Alpha-H Micro Cleanse Super Scrub

Having combination skin can be tricky to look after at times because it feels as dry as it is greasy. I have always been advised to exfoliate regularly and it is something I do at least 2-3 times a week and if possible, I use an exfoliating mask. New to my bathroom shelf is the Alpha-H Micro Cleanse Super Scrub (£36) which is described as being the nearest thing to microdermabrasion in a tube.

Containing 12% glycolic acid alongside eco-friendly biodegradable jojoba beads, caffeine, cucumber and peppermint oil, this exfoliator is designed to effortlessly remove impurities and dead skin cells as well as to unclog pores.  

As it is applied to your skin, the Jojoba beads burst as you massage the scrub over your skin and in doing so, it releases pure Jojoba oil, which has a molecular structure almost identical to the skin's own sebum, to help re-establish equilibrium and maintain moisture levels.  The addition of caffeine works to tone and tighten the skin, reduce redness and inflammation and helping to improve your skin’s ability to absorb other products, making them more efficient.

Further ingredients to this scrub include Cooling Cucumber extract which helps to soothe and calm your skin, then we have Peppermint Oil which reduces redness and invigorates the skin. The addition of cucumber and Peppermint oil adds a coolness to the scrub as it is applied to the skin and as an oil which is used in aromatherapy, the scent works to stimulate the mind, increase mental agility and to increase focus.  I really like the texture of this scrub, it isn't too thick or runny and the scrub part itself isn't overly abrasive, but it does an amazing job when used on my skin and not only does it clear my complexion and pores, it removes dead and dry skin, which I usually find an issue on both cheeks and on my forehead.

Anyone who is familiar with Alpha-H Skincare and any of their products will know, that brand owner and director Michelle Doherty created Alpha-H out of her own skin struggles and personal need for effective skin treatments, so I am always happy to try absolutely anything for my own skincare issues and concerns because I know a lot of thought and work has gone into creating each and every product. The Alpha-H Micro Cleanse Super Scrub can be found via Cult Beauty for £36 and it is worth absolutely every penny.

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

Home Mortgage Options: The Reverse Mortgage*

Retiring is not always as fancy-free as you might want it to be. Money problems can be a source of great worry and stress for you. It is not easy to suddenly no longer have the income you were accustomed to during your working years. A reverse mortgage is a home mortgage option that aims to fix that issue while stressing you out as little as possible.

Photo by Peter Boccia on Unsplash

The Reverse Mortgage U.S. Start - Reverse mortgages have not always existed. In fact, they are relatively new, only getting their start in the U.S. in 1961. At that time, a Maine resident asked a lender for special assistance. The lender took pity on her and developed an arrangement that would let her keep her home and borrow money. Eventually, that concept became the reverse loan for retirees that we know today.

Government Regulation of Reverse Loan Agreements - In its infancy, the reverse mortgage was not well controlled, or even well monitored, by the federal government. However, as word quickly spread and more lenders began offering such assistance, federal rules were established. Today, those rules state you can only borrow up to a certain amount of money with a reverse mortgage, as opposed to borrowing the full exact value of your home.

The reason government lending caps on reverse mortgages exist is primarily protection. The rule helps prevent both you and your lender from entering into an agreement that is unfair or outside the established safety boundaries. However, the government rules also make determining how much you can borrow a bit more tricky. That is why you should not apply for a reverse mortgage thinking you will get all of the value of your home converted to ready cash.

Government Issuance of Reverse Mortgage Contracts - In addition to government reverse mortgage regulations, there are also now reverse mortgages that are fully issued by federal agencies. The Department of Housing and Urban Development and other agencies have the authority to issue such loans. If you apply for one, you are subjected to additional strict federal guidelines. However, you can also take advantage of the fact the loan will be insured by the U.S. government.

Obtaining a Proprietary Reverse Mortgage Instead - Not all reverse mortgages are fully government controlled or offered. Although, all legitimate contracts are subject to some federal guidelines. There are many reverse mortgages offered by banks all across the country. It is likely several of those banks are in your local area. Their loans are called proprietary reverse loans.

Entering into a proprietary reverse mortgage agreement means you agree to the terms established by the lender. Since the lender can make up the rules, other than government imposed lending caps, proprietary loan agreements vary between institutions. You must make sure the agreement you are signing seems fair. To that end, always check the fine print and make sure all fees are clearly delineated for you.

Reverse Mortgages and Loss of Your Home - Your biggest worry when applying for a home mortgage is probably potential inability to pay back the loan. Although the home can be sold when you fail to repay a reverse mortgage, that issue usually does not come into play until after you vacate the house in question. When you move out without repaying the loan balance, the lender initiates the home sale. So you cannot easily be forced out of the home as you might for missing a traditional loan payment.

Making a Total Assessment of Reverse Mortgage Application - Deciding to apply for a reverse mortgage or not requires a full assessment of the terms of the contract, as well as the circumstances facilitating your need for the money. Do you plan to eventually repay what you owe, or are you willing to let the home go in the future? Are you comfortable with the idea of living in the same house for your entire retirement, or at least many years of it? Such questions are important to ask yourself to make sure a reverse mortgage is actually what you need.

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

bubu Skincare

I love a good mask - hair mask, face mask, body mask, hand mask, foot mask or even lip mask and new to my collection came bubu.

Bubu which stands for “be u, be unique” with the love heart above the U is the brand symbol of self-love. 

bubu is a lifestyle statement, about self-love and confidence. bubu was born with the purpose of promoting there is nothing better than just being yourself and loving the skin you are in. In a fast paced world of pressure, or perceived pressure on how we should look, bubu is about being or trying to be nothing other than yourself.

With five masks in the collection, I have been kindly sent three of them to share with you, two of which are face masks and one is a lip mask.

#SoakingMeWet Hydrating Sheet Mask

The name did make me cackle is described as being a glittering infusion of natural antioxidants and vitamins, combined with Hyaluronic Acid which is renowned for its plumping and moisture-retaining qualities and Liquorice Root which helps reduce inflammation and pigmentation, it is said to be a great way to deliver a powerful shot of hydration with environmentally friendly sparkle.

On the skin, despite the name, this mask is not soaking wet when applied to the skin, it actually feels incredibly cooling. Using what bubu refer too as their 'unique sparkling hydrogel base' which has been created using a globally patented, thermo-sensitive water-soluble hydrogel. This solid gel reacts to skin/body temperature to release key actives encapsulated within the structure to maximise penetration.

To use, you need to remove the mask and then because it is in two parts, it makes it much easier to apply than some sheets masks, but once on the skin, it should be left to work its magic for up to 15 minutes.

#feelingdirty Pollution Busting Sheet Mask

Living in London I am all too aware of pollution and the effect it has on my skin and as much as I do to take extra care and precaution of my skin, you can always do more.  This sheet mask from bubu uses what is called an Advanced Biotech Complex which it claims helps to protect against environmental toxins from city environments as well as Sage leaf extract which contains high levels of antioxidants to help combat free radicals.

As with the mask above, this one is also made using the bubu unique sparkling hydrogel base and again to use, this mask comes in two sections for the top half and lower half of your face. Once applied, the last should be left on your skin for up to 15 minutes before being removed.

#YouPucker Lip Plumping Mask

I am a huge fan of ensuring your lips are as looked after as your hair, scalp and the rest of your body. You lips are responsible for a whole lot of activities and no one really wants to be looking at dry flaking skin as they come in for a kiss! Using two main ingredients of Botox, which at first worried me, but I am assured it is a cosmetic grade approved ingredient which is currently unique to bubu; safe to apply topically – even during pregnancy; tingles slightly on application and it then works alongside Hyaluronic acid which nourishes and hydrates the lip area; particularly effective on dry skin.

This mask tingles very slightly on the application and unlike the other two masks above, this one is a solid mask which is shaped like a pair of lips. Once applied, which is incredibly easy to do, the mask needs to be left on your lips for around 15 minutes and once it is on your lips you can't move too much because it will become dislodged, so if you need an excuse to lay down and not do a lot... mask up!

These masks retail for around £7 each for the face masks and £5 for the lip mask and they can all be found here along with the rest of the collection.

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

Essence Crystal Power Collection

I am a big fan of the high street makeup brand Essence, usually found in your local Wilkinson or Wilko store and online via Feelunique*. The last collection I was kindly sent was the Crystal Power collection, one that I had put away in a box during my bathroom renovations to prevent it from getting damaged. Having now rediscovered it, I have been able to take photos to share within this blog post.

The entire Crystal Power Collection is really pretty and with crystals very much being the theme of this collection with their ability to shine and shimmer, the shades and colours are quite something.  I have four products from the range which includes two palettes, a lipstick and some nail polish.

The first item is the Crystal Power Blush and Highlighter Palette (£5.99) - With a pretty geometric design on the front, a handy mirror on the inside of the lid alongside four blushers and highlighters. 

The first highlighter is the shade Glowing Energy which is a really pretty champagne gold shimmer which is quite pigmented.  The second highlighter is called Shine Bright and this is a white glittery highlighter which has a slight silver tone to it in the light. The two blush shades are also quite shimmery, the first is called Superpower which is a warm berry shade, it looks darker in the pan than it does on the skin which is a bonus. The final blush is called Inner Happiness and it is more of an apricot/peachy shade despite looking quite rosy pink in the pan. I don't tend to wear a lot of blush, but I do really love how pigmented both of these shades are and the highlighters are the products I have used the most. 

The Crystal Power Eyeshadow Palette is next and again, inside cardboard packaging which is fairly study, it too features a mirror which covers the entirety of the top part of the palette. It consists of eight shimmering and matte shades which range in colour from rose gold to green-blue hues and shimmering whites - for eyelids that shimmer like crystals. 

The powder texture is super soft and easy to blend. It can be applied with a brush or fingertips depending on your preference.  I really love the difference in shades on this palette as there is something for everyone, the shades are from right to left:

• Never Give Up - Bronze Shimmer
• Sparkle All Day - Light Gold Shimmer
• Good Vibes Only - Khaki Green Shimmer
• Reach For The Stars - Mermaid Blue Shimmer
• Make It Happen - Warm Terracotta Matte
• Love Yourself - Rose Gold Shimmer
• Chase Your Dreams - Lilac Shimmer
• I've Got The Power - Purple Shimmer
• Believe In Miracles - Snow White Shimmer

It is a lot of shimmer and impressively the colour payoff really shows, especially with Good Vibes only being a Khaki Green and my favourite shades which are Make It Happen and Love Yourself.

Next in the collection is the Crystal Power Lipstick in 01 Be Happy - Described as being an innovative lipstick, it is one which changes colour depending on the pH of your lips, so with this one it could be anything from a subtle pink to a really bright fuschia. 

I have used other branded versions of lipsticks like this one and have had mixed feelings as to whether or not they work. However with this one thankfully I don't get a bright pink, but there is definitely a hint of colour and because it was formulated using Vitamin E to nourish and hydrate the lips, it feels more like a lipbalm than a lipstick and I have found myself using it more than I thought I would. 

Finally within this collection is the Essence Crystal Power Nail Polish in the shade 02 Be Strong.  There are 6 shades in the collection altogether and this one is stunning.

The Essence Crystal Power Nail Polish in 02 Be Strong is best described as being a super glittery pink-hued champagne shade and it is one of those shades which is perfect for wearing all year round.  It isn't gloopy or runny and whilst Essence state you only need one coat, I find it looks a lot more intense with two and then I use a Gel Top Coat over the top to make it last much longer, being a non-gel polish, it does chip.

I really like this collection, it is a lot of fun and I love that there is something for everyone. All of Essence makeup is cruelty-free and around 70% of it is now Vegan too.

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