae extract - a protective antioxidant that (as mentioned), helps to tone and firm.
In a nutshell, the balm is omega-rich and full of protective antioxidants, so it's generally going to be doing great things for your skin, no matter how you choose to use it, which leads me to my next point.
The Super Balm is designed to be used in three different ways; as a cleanser, as a mask and as an intensive moisturising treatment.
To use as a cleanser, massage a small amount onto damp skin (though I use balms on dry skin too), dampen the organic face cloth that comes with the balm and use it to gently remove the product. The face cloth also provides a gentle exfoliation as you remove the balm, leaving the skin with a beautiful glowing finish. These days I always double cleanse, whether I'm wearing foundation/SPF or not and so far have used the balm as the first cleanse and can confirm that it does a brilliant job removing makeup.
I am yet to use the balm as a mask, but if you fancy an intensely nourishing treatment, just apply a thin layer to the face and leave it for 20 minutes before removing. Alternatively you can leave it on overnight.
As a moisturiser, I have used the Super Balm on my knees, elbows and hands and was pleasantly surprised by how well it absorbed. As a moisturiser, it left my dry bits feeling and looking smooth and soft, so it's particularly good for getting your limbs ready for the warmer weather.

Overall I'm really pleased with the Nourish London Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm. As well as its multi-use formula and plethora of excellent ingredients, the balm also smells beautiful - quite herbal and relaxing and I can really smell the rosemary and geranium oils that also feature in the ingredients. It's also worth mentioning that the 50ml of product is housed in a heavy glass jar, so it definitely has a luxurious feel to it.
If you're keen to give the Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm a try for yourself, it's available at nourishskinrange.com for £32.

DAYTOX Beauty in Balance; The Clean Beauty Brand from Germany

(AD/Gifted) DAYTOX Beauty in Balance is not a brand I'd heard of until a few weeks ago but in a nutshell it's a vegan skincare brand from Germany that you can shop online at Ocado!
I know Ocado already stock a few beauty brands but it's always interesting to try something new and it's extra appealing when you pop it in your virtual trolley along with the weekly food shop.

Daytox Skincare Review

A self-proclaimed clean beauty brand, DAYTOX uses 'allergen-free' perfume oils in place of synthetic fragrances and use something called BioDtox in their formulas. BioDtox is an active ingredient complex consisting of aloe vera, broccoli and citrus which the brand says strengthens the body's defenses and stops the formation of free radicals, therefore  protecting the skin from oxidative stress.
As you've probably gathered from the name, DAYTOX as a brand has a strong focus on the concept of detoxifaction, with every product designed to intensify the natural detox processes of the skin. They are a certified detox brand with products that are Dermatologically proven to be effective. While I'm not 100 percent comfortable with the use of the word 'detox' in topical beauty, I can always get behind a good product, which is exactly why I'm talking about them here today. 

I was sent two different DAYTOX products to try - the Day and Night Face Oil (£24)* and the Firming Day Cream (£26)* , both of which have already garnered quite a fan base here in the UK.
The Daytox Firming Day Cream is a rich facial cream with a triple hyaluronic complex to intensely moisturise, plump and firm.

The cream is invitingly glossy (a bit like an Italian meringue) and feels lovely and hydrating on. It's fairly 'inoffensive' in a way and I imagine most people would get on well with it. It absorbs beautifully and performs well under foundation and has a light, slightly sweet and clean scent.
Like the other products in the line, the cream is free from silicones, parabens and artificial colours and fragrances.

I have tried a lot of facial oils over the years and can safely say that the Day and Night Facial Oil is a good one. It absorbs quickly, leaving a dry-touch sort of finish and contains a blend of almond oil, argan oil and meadowfoam oil.

Designed to use any time of day (but I prefer facial oils at night as a general rule), it has a blend of antioxidants, essential fatty acids and Vitamin E to rejuvenate and stimulate the skin. As with most facial oils, you just massage a few drops into the face and neck after cleansing.

As mentioned, DAYTOX products are available in the UK through Ocado. As well as a range of facial skincare products, they also have some bath and body bits including a body wash, scrub, bath salts and body oil.
*Gifted Items

Lotil - An Incredibly Affordable Moisturiser for Summer-Ready Skin

[ad/gifted] The sun is just starting to make an appearance here in England and for many of us that means we're dusting off our warm-weather wardrobes in hope of another long hot British Summer.
I've just started preparing my limbs for their 2019 debut, which is a process that involves a bit of exfoliation, a little waxing and a whole lot of moisturiser.
The moisturising bit is where *Lotil comes in.

The cream seems to have 5 star reviews across this board so of course I was keen to try it for myself!
Lotil is an intense multi-use cream that can be used to soften, re-hydrate, smooth and cleanse the skin and best of all, it's incredibly affordable at £6.29 for a generous 114ml tub.

The rich cream contains glycerin and lanolin to moisturise and protect and has a very light scent which reminds me a bit of almonds.

This is one of those products you'd keep in the bathroom cabinet for the whole family to use for a host of issues; whether that's to deliver a hit of intense moisture, soothe the skin after shaving or gently cleanse for those with exceptionally sensitive skin.

I'm currently using Lotil on my hands because they've been suffering lately and are particularly dry (having a toddler means A LOT of hand washing) and find that it absorbs well and sufficiently soothes. I also slathered it on my legs after shaving and it caused no irritation and once again absorbed beautifully. I'm going to be waxing my legs in the next few days and I'll be using the Lotil to soothe the skin afterwards and see how it fares - I have high hopes because my skin has the tendency to get pretty angry after a wax!

Lotil is available in a range of different sizes but you can find the 114ml tub at Boots.

*Gifted

REN Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm

Skin feeling the chill? If you're in need of a little something extra to soothe your face this Winter, REN have you covered with their Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm.

First things first, this balm is without a doubt the richest night treatment I've put on my face. It certainly means business and trust me when I say a little goes a very, very long way.

The balm is thick and 'oily' and offers instant relief to tight-feeling, dried out faces; the perfect product for this time of year when it can become bitterly cold and central heating saps moisture from our skin.

The recovery balm was developed to support the natural balance and moisture barrier of the skin all the while alleviating visible signs of dehydration and stress. Specially designed for use at night when the skin is most susceptible to repair and healing, it contains a range of oils including jojoba, sunflower, olive, almond, borage and linseed as well as beta-glucan, which is a moisturising anti-irritant derivative of oats.

Perfect for sensitive skins, the balm treats inflammation and dryness and has a 'balm to oil' texture. In other words, it starts as a balm formula but melts quickly into the skin on application or when warmed between finger tips.

I use the balm as the very last step at night and have found it to be particularly good after retinol use to counteract any drying effects. You really do need the tiniest amount of this- a pea sized amount is probably even too much, to give you some idea, because it is super rich. If I apply slightly more than I need it leaves me looking and feeling very oily and I find it doesn't absorb brilliantly if I overdo it.
Now that I've figured out the amount that works well for me, it's a brilliant overnight treat which my skin has been loving. I've found that it's fantastic for sore nostrils that have seen a lot of tissue-action recently too!

As a parting note, the Overnight Recovery Balm smells like absolutely nothing, which is great on one hand as it will suit virtually everyone but left me missing that little bit of sensory joy that comes with sleepy-scented night products.

REN Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm is available at any good retailers that stock REN as well as on the REN website for £40.

New from Embryolisse

The coveted French beauty brand, Embryolisse, has really grown in popularity in the UK in recent years. Not so long ago, the only way to get your hands on a tube of the brand's cult product, Lait-Crème Concentre was to hop on the Eurostar and embark on a pilgrimage to one of the many parapharmacies scattered throughout the City of Love. These days, you only need to jump online or pop into Boots to browse the range of ever-popular and trusted Embryolisse goodies. There are three new products that have just been released- to hand I have the moisturising repair cream and limited edition Lait-Crème Concentre, but there is also a new intense product.

Limited Edition Paris Edition of Lait-Crème Concentre, 50ml, £15
The kitsch limited edition packaging of the cult skincare staple is a cute tribute to the city where Embryolisse began. The rich cream is a multi-tasking handbag essential and can be used as a moisturiser, primer, mask, after shave lotion, make up remover and baby cream. Rich in essential fatty acids, Lait-Crème Concentre is one of those reliable beauty products that virtually everyone can make use of and indulge in which is probably why one tube of Lait-Crème Concentre sells every 20 seconds.

Embryolisse Rich Moisturizing Repair Cream, £29.99 
Before now, the only Embryolisse product I'd tried was Lait-crème Concentre so I was interested to try the repair cream. Though it has the same fresh and comforting scent as Lait-crème, this cream features ingredients dedicated to intensely moisturising and protecting the skin on the face. The moisturiser is rich in hyaluronic acid and natural wheat proteins and features sweet almond oil and beeswax to replenish the natural protective barrier of the skin. The cream also contains vitamins A, E and F to encourage cell renewal. Over time, the cream is said to decrease fine lines and personally just today I noticed a slight improvement in the appearance of the skin around my cheekbones and the darkness beneath my eyes seems less prominent. This could well be a happy coincidence but could equally be down to the fact I've been smoothing the cream on once or twice a day as both a moisturising and protective measure before venturing outside. Texturally, the repair cream is thicker than Lait-crème Concentre, which I for one love - in colder months, the thicker the cream the better I say!
Also new to Embryolisse, is the Intense Smooth Radiant Complexion 50ml. Designed to erase signs of tiredness and perk up the complexion, this comforting cream includes hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, Omega 9 and natural sugars to plump and smooth skin. The cream is enriched with alfalfa and lupine extracts to stimulate collagen and reduce puffiness and dark circles and is complete with a firming film to instantly lift the face, diminish fine lines and relax features. This one is £39.
You can find Embryolisse products at Boots.

DHC Astaxanthin Collagen All in One Gel

Ever wondered why flamingos are pink? It turns out that it's down to a compound in the algae that they eat called Astaxanthin, which also happens to be one of nature's most powerful antioxidants.
Considered to be around 6,000 times more potent than Vitamin C, Astaxanthin is also the key ingredient in this multitasking gel from DHC.

Using Astaxanthin harvested from a freshwater green algae, the all in one gel is designed to tone, moisturise, hydrate and brighten. Featuring hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin, the gel helps to firm the skin and uphold its natural moisture levels.

The gel has a wobbly, blancmange-like texture, which I personally think really adds to the joy of the product. After all, it's a nice break from the classic rich cream texture and who doesn't want their skincare to resemble some kind of pudding?
As with all of DHC's core skincare products, the gel is fragrance free (though does have a very slight, sort of sweet naturally occurring scent).
I've really enjoyed using this over the past few weeks. I'll admit I've not used it religiously but when I have, I've felt a little difference in my skin. After using it overnight, I've noticed a slight plumping sort of effect come morning and my face feels less 'tight'. Just as a sidenote, since I've been breastfeeding my son, I seem to become dehydrated overnight because drinking litres of water in the wee hours to keep my water supplies up just doesn't happen, so I often get up in the morning and have this horrible tightness on the skin on my face. With the Astaxanthin, the tight feeling is definitely less noticeable. I hope that makes some kind of sense.

The gel-cream is lightweight and absorbs quickly, so its ideal for use both day and night.

The full ingredients:

water/aqua/eau, butylene glycol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, glycerin, hydrogenated palm oil, hydrolyzed collagen, pentylene glycol, squalane, hoplostethus/orange roughy oil/huile d’hoplostète orange, glycel stearate SE, tocotrienols, batyl alcohol, tocopherol, porphyridium polysaccharide, phenoxyethanol, carbomer, potassium hydroxide, cetearyl alcohol, hydrolyzed elastin, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, stearyl glycyrrhetinate, cetearyl glucoside, allantoin, sodium hyaluronate, alcohol, beer extract, polyglyceryl-10 oleate, placental protein, haematococcus pluvialis extract, hydrolyzed royal jelly protein, polyglyceryl-10 stearate, lactoferrin, lysolecithin, rape shushi yu (JTN), lactic acid

DHC Astaxanthin Collagen All-In-One-Gel is £40 at DHC and Escentual. *It's currently £34 at DHC until the end of the month.

Farmacy Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturizer

I'm an absolute sucker for sweet sounding beauty products (and by that I mean literally sweet) so it was pretty much inevitable that I was going to want to try the Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturizer from green beauty brand Farmacy.

Farmacy is particularly interesting because they are a true farm-to-face beauty brand, meaning they use ingredients in their products that are cultivated from their very own farm. The brand's signature ingredient, Echinacea GreenEnvy Honey is created by bees buzzing around on the farm and is incidentally the star component in the Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturizer. 

Gel-cream in texture, the moisturizer combines a Triple Hyaluronic Acid Complex, royal jelly, propolis and the GreenEnvy, which is high in Cichoric Acid - a natural antioxidant - and is blended with honey for a hydrating effect. The moisturizer also features a concoction of non-GMO fermented soy, meadowfoam and camellia seed oils, mistletoe (!), and Japanese blood grass (!!).

The real icing on the cake is the inclusion of tiny Cupuacu butter beads which melt on application to provide long lasting moisture. Cupuacu butter is high in fatty acids and therefore helps to soften and moisturise the skin.

As well as imparting an instant glowing, dewy look, Honey Drop boosts moisture levels and over time is designed to improve the firmness and elasticity of the skin. At the moment I am alternating between this and three other moisturisers, so I can't accurately comment on the effects of long term use but can confirm that this feels really, really lovely on the skin. Even though Honey Drop has the word 'lightweight' in the title, I still expected it to be heavy for some reason - I suppose because it looks quite thick and creamy- but it really isn't. It manages to feel almost weightless on (even when I've gone a bit overboard and applied what can only be described as a 'dollop') and manages to give a bit of glow without any of the grease. In terms of scent, this cream really doesn't smell of an awful lot, just a slightly clean and subtle honey-esque fragrance so don't expect (or fear) an overpowering sweet fragrance. To top it all off, the extremely pretty, semi-rustic looking heavy glass jar is complete with a magnetic metal spatula that sticks to the lid. Ingenious. 

You can find Farmacy Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturizer in the UK at Cult Beauty for £38 for 50ml.

Dermatude Meta Therapy Skincare

Meta Therapy is a 'facelift alternative' that combines skin rejuvenation, anti-aging, hydration and recovery in one unique treatment. Standing for Medical and Esthetical Tissue Activation, Meta Therapy is 100% natural and offers visible results without the use of fillers, botox and other invasive techniques. The brand behind the Meta Therapy concept is Dermatude and they've also developed a range of skincare products to both complement the Meta Therapy treatment and use as stand alone products. I have the Dermatude Stem Cell Reactivator Serum and Active Hydra Booster Cream and have dipped into both on and off for a good few months now. For some reason I had assumed that as they are complementary to the professional Meta Therapy treatment that they would feel a bit 'clinical' to use, but they are actually quite luxurious!

Dermatude Stem Cell Reactivator Serum

The concentrated formula contains PhtyoCellTech Malus Domestica - which is a 'liposomal preparation' of Swiss apple stem cells - and Q10. The apple stem cell preparation stimulates the production of new skin cells and provides a firming effect while antioxidant Q10 works to reduce signs of aging. The Reactivator Serum feels like water on the skin and contains tiny micro-capsules that burst on application.

It's unscented, so suitable for people who are irritated by fragranced skincare products. The serum can be used anytime but I mainly put on a pump or two at night under my night cream. It has an instantly quenching effect which is very, very welcome at the moment because my skin has been unbelievably dry since I had my baby three months ago. You can find out more about the Stem Cell Reactivator Serum here.

Dermatude Active Hydra Booster Cream

This rich cream is another total skin thirst quencher. Delectably thick, the cream is packed with Sodium Hyaluronate which is similar to Hyaluronic Acid but has a smaller molecule and is therefore absorbed into the skin more easily. Ideal for dehydrated skin (like mine *cough*), the rich cream contains Shea Butter and Sunflower Oil and is also fragrance free.

 

I reach for this cream when my skin is feeling really tight and dried out and it's just like giving it a big glass of water. You can find out more about the Active Hydra Booster Cream on the Dermatude site.

For more information about Dermatude as a brand as well as their innovative Meta Therapy treatments, visit the website here.

Transformulas Hydration Gold - a Moisturiser with Sparkle

There's been quite an influx of moisturizers and primers with more than a hint of shimmer in recent years and it's a trend I can't see going anywhere fast. There's something extra special about skincare that combines long term benefits with instant gratification and Hydration Gold from Transformulas is a prime example of this.

Designed to hydrate and nourish the skin, the moisturiser contains Hyaluronic Acid and genuine 23 carat gold powder(!) to create an instant, luminous look.
It has been claimed that as well as looking lovely, gold can also stimulate collagen production and blood circulation. While I'm not sure how convinced I am by the skincare benefits of gold, the instant effects speak for themselves and the Hydration Gold creates a very pretty, rather subtle glow. The subtlety is quite unexpected considering how densely 'gold' the formula looks when dispensed from the pump action packaging. I found that it sort of evened out my complexion and made the overall tone look a bit more 'uniform' which was especially nice as I've had quite a change in pigmentation recently - a result of pregnancy hormones I'm sure!

The only thing I don't really like about the product is the actual box it comes in - I don't think the use of a model on the front does it any favours and something more minimalist would appeal to me more personally as a consumer.

Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Zea Mays Oil, Bhcetearth-12, Glycerin, Tocopheryl, Acetate, Methylparaben, Proplparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Phenoxyehtonol, Perfum, Mica Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide, Hyaluronic Acid, Gold Powder, Anise Alchohol, Coumarin, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, D-Limonene.

I've used this alone, as a primer and mixed in with my foundation and it's worked well for me each time- no 'rolling' or separation, just an extra bit of glow that's always welcome if you ask me! I have not used the moisturiser consistently enough to give an accurate account of the effects of long term use but as an instant glow-giver, it gets a big, gold tick from me.

You can find Transformulas Hydration Gold for around £42 from a few different online retailers including Transformulas and Feel Unique.

Trilogy Age Proof Collection

I'm sure I remember buying a dropper bottle of Trilogy Rosehip Oil years and years ago from a little boutique pharmacy when I was still in Australia. It must have been about 8 or 9 years ago and even back then Trilogy was the brand when it came to Rosehip Oil. Trilogy is a Kiwi brand and as with most beauty products made in New Zealand, you just know the quality is going to be high- it's almost a given when you think about the beautiful flora and fauna the country produces. From the much loved Manuka Honey and mineral rich volcanic muds and of course, Rosehips, NZ is almost mystical in its ability to produce natural beauty goodness. It's no surprise then that Trilogy is New Zealand's number 1 skincare brand and has developed somewhat of a cult following around the world now too. Since they produced those first batches of Rosehip Oil, Trilogy has gone from strength to strength and released numerous lines and ranges all based around the same principle- natural products that are concentrated, effective and unique. The latest range that I've been trying out is the reformulated Age Proof Collection, an edit of cleansers, creams and oils developed to help people everywhere 'embrace the  aging process in the same way they embrace the wisdom that comes with years'. 

The reformulated collection now contains Trilogy's breakthrough new ingredient, Glycablend™ which is a blend of four plant oils, each of which target different skin concerns:

• Pomegranate seed oil: Protects against free radical damage while promoting healthy cell metabolism 
• Blueberry seed oil: Improves circulation and aids in collagen production 
• Strawberry seed oil: An anti-inflammatory 
• Chia seed oil: Nourishing and strengthening, Chia seed oil is also anti-inflammatory and contains Omega 3 and 6

There are quite a few different products in the Age Proof Range and I've got three to show you- the Active Enzyme Cleansing Cream, CoQ10 Booster Oil and Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF15.

Active Enzyme Cleansing Cream

I don't have a great deal of experience in using cleansing 'creams' as such, but I can still tell you that this one is pretty great. Containing exfoliating fruit enzymes (papaya) and enriched with sweet almond oil and avocado oil, the Cleansing Cream is massaged into damp skin then can either be rinsed off or removed with a warm, damp flannel. I prefer the flannel/muslin removal method for extra exfoliation and so I can be certain every trace of the cleanser has been removed. I'm a bit funny like that. £27.50. Full ingredients listed below.

Aqua (Water), Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Lauryl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside (and) Glyceryl Oleate, Jojoba Esters, Xanthan Gum, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Morus Alba (Mulberry) Root Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Matricaria (chamomile) Flower Extract, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract, Glycerin (Vegetable), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Parfum, Titanium Dioxide, Citric Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid (and) Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Limonene, Eugenol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Linalool, Dehydroacetic Acid (and) Benzyl Alcohol

CoQ10 Booster Oil

As an avid user of facial oils, the CoQ10 Booster Oil has so far left me very impressed. Subtly scented, the reformulated face oil contains the aforementioned Glycablend™ as well as Co-Enzyme Q10 and Tamanu, Black Caraway Seed and Macadamia oils. Designed to renew radiance and smooth fine lines, the oil can be used alone, under moisturiser or mixed into your foundation for a dose of dewy goodness. Two to three drops is all I need for my (rather large) face and I prefer to apply it onto still-damp skin. £31.50. Full ingredients listed below.

Macadamia Ternifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Oil, Nigella Sativa (Black Caraway) Seed Oil, Calophyllum Tacamahaca (Tamanu) Seed Oil, Co-Enzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone), Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Oil (and) Tocopherol, Vaccinium Angustifolia (Blueberry) Seed Oil, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Seed Oil, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Parfum, Citral, Geraniol, Citronellol, Limonene, Linalool

Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF15

I'll level with you- I did a little internal squeal when I first tried this moisturiser. I'm usually a total lover of the dewy skin look but I remember last summer I was pining for more of a matt effect moisturiser but was hard pressed tracking one down that wasn't packed full of silicone (I don't hate silicone in skincare products but just can't deal when it feels obviously silicone-heavy). Basically, this is the moisturiser I wish I had last summer. Brimming with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamins A, E and C, the moisturiser with added UV protection hydrate sand mattifies at the same time- absolutely perfect for warmer days when you fear the facial oil slick/don't want your foundation to slide off. Also perfect as a primer. Key ingredients include Trilogy's famous certified organic Rosehip Oil, Evening Primrose Oil and anti-inflammatory Licorice Root Extract. £29.50. Full ingredients below. 

Aqua (Water), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Glycerin (Vegetable), Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Olivate (and) Sorbitan Olivate, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Matricaria (chamomile) Flower Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Triacontanyl PVP, Glyceryl Stearate, Salicylic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Parfum, Citral, Geraniol, Citronellol, Limonene, Linalool, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin

Other products in the Age Proof collection include the Botanical Lightening Treatment, Hydra-Tone Softening Lotion, Replenishing Night Cream, Line-Smoothing Day Cream, Nutrient Plus Firming Serum and CoQ10 Eye Recovery Concentrate. 

You can find out more about Trilogy products via their website.