Restore your Glow with Roccabox

I was first introduced to Roccabox back in 2017 and since then, I have featured the boxes on my blog quite a few times. Roccabox, if you didn't know is a beauty subscription box which was founded by Tia Roqqa, who has worked in PR for many brands over the years.

To kickstart 2020, Roccabox has put together a beauty box which has been put together to help you to restore your glow after the festive season. Curated with five products which are there to help bring back that glow.

The first product out of the box is the Beauty Pro Brightening Collagen Mask with Vitamin C - This sheet mask is described as being an intelligent mask which sits closely on the contours of the face, delivering a cocktail of anti-ageing ingredients directly to the skin. 

Soaked in Marine Collagen, Vitamin C and an array of herbs and botanicals, the role of this face mask is to help combat fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. To use, this mask should be applied to the skin and left to work its magic for 15-20minutes.

The second product is the Roccabox Hero Product and it is the Dirty Little Secrets Jelly Blush in Apricot.  I have never come across this brand before.  

The brand state that their Jelly formulated blush works to deliver sheer silky colour that glides on easily creating a natural glow. I am not a blusher wearer as I prefer bronzer, but this formula is quite pigmented and it does blend really easily onto the skin whether you use a brush or your fingers.

If fake tan is for you, Roccabox has included the St Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist.  This is a product I have seen in many beauty boxes over the last few months and it is a product friends of mine absolutely love.

This face mist is not only vegan-friendly but it is described as being an ultra-lightweight and clear mist formula which is made using 100% natural tanning agents, as well as Hibiscus extract for its anti-oxidant properties and uplifting Fresh Green Mandarin Water to instantly refresh and revive your skin. To use, the idea is you spritz it over makeup and you don't need to wash it off, instead over 4-8 hours it develops into a natural tan which is streak-free.

From Bang Beauty, we have a full-sized Blush Brush, a brush which works well with the Jelly Brusher also found within this box and I have tried it out using my Benefit Hoola Bronzer too.

Whilst this brush isn't one I would possibly purchase because I have better brushes in my stash, what I like is how tightly packed the bristles are and it is said to have been made this way to help reduce fall-out. The rounded shape also works to give a much better powder application with a more even finish.

The final item in the box is the one to intrigue me the most. From Daily Concepts is a full-size Mother of Pearl Sponge, only it wasn't quite what I was expecting to find.

Even from the look of it, I was still unsure as to what it was, when I was expecting a beauty blender or something similar. So, this sponge is described as being suitable for both face and body, this 2-in-1 soap sponge combines a radiance-boosting cleanser with a gentle exfoliator so you can skip a step in your routine.  To use, you simply wet face and soap sponge and lather, cleansing skin in circular motions. Use on the body and even on the face as well depending on your tolerance of exfoliation.  Over time, as you use it regularly, the sponge becomes much softer, so if you can't work with it to begin with, hopefully, you can at a later stage. 

Whilst this month Roccabox isn't my favourite box that I have had, it definitely features products I have never used or come across before. Priced at just £10 per month if bought separately, Roccabox is a subscription service and there are further subscription offers available to choose from here.

I would love to know what you think of this months Roccabox!

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

Ambiance London Bath Salts

This time of year when the weather is pretty grim and dark, the best place to be is in the bath, even more so when you have a brand new bathroom that you absolutely love being in!  I have said it quite a few times, but bath salts are completely underrated and they are one of my favourite things to have in my bath and if you read this post, you will see I was sent some lovely Luxury Bath Salts and a beautiful candle from Ambiance London.

For me, having a bath is all about relaxing, shutting out the world and focusing on myself, even if it is just for an hour or two a week. I've long since learnt that being in water or near too it is one of the ways I relax best.  I do love oils, milks and bubbles but salts are my go too for muscle aches, period pains, headaches or stress.

The ideal detox bath recipe for relaxation and self care this Autumn Winter… A sublime blend of magnesium rich Epsom salts, Mediterranean sea salt and organic essential oils, Ancienne Ambiance luxury bath salts can be used in the bath, for a softening foot soak and even as a body scrub. The ancient Greeks and Egyptians in particular loved the exfoliating properties of sea salt. 

Ancienne Ambiance Bath Salts have so many wellbeing and beauty benefits from helping refine skin texture to soothing sore muscles, but they are particularly good for gently purifying and detoxifying the body – a wellness and immune system boost that helps treat bloating and reduce inches for a temporary ‘slim-down’.

I was kindly sent two different bath salts from Ambiance London - Arangia Orange scented salts and Jasminium Jasmine scented salts. and they come in two different sizes of a sample size which costs just £5 and a 300ml bottle which is £34 here.

The Arangia Orange luxury salts are described as being ' a deliciously fresh orange zest fragrance, these salts are a great mood lifter' and as soon as you remove the lid, you get an instant hit of orange and ingredients within these salts include a blend of Epsom salt, Mediterranean sea salt and essential oils.  The Jasminium Jasmine luxury salts have a wonderfully sweet Jasmine fragrance with a hint of lemon and their role is to help uplift from low moments and also relax spasms and cramps.   As with Arangia Orange, these salts also include a blend of Epsom Salt, Mediterranean Sea Salt and essential oils.  Epsom salts are used because not only do they help you and your muscles to relax, it is said that Epsom salt bathwater can soften rough, dry skin, and exfoliate dead skin cells. Mediterranean Sea Salt is rich in minerals including the likes of potassium, iodine and magnesium, all of which help alleviate and soothe any skin conditions, while at the same time helping to calm and ease a restless mind or any tension in the body.

Why Use Bath Salts?

As well as using these salts in the bath, they also have other properties which include:

• Exfoliating: As we all know, a routine body scrub will produce visibly softer, brighter skin and help good blood circulation. To use your bath salts in this way, you can apply them directly to damp skin or you can also mix them with olive oil or even your body wash too.
• A Foot Soak: If you suffer from rough or hard skin on your feet, a foot soak with these salts will help to break down and soften that hard skin. The advice is to soak your feet once a week in warm water for around 10-15 minutes and then apply dry salts directly to your skin to exfoliate, rinse off and remove any excess skin with a foot file or pumice.
• An Immune System Boost: As the naturally occurring minerals in these salts are gently detoxing, they will help to ease muscle aches, calm the body and help you get a good night’s rest. Definitely worthy of putting in your bath for that alone!

If you have never tried bath salts or have always assumed they are just something your Gran would use, then hopefully you can see they are not.  Ambiance London very much take bath salts to the next level, creating a luxurious product which not only smell just incredible but are as relaxing to the mind and body as they are kind to your skin!

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

Hair and Scalp Care with The Body Shop

When I am stressed or feeling run down, the one place it shows the most is on my scalp, it becomes a dry irritated mess and an absolute nightmare to deal with. I have used a whole lot of products over the past few years to help soothe a dry itchy scalp and whilst browsing my local BodyShop store, I was chatting to a store assistant to said I give the Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo and Conditioner a try, as well as the Fuji Green Tea Refreshing Purifying Scrub Shampoo to help.

I had not noticed any of these products in the store on previous visits for the Banana Collection, but I was willing to give something new a try.  The Body Shop state that the Iconic Ginger Shampoo and NEW Ginger Conditioner are the ultimate power duo to help reduce annoying dandruff. Not only do they soothe your scalp and clear loose flakes, the invigorating formula also keeps your hair looking and feeling stronger and healthier.

The Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (£9.50 400ml) is said to be for a dry, flaky scalp but definitely was my issue and both the mister and me have become huge fans in just the few months we have been using it.  The shampoo is blended with ginger essential oil from Sri Lanka, birch bark, white willow extracts and Community Trade honey it doesn't have a strong scent of Ginger, if I am honest, all of the ingredients come together and create quite a sweet fragrance with an undertone of Ginger, something I am pleased about.  Texture-wise it is quite runny, so you really do only need the smallest amount to create a lather on your hair and it washes out incredibly easy with warm water.  The Ginger Scalp Care Conditioner which is also blended with ginger essential oil from Sri Lanka, birch bark, white willow extracts and Community Trade organic aloe vera and as well as being designed for a dry and flaky scalp, it is also for those with weak hair.  Scent wise to me, there is a definite hint of Ginger, though not too overpowering and texture-wise, it is as you might expect a conditioner to be, slightly thicker than shampoo but not as thick as a hair mask.  Again, you need a really small amount on your hair and I always leave a conditioner on for a good few minutes before washing off.

Together, these products are incredibly calming and soothing on the scalp. If you have ever suffered from a dry scalp and one that is incredibly itchy, you will know how frustrating it can become when all you want to do is scratch and make matters worse.  With this duo, that want to itch disappears as soon as you have washed your hair and even I was impressed by that because it wasn't something I was expecting.   It isn't by any means a miracle cure, it doesn't solve the dry scalp overnight and with one wash, it does take a good few uses of the shampoo to actually work, but work it definitely does.  The conditioner is a really nice addition too.  I only use a conditioner at most twice a week as I like to use a hair mask at least once a week, though with having an irritated scalp, I have not used one incase it makes matters worse.

The next product I bought is the Fuji Green Tea™ Scrub Shampoo (£15) and it is said to help stimulate blood flow and whisk away impurities like dust, smoke, sweat and styling residue.

For those with a normal to oily hair and scalp, which again is definitely, this Scrub Shampoo blends Japanese green tea, mint menthol, salt crystals and Community Trade honey from Ethiopia.  As it is a shampoo scrub, the idea is that you stir the scrub well before first use as it is quite solidly packed into the tub and then mix a teaspoon of the scrub into the palms of your hands with water, I use warm water. Once you have made a paste, you then massage it onto your scalp, which needs to be damp and then use it as you would a shampoo and massage your scalp before rinsing.  Once I have this on my hair, I use a comb to add a little extra bit massaging action.

There are many things I love about this scrub.  As you can see the salt crystals on the side of the tub are definitely present and they are soft enough to help remove build up and dead dry skin from your scalp, but not so abrasive that they scratch the skin.  On the hair, this shampoo scrub smells absolutely divine with a clean scent and it leaves my hair feeling incredibly clean and refreshed, which is exactly what you need after a day out in central London with all the smoke, smog, dirt and pollution.

The Body Shop has quite a few products within their hair care collection and whether you need a shampoo, conditioner, a treatment or a styling aid, there is a lot to choose from. 

 Have you ever tried hair care from The Body Shop?

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

Why do we use plastic in the beauty industry?

According to The National Geographic, the beauty industry relies on plastic for many of its products. These products can be found in our day to day skincare and makeup regimes. With everything from deodorant to an eyeshadow palette or lipstick including some sort of plastic. 

Image Credit

The retailers amongst us are trying to make changes and be more eco-friendly! This will help drive sales back to that company as most of us strive towards living a more sustainable life. 

Why do we use plastic in the beauty industry?

For many years plastic has been used for pretty much every industry as it is durable and affordable and can be used for just about anything. However, the world is suffering one of the worst environmental crises on record, so making the step towards going plastic-free will be a huge benefit for the planet.

With plastic being cheap to produce, many businesses haven’t thought about using much else, until now. Customers of retailers are demanding they do better when it comes to cutting out the plastic in packaging.  

Companies that are already working towards a plastic-free future

Lush is renowned worldwide for its innovative solutions to make the brand completely cruelty free and environmentally friendly by creating products where possible without the packaging. With their shampoo, conditioner and soap bars being completely free of packaging.    

With popular healthy and beauty store Boots also taking the challenge to remove plastic from their products and stores. Alongside working on their online practices by creating a new distribution centre which specialises in sending out orders in a range of different custom sized boxes from Lil Packaging to make sure there is less waste.

An example of the type of boxes which Boots now use can be found here. 

The future of plastic in the beauty industry

With more brands facing the reality that plastic has on the environment, many are looking to make changes within their companies. E.g. looking for different packaging to put their skincare/makeup products in. Well, most brands are challenged looking for alternatives, some of which are still turning a blind eye to what is happening.

With some brands do choose to create fancy unboxing experiences for those who are going to feature them on social media, from a marketing standpoint. With more influencers working towards this change, will we see the trend of unboxing disappear?

*this post is a collaborative post with Lil Packaging. It may contain PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.