Space NK Gift With Purchase April 2021

Space NK have just launched their brand new gift with purchase goody bag and it is yours for free when you spend £175* across the site.

The Goody Bag is worth a massive £360 and it includes a full size Sunday Riley CEO Moisturiser and products from brands such as Augustine Bader, Kate Somerville, Drunk Elephant, Chantecallie and many more amazing brands, all of which you can find at Space NK.

As well as the spending limit, to get your hands on this Goody Bag, you will need to be signed up to the N.Dulge loyalty scheme to qualify. It is free to join*and you can register here if you are not already.

Want to know what is inside the bag? Here are the contents in full:

CONTENTS

• 111Skin Rose Gold Illuminating Eye Mask – 1 Pair
• Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion 30ml
• Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil 9ml
• Augustinus Bader The Body Cream 10ml
• Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal & Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo 30ml
• Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum 10ml
• Chantecaille Bio Lifting Serum + 4ml
• Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment – 1 treatment
• Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength Formula – 3 treatments
• Drunk Elephant E-Rase Milki Micellar Water 100ml
• Emma Hardie Midas Touch Revitalizing Cream 15ml
• Erborian CC Water 5ml
• Eve Lom Cleanser 20ml
• Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream 7ml
• Kate Somerville Exfolikate Glow Moisturiser 15ml
• Kiehls Daily Refining Milk Peel Toner 4ml
• Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask 10ml
• Laura Mercier Caviar Volume Panoramic Mascara 3ml
• Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) 5-in-1 Styling Treatment 30ml
• Malin + Goetz Botanical Deodorant 5.1g – NEW launching in May
• NARS Orgasm Blush 1.2g
• Olaplex No8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask 20ml
• Olverum Firming Body Oil 10ml
• Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub 30g
• REN Perfect Canvas Jelly Oil Cleanser 15ml
• Revive Intensite Complete Anti Aging Serum 5ml
• Rodial Snake Bubble Mask
• Sisley Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream 10ml
• Sunday Riley CEO Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream 50g worth £60

This Goody Bag launches today over on Space NK and as a reminder, it is absolutely free when you spend £175 but if you spend £195, there is a further free offering of the Tan Luxe Self-Tanning Body Serum which is worth £35.

Grab the Goody Bag right here*

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Glossier Cherry Balm dotcom - Worthy of the Hype?

When they first burst onto the scene, Glossier dotcom balms exploded across my social media feed with people raving about them. I have tried a few Glossier products, the Milky Jelly Cleanser which I really liked and the Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector but today it is the turn of the Glossier Cherry Balm dotcom.

The dotcom balm (£10 here*)comes packaged in a metal tube and there is a choice of 8 different flavours to choose from - Cherry, Original, Rose, Birthday, Mint, Coconut, Mango and Berry. Each tube of balm is coloured according to their shade, in this instance, cherry is red and therefore both the tube and the balm is red. But what exactly is the product?

The Glossier dotcom balms are hydrating lip balms which are packed with antioxidants and natural emollients which work to nourish dry, sore and chapped skin. Dermatologically tested, these balms are formulated with what are referred to as being “nature’s heavy-duty moisturisers” which to you and I is Castor Oil, Beeswax, and Lanolin.

The dense almost wax like texture which takes a little warming to get out of the tube for the first use, but every tome after that has been fine. The wax like texture works to seal in moisture and as it does so, not only leaves the lips hydrated and smooth, it does so without being greasy, tacky or sticky. It also doesn’t leave any shine on the lips but it does impart a hint of colour which I really like.

This dotcom balm is nothing like Vaseline as people claim it to be, it is one of those products that you don't need to constantly apply because it lasts a good few hours on the lips and like all Glossier products, these balms are cruelty-free.

You can find all 8 of the Glossier dotcom balms right here* on the Glossier website.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Lush Minamisoma Shower Oil

I love a product which has a story to it, its reason for existing and with Lush, there is always a story to tell, usually about the ingredients they use, but this time it is the Minamisoma Shower Oil and I loved the story and the description so much, I bought it.

The story goes that back 2011, a small place called Minamisoma which makes up part of a small city in the Fukushima prefecture in northern Japan, was hit by the Tohoku earthquake, one which is said to have been its strongest ever recorded. That earthquake caused a Tsunami which sadly left more than 450,000 people became homeless and more than 15,500 people dead. Most of its residents were evacuated and over five years later, in 2016, the residents were allowed to move back. In place of their ruined rice crops, the locals began growing crops of rapeseed instead. Rapeseed plants remove cesium from the soil and their seeds are turned into oil which is radiation free and safe to use. 

Within this Minamisoma Shower Oil, Fukushima rapeseed oil is used and the oil helps the skin to feel softened and moisturised. As always with Lush, there is a plethora of ingredients and within this shower oil we have:

• Lemon juice - packed full of antibiotic and antioxidant properties as well as being both an astringent and antiseptic ingredient, this fresh and zesty juice cleanses the skin without stripping it of its natural oils whilst at the same time helping to keep the skin firm and protected.
• Bergamot and Olibanum Oils- Both of these oils work together to give the most incredible uplifting citrus scent which works really well alongside the lemon juice and it is great for those times of anxiousness and tension.
• Turmeric Powder - this is an antibacterial and an antioxidant, as well as a soothing ally to the skin.

Added to those you will find kinako powder, a flour made from roasted soy beans which leaves the skin smelling sweet.

Not everyone has a bath and some that do have one actually don't savour the same joy I get from laying back and shutting the world out for an hour or two, enjoying a bubble bar or an oil.  These shower oils from Lush are not only designed to provide the skin with a mild cleanse, but could also be used as the last step in your routine to give skin a moisturising boost. 

To use they could not be more simple. The advice is to simply stroke the Shower Oil bar over the body and rinse away for soft and strokable skin, whilst at the same time, taking time to soak up the freshy zesty sherbet lemon scent to uplift the mood. Once used with warm/hot water there is a slight lather that is created and at this point, all of those scents come to life and all without being greasy or tacky on the skin.  After showering, there is a remarked difference in the softness of the skin and it is a delight to use.

You can find the Lush Minamisoma Shower Oil on sale at just £5.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Time Of Your Life Beauty Box - May Edition

Just when I didn't think a beauty box could get any better than the previous month, in walks the Time Of Your Life box to prove me wrong. This months Time of Your Life (TOYL) Beauty Box is simply incredible, not only because it is brilliant value for money, but the contents are ones everyone and anyone can use and here it is in all its glory.

If luxury hair care with a bit of luxury skincare thrown in is something you are needing in your life, then read on to find out more about this box. The lovely Karen, who is the curator and owner of these TOYL boxes not only has an amazing eye for good products, there is also a Youtube channel which teaches you how to get the most out of your products too.

As you can see, the prominent brand within this months box is WeAreParadoxx. As a brand it is one I have seen on my social media feed, but until now, wasn't one I had tried. Describing themselves as the sustainable, plastic free beauty company, WeAreParadoxx are committed to using natural and organic ingredients in our formulations where possible and their packaging, which is made from aluminium goes towards fighting the war on plastic. They are also PETA and Leaping Bunny approved and that means they are Vegan, Cruelty Free and they only source from suppliers who do not test on animals. Within this months TOYL Box you will find four products from the brand.

Making up a Hair Hydration Kit we have the WeAreParadoxx Moisture Shampoo, Conditioner and Superfuel Face, Hair and Body Oil. Described as being the trio to give you instantly glossy, hydrated hair and glowing skin. The Moisture Shampoo is said to be just the tonic for those of us who haven't yet found the time to visit a hair salon and are suffering from dryness and brittle ends - this is definitely me! Enriched with Vitamins B, C and E along with Argan Oil, the rich formula not only cleanses your scalp and strands, but it also helps to promote a silkier, healthier-looking finish. To add to the hydration of your hair, the Moisture Conditioner uses Argan oil alongside a blend of minerals and vitamins B, C and E to nourish and condition with the likes of Jojoba oil which is said to not only mirror your hair’s natural oils, but also helps to moisturise without leaving that greasy feeling before Carrageen moss comes in to enhance shine and smooth your hair.

The WeAre Paradoxx Superfuel Face, Hair and Body Oil which is packaged inside a sleek looking flask, is described as being a serial multitasker, is formulated to deliver the ultimate hit of hydration to dry skin or hair, even colour treated locks. Enriched with blend of Maracuja, Abyssinian and Argan oils which work to instantly hydrate, smooth and soften. Alongside the oils, you will find a whole host of vitamins and antioxidants. So whether your skin needs a pick-me-up, your hair needs some help with moisture retention or everything needs some TLC, this oil ticks a lot of boxes without being greasy, tacky or too heavy on the hair and skin. Finally hiding inside the box is the cutest little keyring, which is actually a hair care product too. The Moisture Handover Hair Elixir is described as being a leave-in treatment come finishing oil which smooths frizz, restores shine and adds a bounce to the hair. What I love about this product is that it uses Irish Whiskey as one of the ingredients and it is said to help strengthen weak hair and enhance shine as it works alongside the likes of Argan, Coconut and Soya oils.

Next out of the box is the best Dry Shampoo I have ever used and it comes from Living Proof, which I have featured on my blog a few times now.

This Dry Shampoo is powered by the patented Healthy Hair Molecule ofpma, which is said to be a superior way to care for hair without silicones, instead this molecule creates a weightless, invisible shield over each hair strand meaning your hair stays cleaner for longer, eliminates frizz by blocking humidity, polishes and protects hair strands, smoothes the hair without weighing it down.

This Dry Shampoo has what is referred to as a 'Triple-Action Cleaning Technology' which not only absorbs and removes oil, sweat and odour, it also makes your hair look and feels clean. One of the paranoias for me, when it comes to using a Dry Shampoo is that it actually does nothing other than produce white flakes of dried powder or irritates my scalp further. I don't get that with this at all. What I love is that it has a time-released fragrance to deliver a light, clean scent throughout the day, the scent is pleasant, my hair smells nice and most importantly, I am not sat wondering whether anyone has noticed I am on day 3 or 4 without washing my hair.

Is any luxury hair care edition complete without the inclusion of Philip Kingsley and the iconic Elasticiser? Well in this box you have a tune of the much loved and revered product, which was originally created for the amazing Audrey Hepburn and us now available for everyone to try. 

Described as being a pre-shampoo super moisturising intensive treatment which adds silkiness, suppleness, elasticity, bounce and strength. The clever ingredient combination also continues to provide UV protection even after washing which in turn helps to prolong the life of colour treatments too.

With hair care covered, there is also two skin care products inside this months box.  The first comes from Eve Lom with the Cleansing Oil Capsules.

This refillable travel pack is great for keeping with you on go, for those long weekends away or even longer. Described as having a hydrating formula which not only dissolves all traces of makeup, excess oils and impurities to leave your skin feeling silky smooth and clean they are also 100% biodegradable. Using essential Omega fatty acids combined with a signature blend of botanical oils such as Eucalyptus, Clove, Egyptian Chamomile, and Hops, this cleansing oil works to ensure that your skin stays hydrated for up to 12 hours after use.

The final product in this box comes in the form a treat and for me it is an introduction to a brand I have not as yet come across. Sisleya L'Integral Anti-Age Day and Night Cream comes packaged inside a cute little 5ml jar.

Part of the Sisley-Paris brand, this cream is described as being one that combats the visible signs of ageing and damage from lifestyle choices, genetics and environmental factors. Using a formula which blends phytostimuline, rhatany and lady’s mantle extracts with ursolic acid, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, soy peptide plus white willow leaf extracts not only does this cream work to significantly stimulate, and regenerate skin cells but also to  restructure them.  There is also the inclusion of natural extracts such as Persian acacia, lindera which work alongside a yeast and soy protein complex which interact with the skin to promote what is referred to as being cell longevity and energy.  You will also find Shea butter and vegetable glycerin then work to soften and hydrate the skin to give that supple and smooth complexion.

Now if this isn’t an incredible box for May then I don’t know what it is. Seven amazing products from some incredible brands, all full-sized and for just £35 a month, I think this box is incredible value for money when you consider it is worth £129 if you purchase these products separately.

Find out more about the Time Of your Life and what is on offer right here and remember to use the code BQUK to grab yourself £5 off!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

CULT BEAUTY TRIED AND TESTED GOODY BAG – APRIL 2021

If ever there was an amazing Beauty Bag, it has to be a Cult Beauty one and launching today we have a brand new goody bag which is filled with products from some incredible brands which is worth over £295 and it can be yours entirely free *if you spend £150 on the site.

The ‘Tried and Tested’ beauty bag features a plethora of products, in fact there is 22 pieces within this edit and five of them are full sizes including a Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lustre in Pillow Talk. 

CONTENTS

• Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Brag Volumizing Mascara 2.5ml MINI
• Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil 12ml DELUXE SIZE
• Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting 10ml DELUXE SIZE
• Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lustre – Pillow Talk 3.5ml FULL SIZE
• Dr Dennis Gross Skincare All Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 7ml DELUXE SIZE
• Elemis Skin Nourishing Milk Bath 60ml DELUXE SIZE
• Emma Hardie Skincare Moringa Cleansing Balm 15ml DELUXE SIZE
• ESPA Bergamot & Jasmine Body Lotion 30ml DELUXE SIZE
• Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream 7ml DELUXE SIZE
• Gallinée Hydrating Face Cream 30ml FULL SIZE
• Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner 40ml TRAVEL SIZE
• Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes 4ml DELUXE SIZE
• Honest Beauty Everything Primer Matte 30ml FULL SIZE
• Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick – Dirty Thirty 3g FULL SIZE
• IT Cosmetics Hello Results Wrinkle-Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-in-Cream 5ml DELUXE SIZE
• Medik8 C-Tetra 8ml DELUXE SIZE
• Oskia Renaissance Mask 15ml DELUXE SIZE
• Pai Skincare Rosehip Bioregenerate, Rosehip Seed & Fruit Universal Face Oil 10ml TRAVEL SIZE
• REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic 100ml DELUXE SIZE
• Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions – Rio Sunset 30ml TRAVEL SIZE
• Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30 15ml TRAVEL SIZE

Alongside all of these products there is the Cult Beauty Kraft Paper Make Up Bag, which I think looks amazing.

This gift with purchase is available right now. To get your hands on it, you simply have to spend £150 right here*.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

5 Hobbies to Take Up During the Pandemic

We've all experienced what a lockdown feels like- endless days of doing nothing. Initially, it was pretty fun and relaxing; being able to do nothing without the guilt usually accompanied by it is another kind of bliss. But, after a while, and after you've binged The Office three times from beginning to end and you start to see life passing you by, it may begin to feel like the walls are closing in on you. A lot of people also started working from home, which means that, along with basically anything being able to be delivered to your doorstep, you literally have no reason to step out of your home, which in many ways isn't healthy. Recent studies have shown a significant rise in the depression under people since the start of the pandemic, partially due to financial issues and also because of a lack of interaction with the outside world. Now might be a good time to try something new while you have all the time in the world - that said, here are five hobbies you can give a go while stuck at home.

Photo credit

Photography

If you have a camera, this may be something that will tickle your interest and give you something to work towards. Granted, you're at home with nowhere to go, but there is plenty of beauty around you to capture if you just stopped for a second and looked closely. Photography is a fantastic way to freeze a moment in time and show the world your perspective on life. Whether you're taking pictures of the mini-ecosystem in your garden outside, other family members living with you, or even a bowl of fruit on the table, you can express yourself perfectly through a lens. There are plenty of online photography courses you can take to sharpen your knowledge and skills if you want to take it more seriously or even just excel at your hobby while you have the chance - the point is to pick your camera up and unlock a whole new world you never knew existed. Who knows, you might just start to see beauty in things you never even thought to look twice at.

Cooking

This is something that can make a lockdown feel like a holiday every day. Never fancied yourself a cook? How about making a change and discovering a whole new side to yourself you never knew? Cooking is relatively easy; the key is to know which flavor combinations work well with each other. Start by picking your favorite meals to eat and perfecting them one by one. Afterward, you may want to start experimenting with ingredients you've never tried before. Buy a cookbook online, or follow a cooking page on social media and see where it leads you; maybe you have a hidden chef tucked away inside you! If cooking's not your thing, try baking - how great wouldn't it be to always have a freshly baked batch of cookies in the house? Knowing how to cook is a skill that will never be anything but advantageous to you, and you'll always feel prepared when having guests over for dinner.

Music

Are you one of the people who grew up with an instrument in the house but never got around to learning how to play it? Or maybe there's an instrument you've always wanted to be able to play, but you just never had the time to learn it? Now's your chance! Whether you're considering piano, the guitar, or the flute, there are tons of tutorials online that can turn you into a modern-day Mozart in no time. Just think how fast the time will pass if you're able to chill on the couch and jam away on your guitar while learning your favorite songs. Also, if you want to go the extra mile, consider fine-tuning those vocal cords and learning to sing - you'll be a killer combination with your instrument and angelic voice and be able to entertain yourself for hours. If this is something you're keen on attempting, try some singing lessons to learn the basics and wow everyone with your musical abilities. 

Writing

It may sound like effort at first, but jotting down your innermost thoughts and feeling may not only be therapeutic in a way but also fun, seeing as you'll be able to look back on what you wrote years from now and remember the crazy time you lived through a pandemic. Putting Covid-19 aside, try writing about anything that comes to mind; poems, short stories, what you did throughout the day, and how you felt when past things happened in your life. You would be amazed at what it does to your mind's way of processing when putting everything down on paper, and the best part about it is that it might even be good writing! By attempting this new hobby, you might notice a nack you never knew you had. You may even consider remotely writing for an online magazine or blog, which can open a whole host of doors for you professionally.

Art

Almost everyone doodles something on a piece of paper when lost in thought or while on the phone, so why not take it to the next level and actually put some effort into it? You can try drawing, sketching, painting, whatever your heart desires - the best thing about it is the second you've finished, it's already art, and there's never been anything like it before. If you feel like you need some guidelines at first, try researching some handy beginner's tricks to get the ball rolling and see where it leads; before you know it, your entire house will be hanging full of beautiful, one-of-a-kind art.

All of the above are hobbies you can start with immediately and are sure-fire time-passers at the least. The best thing about a hobby is that it is personal and can be the one thing you resort to when needing some alone time even long after the pandemic has passed. So start somewhere, try them all if you want to; you might just discover a hidden passion you never knew you had.

*this post contains PR samples and/or a paid for link, Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Evolve Organic Beauty Bio-Retinol + C Booster

If your skin is looking and feeling full and tired, Evolve has just the product you need. I am a huge fan of Evolve as a brand and have featured them a lot on this blog, one of my particular favourites is the the Facial in a Box gift set which gives you a real insight into what the brand can and does have to offer. The product I am sharing today is the Evolve Organic Beauty Bio-Retinol + C Booster.

This oil brings together Vitamin C and Bio-Retinol into what is described as being an innovative cocktail of vitamins and their job is to improve the appearance of dull and tired skin, and provide the nourishment your skin needs to look radiant.

The booster comes packaged inside a dark brown glass bottle and with it is a pipette dropper. The dropper is designed to help you make the application really easily. 

The golden liquid inside, which has very little scent to it, isn’t greasy nor is it tacky, but it is definitely hydrating. Packed with an amazing list of ingredients you will find the following:

• Bakuchiol provides retinol-like behaviours by significantly decreasing wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation whilst improving firmness and elasticity with no irritation. 
• Organic rosehip oil helps to fight signs of ageing and keeps skin nourished and hydrated. 
• Oil-based Vitamin C improves skin radiance without irritation. 
• Sea Buckthorn oil improves skin elasticity and hydration and reduces skin roughness and it is rich in Omega 7, 3 and beta carotene.

This oil is an absolute delight to use and even if you have used a Vitamin C product before and had a slight or even any reaction, with this you should be absolutely fine.

To use this oil, the instructions ask that you apply 1 to 2 drops of the Evolve Beauty Bio Retinol + C Booster onto cleansed skin, or you can mix directly with your moisturiser or serum if it makes life easier with your skincare routine. I have nothing but praise for this bottle of absolute joy and if there was a version for my body, then I would be practically bathing in it. 

What this Booster has done for my skin has improved that dull tired look, the one which leaves you with hydrated and brighter looking skin, all without irritation. 

You can find this Evolve Organic Beauty Bio-Retinol + C Booster for £28 via the Evolve website* or sites such as Feelunique* who happen to have some amazing offers right now!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Kohl Kreatives Mi-Fan Brush - made from rice!

If I told you that a makeup brush brand had created a fan brush made entirely out of rice, as in Rice, would you believe me? Admittedly I thought it was a bit of a leg-pull, but it isn't and it is absolutely true.  Meet Kohl Kreatives Mi-Fan Brush.

Kohl Kreatives is a brand I have featured twice. First with their Flex Collection brushes here and more recently with their Feast Your Eyes collection of brushes here. For me, they are a brand which thinks outside the box and does things that no other brand that I have used, own products from or have seen on my social media do.

Mi-Fan which is said to mean Cooked Rice in Chinese if you are wondering, is a brush like no other I have come across in the way that it is made. This brush is made entirely of processed rice husk, which makes it sustainable and conscious production, something Kohl Kreatives holds dear to their heart. Brand founder Trishna Daswaney states:

"We only use old and disposed of waste to produce out brushes. The Upcycling process is really key in our production process as well as looking after the people who help us to create them"

The Mi Fan brush eliminates plastic altogether, which I have to say impresses me a lot. When rice is produced, the husk is removed, this husk would usually go to waste. It is at this stage that the husk if collected and combined with plant starch to produce a new compound made up of 80% husk and 20% plant starch. This further creates an almost clay like material which can then be moulded and shaped, giving you the Mi Fan brush.

As with the Feast Your Eyes collection, this brush also has a cubed handle, you could say it represents a chopstick, once again this shape ensures the brush doesn't roll when you set it down, it is easy to grip and in keeping with the brands ethos, not only is it easy to use for those with motor disabilities, it has a raised QR code which leads to the brands audio guide, so if you have a sight impairment, you can hear just how to use this brush.

The fan brush, which is perfect for that subtle dust of highlighter, for using to apply your face mask or even for baking your makeup, is incredibly easy to use.  

Priced at just £8.99 it won't break the bank and all the proceeds from all sales go towards our charity Kohl Kares providing free workshops for a variety communities ranging from transgender and, cancer care support, as well as those with motor and visual disabilities. Find out more from Kohl Kreatives right here.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Alpha-H Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum Collection

Alpha-H are celebrating 16 years at QVC this April, a partnership which has given us all the chance see this family brand evolve, change and become what it is today. It is rare that I come across someone who has not heard of Liquid Gold in relation to Alpha-H which I think is quite remarkable.

Alpha-H is a brand I feature on my blog a lot, I adore everything about it from its humble beginnings in the garage of Michelle Doherty 26 years ago, to the story behind Liquid Gold, the newer product launches I have been lucky enough to test and try, essentially, you could say I am an Alpha-Holic, an affectionate term describing fans of the brand. 

To celebrate the 16th Anniversary, QVC will be offering a limited edition Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum collection.  This collection is made up of three products.  The first product is an industry first and one I shared right here on my blog.  The formula of the Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum combines two of skincare's most efficacious ingredients with 14% Glycolic Acid and 1% Granactive Retinoid (Vitamin A) and they are quite the combination because these two ingredients shouldn't be friends, but they absolutely are in this serum. Together, alongside the likes of Australian Tazman Pepper which helps to reduce the overall appearance of redness and Ferulic Acid with its potent antioxidant properties acting as a safeguard against free-radical damage, work to target pigmentation, dullness, uneven texture, congestion, diminished elasticity and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – all without irritating the skin!

Then we have the absolute classic that is Liquid Gold, a product which needs little introduction. which is described as being a powerful night-time resurfacing treatment, works to tighten and revitalise tired, ageing skin as well as helping to radically improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, open pores and acne-prone skin conditions. It is packed full of amazing ingredients such as Liquorice which helps combat acne and hyperpigmentation and Glycolic Acid (derived from sugar cane) to jump-start the skin's metabolism - refining its texture by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, so they're sloughed away.

The third and final product is a 15ml tube of the Liquid Gold Ultimate Perfecting Mask. Marketed as being an advanced home peel, it uses Combination Hydroxy Acids with a nourishing base of Squalane, Shea Butter and Fision Hydrate (a moisturiser containing wheat acids and Hyaluronic Acid), together these ingredients work to create deliver immediate and intense long-term hydration to repair the skin's barrier function.  This mask contains 20% Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA's) and is the highest percentage home peel that Alpha-H has ever developed. There is also the inclusion of Tazman Pepper which is extracted from the Tazmanian pepper berry and it helps reduce inflammation, tingling and redness in the skin. Designed to be used as a once a week, it is perfect for a treat once a week because essentially it is an at-home peel which doesn't have any downtime so after using, my skin doesn't look or feel sore, it isn't peeling and nor does it look flaky and in worse condition than when I started.

This trio of Liquid Gold products is launching today on QVC (Item number 244434) and it is available until midnight on April 25th as part of an exclusive offer, which as always will be too good to miss.

If you are yet to become a member of the Alpha-holic fan club, then this collection is showing off the best the brand has to offer from its humble beginnings right through to the brand new Midnight Reboot Serum.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Roccabox Collaboration with Q&A Skin

Roccabox, the monthly beauty box subscription, has collaborated with skincare brand Q + A to create 4 bespoke beauty boxes, each tailored to a different skin type. I really like this idea and I love that there is a skincare quiz that you can take to decide which box works best for you before purchasing.

This Limited Edition Box has been curated to treat four different skin types – oily, combination, dry and mature and within each box will be 6 products from across the Q+A brand which are designed to target the skin concerns associated with those skin types. 

As a brand, Q + A has earned cult status for its no-nonsense approach to skincare. Its range of highly effective, ingredient-led skincare products targets a range of skin concerns and the brand is frequently praised by beauty editors for demystifying skincare and helping consumers understand their own skin’s needs. Cruelty free, vegan friendly and almost entirely natural, each product in the skincare brand’s line has been designed to form part of a bespoke approach to skincare.

 

Helpfully, if you are not sure which box you will need?  There is a skincare quiz, which you can find linked here - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/606c682c8484580017a148a1 to help decide which box you will need for your skin type and it takes just 2 minutes to complete.  I took the quiz and as expected, the Combination Skin Box is the one I need.

Perfect for Roccababes with combination skin, the Reinvigorate Box is all about restoring your skin to it's best self! This box is packed full of Q+A products designed to combat dry patches and tackle oily T-Zones.  

The Box Contents

 

The Q + A Roccabox for Oily skin :

• Zinc PCA Facial Serum RRP £9
• Niacinamide Daily Toner RRP £8
• Peppermint Daily Cleanser RRP £7.50
• Activated Charcoal Face Mask RRP £6.50
• Apple AHA Exfoliating Gel RRP £8.50
• Liquorice Lip Oil RRP £6.50

This box is priced at £20 and its contents are worth £46.

The Q + A Roccabox for Dry skin

• Collagen Face Cream RRP £12
• Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum RRP £6.50
• Rosehip Cleansing Oil RRP £10
• Vitamin ACE Warming Gel Mask RRP £8.50
• Super Food Facial Oil RRP £8
• Liquorice Lip Oil RRP £6.50

This box is priced at £20 and its contents are worth £51.50.

The Q + A Roccabox for Combination skin

• Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum RRP £6.50
• Chamomile Night Cream RRP £12
• Green Tea Daily Toner RRP £8
• Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleanser RRP £7.50
• Seaweed Peptide Eye Gel RRP £6.50
• Liquorice Lip Oil RRP £6.50

This box is priced at £20 and its contents are worth £47.

The Q + A Roccabox for Mature skin 

• 5HTP Face & Neck Cream RRP £12
• Peptide Facial Serum RRP £9
• Caffeine Eye Serum RRP £6.50
• Hyaluronic Acid Facial Cleanser RRP £7.50
• Squalane Facial Oil RRP £10
• Liquorice Lip Oil RRP £6.50

This box is priced at £20 and its contents are worth £51.50.

So those are for the four boxes and their contents and I think you will agree that you more than get your monies worth with each box being priced at just £20 and, if you have never come across the brand before, it is a really good way of introducing them to you and obviously to your skin!

The four limited edition Q + A Roccaboxes will go on sale Monday 26th April at 1pm and will be available only while stocks last. If this sounds like a box you want to get your hands on, you can sign up to the waiting list to be alerted to the sale!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Suqqu GANKIN Facial Massage Technique

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll see that I signed up, via Get The Gloss to take part in the Suqqu event which was centred around the Gankin Facial massage, something I’ve been fascinated by ever since I had heard about it. 

For the masterclass, as well as learning the Gankin technique, we also had two products from Suqqu to learn the method with.

What is the Gankin Facial Massage?

Developed by a makeup artist, the Gankin Massage is said to be a fundamental facial for the Suqqu brand. It’s purpose is to firm the muscles on your face, stimulate blood circulation and drain the lymphatic system for refined glowing skin.

The Gankin Massage and how it works

Before applying massage cream, press fingertips against the hollow above the collarbone, while leaning head side to side. Then taking a grape-sized amount of massage cream, using the accompany spatula and apply evenly to the entire face.l, avoiding the eye and mouth areas. The designing massage cream was specially designed for this facial and it is just divine.

Once the cream has been applied to your face the Gankin Massage works the head, round the eyes, round the nose, the cheeks and the jawline before finishing with a cooling down exercise. All of which you can watch in the video above and the best part is that once you get used to completing each of the stages, it takes just under 6-minutes and it is just so enjoyable.

The Suqqu products

As mentioned, the Designing Massage Cream (£43) was specially designed for GANKIN MASSAGE. Described as being a multi-textured cream which firmly adheres itself to the skin. Using the spatula to apply the cream, it has a slight indentation, which I’ve found of used gives you just enough of the product to complete the required steps of the massage.

The massage cream formula, which feels divine on the skin, is infused with a whole host of amazing moisturising ingredients - yeast extract and geranium thunbergii extract to marshmallow root extract, equisetum arvense extract, rose multiflora fruit extract, and green tea extract. All of these ingredients come together to leave the skin not only feeling deeply hydrated and comfortable but it also imparts the most refreshing floral-citrus scent, which I find quite comforting.

The second product is a Clarifying Toner (£43) and it is used for wiping away excess sebum, dead skin and other impurities after the GANKIN MASSAGE™. 

The lightweight formula, which lightly drenched the skin rather than French you wet through, is powered by a whole boat of nourishing, natural extracts such as zostera marina and prunus yedoensis leaf to green tea and yeast and they all come together to work to refine and clarify your skin. This must is also infused with hyaluronic acid to give that lasting hydration and it imparts a dewy finish. 

This clarifying formula has also been designed to be used in harmony with SUQQU's Gankin massage and it is a great way to finish up the technique. To use, the advice is to dispense onto a cotton wool pad and spread across your face to ensure you have removed everything that is sitting on the skin's surface.

I thoroughly enjoyed my masterclass with Suqqu and Get the Gloss and the Gankin Massage is something I still practice a few times a week and it is a lovely technique for taking some time out from life to concentrate on what you need.  You can find the products from Suqqu and from Cult Beauty*.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aldi Lacura Max Volume Mascara

If I had to choose a favourite makeup product, it is always going to be a mascara and it is always the first product I want to try when something new is released.  Having already tried the Aldi Lacura Too Legit Waterproof Mascara, today I am sharing the Max Volume Mascara.

I say this alot, but I am picky with a mascara because I want to use something without an overly wet formula. Having fairly long lashes also wearing glasses, I am looking for a product that I can wear without weighing down my lashes and without smudging onto my glasses. So, there is actually a limited number of mascaras that I will use.

With this mascara, for me isn't a dupe of any other brand, something Aldi are quite good at doing, so I wasn't too sure what to expect. Packaged in a shiney black hard plastic tube with the product name plus 'For Fullness and Density'.

Create the lashes of your dreams with this Lacura Max Volume Mascara. Designed to create fullness and density from root to tip, this fabulous mascara will easily take you from day to night, whatever your lash preference is.

Inside the tube, the formula sits perfectly between the not too wet and not too dry, to the point that as you extract the mascara wand, there is no need to wipe off any excess product, because there is none.

The brush itself is thick and manages to wiggle between your lashes without over-coating them to give that awful spider-leg clumped look.  I'm not a fan of overly coated eyelashes, it just not a look for me, for this 1-2 coats is enough before they even get to that clumping stage. Once on the lashes, i've found this isn't one which flakes or smudges.  With removal, I use an eye makeup remover and a reusable cotton pad and it comes off as easy as it was applied, with no need to rub excessively.

I have absolutely no complaints with this mascara, it coats my lashes better than some high-end mascara brands, it adds a bit of volume and density too, though depending on your lashes and their own look and volume, will always depend on how a mascara works for you. This one, priced at just under £3 is worth scouring the middle aisle for, as with all Aldi beauty products, they come and go quickly!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Soak Sunday - Relax and Indulge

I’m very much into my health and well-being products right now, particularly products which are mood influencing or scene setting - think candles, oils and diffusers to name a few things. Just before Christmas, a brand called Soak Sunday caught my eye with their Instagram feed and I ordered one of their sets.

Soak Sunday are describe themselves as the brand which is inspired by lazy weekend and the power of natural bath botanicals and is bringing back bath time. 

Time to sink in, time to switch off and savour… More than just a simple soak, we’re bringing back bath time as a moment to indulgently relax, unwind and unite body and mind, losing yourself in the art of slow beauty. Made in the UK, the plastic free, glass and aluminium bottles evoke and awaken, telling stories through thoughtful design and indulgent experiences. Savour the unboxing, indulge in the aesthetic, sink into the sensorial.

I love the idea of building my bath time, something Soak Sunday is very well known for. So I couldn’t wait to build mine. Before you start, there is an option to shop for your products by type or based on your mood - I opted for the latter. With three moods to choose from:

• Relax and Indulge - Indulge your soul and transport your mind to a garden of Rose Utopia 
• Detox and Restore - Balanced by a smoky solstice and awakened to a Midnight Storm
• Calm and Soothe - Let Cleo’s Paradise evoke the experience of Egyptian reincarnation.

Once you choose your mood, you can then work through the options to build your bath time. I opted for Relax and Indulge with Rose Utopia (£26) and in my bundle I opted for the Rose Utopia Botanical Bath Soak and the Rose Utopia Botanical Bath & Body Oil.  As you can see, it comes beautifully packaged in a black presentation tin, making it just the most amazing gift to give or a treat for yourself.

The Rose Utopia Botanical Bath Soak is incredible. Using a blend of ingredients such as:

• Lavender - A relaxing, calming and soothing addition, known for its abilities to bring about rest and sleep.
• Red Rose Petals - A very sweet, soothing and wonderfully indulgent addition for mind and soul.
• Pink Himalayan Salt - Enriched with magnesium and potassium, detoxify, refine and soothe skin and soul.
• Sage - described as being a sage smudging for your body and mind, it is balancing, soothing and cleansing.
• Jasmine - Not only is Jasmine my favourite note of any perfume, it is also an indulgently skin soothing, mind de-stressing & mood levelling ingredient too.

Once the bath water is a few inches deep in the bath, I grabbed a large handful of these salts and scattered them across the water. Almost immediately the wonderful fragrance came to life and it’s a scent that I’d lovingly bottle to breathe in when I need a moment of calm, it is that good!

Once out of the bath, the bath soaks partner in crime, the Rose Utopia Botanical Bath & Body Oil is an absolute delight. You can add this product to your bath if you so wish, it’s wonderful as an addition to the soak or on its own, or my favourite use is to apply it to my body after relaxing in that bath.

As with the soak, this Bath & Body Oil shares a lot of the same ingredients, but the oil has one addition, Jojoba Oil and it is described as being indulgently calming, vitamin rich and glow inducing which works to soothe, nourish and de-stress. 

On the skin, as an oil, I was expecting a greasy slippery nightmare, absolutely don’t get that at all. As soon as it comes into contact with your skin, it absorbs quickly and leaves behind the softest, silkiest skin and in doing so, it imparts a much stronger scent of those amazing ingredients I’ve mentioned. I definitely can detect the Jasmine and the Rose whilst lingering in the background is Lavender.

For me, I’ve loved using both of these products and having just enjoyed the very last drop of them both, I now want to try the other ranges and am even tempted by the candle and the body scrub in the very same scent!  Find out more about Soak Sunday and the ranges they have to offer on their very own website.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.