AD: This post has been kindly sponsored by Imedeen
When it comes to looking after our skin with skincare products, statistics show we are very much tuned in and without a doubt spending like never before.
I for one can say I'm in the savvy skincare camp, knowing my AHA from my BHA, protecting my skin from harmful and ageing rays not just when the sun is out and more times than not, double cleansing to fully remove makeup and the grime of the day.
But while topical skincare products applied daily can go some way at keeping skin looking bright and unproblematic, what if continued radiance and moisture balance could be achieved even when your skincare wanes or simply included as a helpful extra step that takes no time at all?
This is where Imedeen Derma One steps in; skincare tablets formulated to help maintain moisture balance and radiance which can diminish with the first signs of ageing. Created for women aged 25+, Derma One targets the sub-derma levels of the skin's cells, improving elasticity and radiance from the inside out.
Taking two easy to swallow tablets daily can show visible results in just 90 days. So in the name of skincare, turning thirty last year and wanting to ward off superficial fine lines due to a lack of moisture in my skin I teamed up with Imedeen to take part in a 90-day challenge, sharing my results and findings with you.
For me supplements have been a part of my daily routine for possibly the past 10 years. From starting off taking a multivitamin to branching out as my knowledge grew to targeted vitamins and minerals. Taking Vitamin D3 when my levels were low, Magnesium and Vitamin B6 for normalised energy levels and taking trusty D-Mannose when needed. I also saw lasting visible results from taking hair supplements after hair loss from very low Vitamin D which was diagnosed by my GP. So extending my use of supplements with Derma One to improve my skin made sense to me, it just simply hadn't been something I'd thought much about, until now that is.
With 10 clinical studies confirming the benefits of Imedeen and with 22 awards and commendations around the world I felt rest assured I was opting for the best skincare supplements on the market. And while it shouldn’t really matter they also appear the most sleek and up-to date with different products to suit varying age ranges.
Throughout the three month trial I found the skincare tablets easy to take as I kept them next to my bed, taking them as soon as I woke up with a sip of water. I was pleased to find even on an empty stomach they had no after taste what so ever.
As positive changes to the skin can often be hard to detect, especially when gradual I decided to jot down how my skin was looking and behaving at the start of the trial so that I could refresh my memory at the end of the 90 days. My main concerns was my skin appearing naturally lack lustre during the day and an imbalance in both oily and dry patches which could be visibly seen by the end of the day when wearing makeup.
Since taking Derma One the results that I have most noticed is a consistent radiance to my skin, appearing more even in tone and brighter, even when I skipped my normal skincare routine. While this hasn't been a dramatic change it's definitely been noticed so much so that I'm more confident to go foundation-free whenever I want, just applying concealer to the odd blemish and my under eyes – which I could never forgo!
As for improved moisture balance this has been the hardest aspect to detect, however for the past month my skin has felt more balanced with no excess oil or dry patches making makeup application smoother and a general feeling of not having to constant delicate balance with which skincare products I use. This in turn has made me more confident to pair back by skincare to a more simplified routine which I'm so far enjoying as it saves time and is more preferred as the weather heads into Spring/Summer.
Throughout the three month trial I feel I have reassessed how I approach skincare and now believe the addition of skincare supplements to be of benefit, especially to maintain balance in moisture levels and to support an overall healthy appearance.
If like myself, you already take supplements or are willing to give them a go to see the results for yourself then Imedeen Derma One is truly the skincare supplement to go for. You can pick up a one month supply (60 tablets) via the Imedeen website or in select Boots stores. You can also find out more about Imedeen's product range here.
I'd love to know if you have ever taken supplements for your skin or have ever considered that skincare goes beyond topical products.
Fee xo.
Right about now I start to get excited about the prospect of decorating my home for Christmas. Each year I like to renew baubles and add a few more decorations and festive ornaments to my already pretty large collection.
Matalan have been my go-to for Christmas decorations for years now as they are not only affordable but they always impress me with their unique designs. Below is a look at what you can expect to find online and in-store from Matalan this Christmas!
Matalan have been my go-to for Christmas decorations for years now as they are not only affordable but they always impress me with their unique designs. Below is a look at what you can expect to find online and in-store from Matalan this Christmas!
If like me you also pick up multiple gifts from Matalan as well as Christmas decorations you may be interested to hear that that you can use online discount codes to make your festive shopping even cheaper. I found 3 active money saving codes for Matalan on a website called Codesium. The lowest spend code and ideal if you are picking up a few gifts along with some Christmas decorations is £6 off £60 with code 660MAT which can be used at the checkout and even applies to click and collect orders!
Onto my Matalan Christmas Decor haul now and all the wonderful products I decided to go for... I'm literally pleased with everything!
10 Clear Tree Jewels £3.00 HERE
When it comes to baubles I like to buy them in packs as they are better value for money and of course can be spread over the tree. I don't follow a particular theme for my Christmas tree but anything light reflective is a winner for me and these mini plastic jewels will do just that. Perfect for hanging next to each light on your tree to maximise twinkle!
When it comes to baubles I like to buy them in packs as they are better value for money and of course can be spread over the tree. I don't follow a particular theme for my Christmas tree but anything light reflective is a winner for me and these mini plastic jewels will do just that. Perfect for hanging next to each light on your tree to maximise twinkle!
3 Iridescent Icicles £3.00 HERE
So I just had to pick up these amazing icicle decorations! Because just look at them! Call them iridescent icicles or unicorn horns, either way they are just stunning and will really stand out against the dark green foliage of a Christmas tree. These look much more expensive than £1.00 each and now I know how amazing they are I think I will be placing another online order for more.
Christmas Wishlist Slate Sign £3.00 HERE
Each year Matalan have a few slate signs like this to hang up around the home and I find them such good quality. This year's slate sign is in the shape of a gift tag and hangs by a tartan ribbon with quite a cute Christmas wishlist in different fonts.
Each year Matalan have a few slate signs like this to hang up around the home and I find them such good quality. This year's slate sign is in the shape of a gift tag and hangs by a tartan ribbon with quite a cute Christmas wishlist in different fonts.
LED Dome Medium £8.00 (out of stock online)
Each year Matalan have one of the best and most affordable ranges of Christmas LED decorations that really are just stunning. I struggled to pick up just two LED pieces but I think I went for the right ones as they look amazing at night. The first glass dome that's quite an adequate size is on a lovely wooden base and contains micro wire fairy lights. Of course this could be used as a decoration any time of the year which is another reason for buying it, but it will also go with Christmas decor. It's also battery operated which come included. Just such a stunning ornament for only £8.00!
Each year Matalan have one of the best and most affordable ranges of Christmas LED decorations that really are just stunning. I struggled to pick up just two LED pieces but I think I went for the right ones as they look amazing at night. The first glass dome that's quite an adequate size is on a lovely wooden base and contains micro wire fairy lights. Of course this could be used as a decoration any time of the year which is another reason for buying it, but it will also go with Christmas decor. It's also battery operated which come included. Just such a stunning ornament for only £8.00!
LED Globe Ornament £8.00 (out of stock online)
I also picked up this super cute light-up house domed decoration that again I'm so pleased with for the price. This is smaller in height but it perfectly detailed and gives off a wonderful glow. Possibly my favourite buy of my Matalan Christmas haul. I can't stop looking at it! Perfect for a living room but I can also imagine it looking lovely on a bedside table.
I also picked up this super cute light-up house domed decoration that again I'm so pleased with for the price. This is smaller in height but it perfectly detailed and gives off a wonderful glow. Possibly my favourite buy of my Matalan Christmas haul. I can't stop looking at it! Perfect for a living room but I can also imagine it looking lovely on a bedside table.
Robin Tankard Mug £2.00 (out of stock online)
I'm all about festive mugs come November so had to pick up a few to add to my collection. My first pick was this dainty looking robin mug with teeny tiny baby blue polka dots that reminds me of something you would see from Emma Bridgewater. The robin illustration is featured on both sides and feels and looks really nice quality.
I'm all about festive mugs come November so had to pick up a few to add to my collection. My first pick was this dainty looking robin mug with teeny tiny baby blue polka dots that reminds me of something you would see from Emma Bridgewater. The robin illustration is featured on both sides and feels and looks really nice quality.
Festive Dog Tankard Mug £3.00 (out of stock online)
The other mug I picked up is full-on Christmas with an ultra festive design that features a Dachshund dog driving a car in the snow with gifts and a Christmas tree on the roof - you can't get much more festive than that! The mug again feels really good quality and is slightly bigger in size and thicker.
The other mug I picked up is full-on Christmas with an ultra festive design that features a Dachshund dog driving a car in the snow with gifts and a Christmas tree on the roof - you can't get much more festive than that! The mug again feels really good quality and is slightly bigger in size and thicker.
Robin & Xmas Holiday Recipe £1.50 each (out of stock online)
I also decided as my kitchen always lacks decoration come Christmas time I'd give it some festive cheer with two themed tea towels. The illustrated robin design has to be my favourite as it matches the above mug and doesn't look like it would cost only £1.50. The other tea towel has a printed 'Christmas Holiday Recipe' that again is lovely and would look nice hung on the wall.
I also decided as my kitchen always lacks decoration come Christmas time I'd give it some festive cheer with two themed tea towels. The illustrated robin design has to be my favourite as it matches the above mug and doesn't look like it would cost only £1.50. The other tea towel has a printed 'Christmas Holiday Recipe' that again is lovely and would look nice hung on the wall.
Festive Cupcake Decoration Set £3.00 HERE
Keeping with the kitchenware theme I picked up a fun little cupcake decoration set that contains 12 red and white cupcake cases and 12 santa and snowman picks to decorate. This is ideal for some festive baking I have planned for December and I can't wait to buy a few silver sprinkles and get making some Christmas cupcakes now.
Metallic Twine In Jar £2.50 HERE
Lastly I picked up a jar of twine.... which I probably didn't need but it looked cute. I will admit I didn't get why it needed to be in a jar but now I understand that it means there's no chance for the twine getting knotted! Plus I'm sure I will find a use for the jar once I've used up the twine on wrapping up Christmas gifts with. Also for £2.50 you receive a huge 30 metres!
Hope you enjoyed seeing some of my decorations. Happy shopping and don't forget to use a discount code where you can!
Let me know what you love most from what I picked up from Matalan this Christmas!
Fee xo.
I don't know about you but I carry an antiperspirant with me where ever I go - dog walks, shopping, you name it. So I was pretty pleased when Sure developed Compressed, an antiperspirant in a smaller, smarter can that releases less air, but the same amount of protection with each spray.
With Compressed antiperspirant the smaller can is a mere 125ml compared to the standard 250ml, making it perfect to carry in all handbag sizes and more environmentally friendly with a smaller carbon footprint - always a good thing! The people over at Sure challenged me to give the Compressed can a go over the weekend to see how it faired and if I was able to manage to travel light with it.
Being a bit of a nature lover I took myself and my pooch on an autumnal dog walk, coffee in hand and much smaller handbag over my shoulder (which you can find here on ASOS!) containing a few essentials. Sure Compressed fit comfortably in there along with my trusty YSL Touche Eclat, favourite S&G nude lipstick and B&BW maple syrup hand sanitiser. After a long walk in pretty dull but sticky feeling weather (blah, to that grey sky you can see in my photos) I had a quick refresh with the Compressed can that left me fresh and dry and I have to say I noticed less air coming out of the product... coughing on a billowing cloud of antiperspirant is no more with a Compressed can I've discovered!
As for how Sure Compressed faired day-to-day I can only report good things and found it much like Sure deodorants I've used in the past but only much more compact. However the 'motionsense' technology that releases a burst of freshness on movement I did find to keep me feeling as fresh as when I first applied it in the morning, all day long.
Whether you're like me and like to carry an antiperspirant with you where ever you go, or keep it in the bathroom cabinet, making the switch to the more compact and environmentally friendly Compressed can just makes sense, especially as it's the same price and lasts just as long as the big can.
All Sure Compressed antiperspirant variants are available at all leading retailers nationwide (125ml retails at RRP £3.29).
Have you converted to Sure Compressed yet?
Fee xo.
*This is a sponsored post in partnership with Sure*
Today I wanted to talk about my new favourite hair tool that creates perfect curls on medium to long hair! With a love of bouncy soft curls I own many a curling wand (5 in fact, oops) but this recent addition to my slightly unneeded collection really is perfection.
The ghd Curve Classic Wave Wand (find this along with the full curling tool range here) is unlike other wands as it's a unique oval shape with it's own trademark tri-zone technology that allows heats to be evenly distributed to create even, long lasting curls. For me long lasting curls are certainly what I'm after along with shine and bounce. Below is why I love this curling tool so very much, plus how I like to use it with a few of my favourite hair styling products.
A few features I've been really enjoying
A very quick heat up time - I'm talking literally seconds here... I feel I should have counted but trust me it's seconds! This of course saves times waiting for the appliance to heat up (it heats to 185oC FYI) and you get a nice little tune when you turn the wave wand on and once it's heated up. The power button also illuminates whilst it's on which is a nice touch and handy for remembering to turn it off... though they do automatically turn off after 30 minutes if not used as a safety measure!
Ultra smooth barrel - Ahhh the barrel of the curling tool is just so streamline and with zero areas where the hair can be snagged on. This makes wrapping the hair around the wand and holding at the cool tip so easy and with the least damage to the hair. I also love the built-in stand at the base of the barrel that is pretty unnoticeable but means the heated part never makes contact with the surface it's placed down on or can roll/move around.
How simple and quick it is - I feel with all the features and the design of the wave wand it really has been made for ease. It's as simple as sectioning off your hair and spending 5-8 seconds on each section simply wrapping the hair around the barrel and then moving on to the next section. This takes me around 10 minutes in total and in fact I've been finding it easier than straightening my hair.
A very quick heat up time - I'm talking literally seconds here... I feel I should have counted but trust me it's seconds! This of course saves times waiting for the appliance to heat up (it heats to 185oC FYI) and you get a nice little tune when you turn the wave wand on and once it's heated up. The power button also illuminates whilst it's on which is a nice touch and handy for remembering to turn it off... though they do automatically turn off after 30 minutes if not used as a safety measure!
Ultra smooth barrel - Ahhh the barrel of the curling tool is just so streamline and with zero areas where the hair can be snagged on. This makes wrapping the hair around the wand and holding at the cool tip so easy and with the least damage to the hair. I also love the built-in stand at the base of the barrel that is pretty unnoticeable but means the heated part never makes contact with the surface it's placed down on or can roll/move around.
How simple and quick it is - I feel with all the features and the design of the wave wand it really has been made for ease. It's as simple as sectioning off your hair and spending 5-8 seconds on each section simply wrapping the hair around the barrel and then moving on to the next section. This takes me around 10 minutes in total and in fact I've been finding it easier than straightening my hair.
I also received the wave wand with carry case that has an attached heat proof mat that can detach from the case (you can see how the mat rolls out below). For me this really is a nice extra and one of really great quality. I've actually been using the heat mat for my hair straighteners as well. Compared to other mats I've tried this doesn't attract stray hairs and is super compact as the mat magnetically wraps around the case. You can find the carry case with heat proof mat here for £19.95.
How I like to use the Curve Classic Wave Wand
As you can see above from my hair picture the Wave Wand creates both large bouncy waves as well as more tightly formed curls. This is simply achieved by the size of the section of hair you wrap around the barrel. I personally love to create mainly large bouncy soft waves so I take large sections, wrapping them around the wand for around 8 seconds at the most. This literally takes me 5 minutes to do and then to the front I like to take smaller sections, wrapping them around the wand for 5 seconds to create a little more definition. I find my curls last all day without dropping out or turning to frizz!
For products that I use on my hair whilst using the wand I like to keep it minimal for that effortless bouncy look. First I like to use ghd Style Heat Protect Spray (£9.95 ghd here) all over my hair, this can be used on both wet and dry hair which is great and simply protects the hair from the heat of the hair tool. It also smells pretty nice!
Then once I've finished curling my hair I like to spritz in a little of the OGX Kukui Oil (£7.35 - Boots here) over the length of my hair which is an interesting anti-frizz hydrating oil. This I find adds a wonderful extra shine whilst also ensuring the curls don't become frizzy throughout the day. I love all OGX hair products actually.
Lastly after I've run my fingers through my hair to loosen all the curls I like to add a little of The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Miracle Solid Oil For Body & Hair (£8.00 - The Body Shop here), this not only smells incredible (I love the smell of argan oil) but it's also a god send for the dry tips of my hair to smooth split ends and to hydrate. I also find this doesn't weigh the hair down at all.
All in all the ghd Curve Classic Wave Wand is my best curling wand to date! It's easy and quick to use and the results are long lasting and just perfect!
Currently over the entire curling tool range on the ghd website there's a great saving of £20 plus free delivery!
Fee xo.
*This post was kindly sponsored by ghd
Currently over the entire curling tool range on the ghd website there's a great saving of £20 plus free delivery!
Fee xo.
*This post was kindly sponsored by ghd
Today I wanted to talk teeth, as Listerine are launching Listerine Advanced White multi-action mouthwash in August and I think we are all after that brighter whiter smile!
I'll be honest... I don't like my teeth, or I should say, I didn't like my teeth. I opted to not have braces in my teens and as a result I don't have the straightest teeth! However without going down the expensive route of cosmetic dentistry something that does make me a lot more confident with smiling is having a white smile. Along with good oral hygiene, the new Listerine Advanced White mouthwash is clinically proven to give whiter teeth in just 2 weeks whilst also preventing stains from forming. Pretty great if you ask me!
Listerine have also teamed up with beauty expert and co-owner of Wild About Beauty makeup, Louise Redknapp to select lipstick shades from her brand that make teeth look even whiter. A few of which I have to giveaway (details at the bottom of this post on how to enter) with a bottle of the new Listerine mouthwash!
I'll be honest... I don't like my teeth, or I should say, I didn't like my teeth. I opted to not have braces in my teens and as a result I don't have the straightest teeth! However without going down the expensive route of cosmetic dentistry something that does make me a lot more confident with smiling is having a white smile. Along with good oral hygiene, the new Listerine Advanced White mouthwash is clinically proven to give whiter teeth in just 2 weeks whilst also preventing stains from forming. Pretty great if you ask me!
Listerine have also teamed up with beauty expert and co-owner of Wild About Beauty makeup, Louise Redknapp to select lipstick shades from her brand that make teeth look even whiter. A few of which I have to giveaway (details at the bottom of this post on how to enter) with a bottle of the new Listerine mouthwash!
When it comes to my beauty/teeth routine I first brush my teeth with a fluoride toothpaste and my sonic toothbrush for 2 minutes. Manual toothbrushes have been proven to be as effective but I love how sonic electric toothbrushes feel!
I then finish off with the latest addition to my beauty routine, Listerine Advanced White mouthwash, to help me achieve a whiter smile! The mouthwash also contains fluoride to strengthen teeth and essential oils to freshen the breath.
Side note – The recommended amount to use, as stated on the bottle, is 10ml or 2 x5ml teaspoons and as you can see above it is quite a small amount - but that is enough to coat the teeth, making them whiter!
I then finish off with the latest addition to my beauty routine, Listerine Advanced White mouthwash, to help me achieve a whiter smile! The mouthwash also contains fluoride to strengthen teeth and essential oils to freshen the breath.
Side note – The recommended amount to use, as stated on the bottle, is 10ml or 2 x5ml teaspoons and as you can see above it is quite a small amount - but that is enough to coat the teeth, making them whiter!
Of course lips also have a part to play in a powerful smile so I like to keep them smooth with a good lip scrub and use lipsticks that generally have cool undertones to help my teeth look whiter and compliment my fair skin tone.
Louise Redknapp, co-owner of Wild About Beauty has selected 3 shades from her makeup range that are great for helping the teeth to appear whiter. All the shades can be seen above.
GIVEAWAY - How to enter
Listerine Advanced White will be available nationwide from August 2015 in supermarkets and pharmacies and will be priced at 500ml £5.49, 1litre £9.49 RRP.
Fee xo.
Louise Redknapp, co-owner of Wild About Beauty has selected 3 shades from her makeup range that are great for helping the teeth to appear whiter. All the shades can be seen above.
Soft Pink with cool undertones: Wild About Beauty Nutrilips Colour SPF – Caroline
“This wearable soft pink is the perfect sheer shade to compliment any make-up look. It has cooler pink undertones, to minimise yellow tinges in teeth and helps them look naturally radiant while brightening your smile,” says Louise.
A high impact fuchsia pink: Wild About Beauty Nutrilips Colour SPF – Abby
“This statement fuchsia pink hue creates a dramatic contrast thanks to its blue undertones, which help frame the mouth and make the whiteness of teeth really stand out. When choosing pinks, always opt for cooler undertones and avoid shades with yellow or orange undertones as they tend to accentuate the yellow in teeth.” says Louise.
Berry shades: Wild About Beauty Nutrilips Colour SPF – Ella
“Deep colours work wonders as they reflect off your smile to really boost brightness and whiteness. If you’re looking for a dark colour, always go for a rich berry with cool undertones, over a brown as brown hues can bring out an unwanted yellow appearance in teeth,” says Louise.
GIVEAWAY - How to enter
To win one of the stunning Wild About Beauty lipsticks (worth £15) and a coupon to redeem against one bottle of LISTERINE® Advanced White 500ml or 1L, simply tweet me (@makeup_savvy) your powerful smiling picture along with the hashtag #PowerfulSmiles. Only one entry per person. UK only. Closing date - 18th August 2015. You can find the full terms and conditions of the prize draw here.
Fee xo.
* Listerine provided the product and sponsored the post as part of their marketing communications for the launch of Listerine Advanced White.
When it comes to bathing I'm all showers, I've even been known to spend over 30 minutes in there using all sorts of lotions and potions - oops! I'm a serious shower junkie that isn't afraid to admit a slight body scrub problem - the total count of body scrubs in my shower right now stands at 6! But it truly is a relaxing ritual for me as I seem to zone out of everyday thoughts and enjoy the warm water and pamper time
So today I thought I'd run through which products I like to use on both my face and body whilst in the shower. I think hair is a whole other blog post! So for now let me tell you what I like to use...
After washing my hair I focus on cleaning my body. This of course includes body scrubs (yes plural, I like to use multiple scrubs on different areas!), a moisturising soap on my under arms and an intimate wash, for well, intimate areas!
Body Scrubs
As I mentioned above, body scrubs are my thing! Currently in my shower is the gorgeous & Other Stories Floral Memento Body Scrub (£7.00 - & Other Stories here) which is just delightful for summer with a true floral scent. I find it nicely dense but not over harsh to exfoliate my skin well, leaving it silky smooth. This truly is a treat to use! When I'm fancying something less summery and for more evening showers I opt for the heavenly Palmers Cocoa Body Scrub (£4.99 - Superdrug here) which smells more like a dessert than a shower product! I find this to be a looser scrub that lighter buffs the skin making it great for everyday use. I also totally rate the Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub (£8.00 - Boots here) which is amazingly zingy and refreshing for summer.
As I mentioned above, body scrubs are my thing! Currently in my shower is the gorgeous & Other Stories Floral Memento Body Scrub (£7.00 - & Other Stories here) which is just delightful for summer with a true floral scent. I find it nicely dense but not over harsh to exfoliate my skin well, leaving it silky smooth. This truly is a treat to use! When I'm fancying something less summery and for more evening showers I opt for the heavenly Palmers Cocoa Body Scrub (£4.99 - Superdrug here) which smells more like a dessert than a shower product! I find this to be a looser scrub that lighter buffs the skin making it great for everyday use. I also totally rate the Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub (£8.00 - Boots here) which is amazingly zingy and refreshing for summer.
Soap
Soap in the shower may seem out dated but I personally love them, especially handmade soaps from the likes of Bomb Cosmetics and Lush which offer something unique. My personal favourite soap comes from Lush and it's the Sultana Of Soap (£3.40/100g - Lush in-store) this soap creates a rich lather and is perfect for dry skin, which is why I like to use this on my under arms and my legs to shave with. If you think all soaps are drying then this is the soap to change your mind! Then for the rest of my body when I'm not wanted to use a body scrub I love to the Hawaiian Flower Soap from Bomb Cosmetics (£2.49 - Bomb Cosmetics here). This is a burst of citrus fragrance that fills the entire shower making it ideal for summer and to energise with.
Soap in the shower may seem out dated but I personally love them, especially handmade soaps from the likes of Bomb Cosmetics and Lush which offer something unique. My personal favourite soap comes from Lush and it's the Sultana Of Soap (£3.40/100g - Lush in-store) this soap creates a rich lather and is perfect for dry skin, which is why I like to use this on my under arms and my legs to shave with. If you think all soaps are drying then this is the soap to change your mind! Then for the rest of my body when I'm not wanted to use a body scrub I love to the Hawaiian Flower Soap from Bomb Cosmetics (£2.49 - Bomb Cosmetics here). This is a burst of citrus fragrance that fills the entire shower making it ideal for summer and to energise with.
Intimate Wash
Lastly for body care in the shower I like to use femfresh Daily Intimate Wash (£2.99/250ml - femfresh here). This lightly scented wash is perfect for the delicate intimate area where a gentle pH-balance is needed. The low pH formula helps to maintain a healthy pH balance down there to keep skin happy! This is also soap-free and lightly scented with a touch of aloe vera which has it's own soothing properties. If you are unsure what shower gel to use and if it will be sensitive enough, then this is a great choice to go with.
Lastly for body care in the shower I like to use femfresh Daily Intimate Wash (£2.99/250ml - femfresh here). This lightly scented wash is perfect for the delicate intimate area where a gentle pH-balance is needed. The low pH formula helps to maintain a healthy pH balance down there to keep skin happy! This is also soap-free and lightly scented with a touch of aloe vera which has it's own soothing properties. If you are unsure what shower gel to use and if it will be sensitive enough, then this is a great choice to go with.
Onto skincare now which I like to keep to a minimum in the shower and something I leave until last as I feel by then the heat and steam will have opened my pores. I also like to stick to gentle products that don't strip the skin anymore making my oily skin type more oily.
Face Wash
When it comes to washing my face in the shower I like to use a simple face wash as I never step into the shower with a full face of makeup on as I find mascara melts with the heat and smudges all over the face making it much more of a task to remove. So a face wash is there to remove any traces of makeup that hasn't been removed pre-shower and to remove any general grime or excess oil. For this reason I like the Amie Morning Clear Purifying Facial Wash (£4.95 - Amie here). This creamy feeling wash is gentle yet effective and again another pH-balanced formula to keep skin happy. I also love the elderflower scent to this.
Non-Abrasive Exfoliator
With combination skin I find keeping dry skin at bay to be something I have to keep on top of. I like to do this by exfoliating my skin with a non-abrasive corn starch powder such as the DHC Face Wash Powder (£9.50 - DHC UK here). The powder simply lathers up with water and is massaged over the face for a few minutes to cleanse away dead skin cells, revealing much softer skin. The powder can be used a few times a week and truly leaves the skin super smooth and free from dry patches. I also highly rate peeling creams however a powder exfoliator is much easier to use in the shower.
Lastly I wanted to touch upon freshening up and products that are great for feeling fresh. This could be in summer (when we are lucky enough to have a heatwave!), when travelling or even post-exercise. Basically any time you are feeling a sweaty mess and need products to help you feel fresh and energised!
Freshening Up
Whenever I think of freshening up I think of the Breath Of Fresh Air Toner from Lush (£4.25/100g - Lush in-store), this is a product I've been re-purchasing for years now as it picks up my skin whether it's feeling dehydrated from too much central heating, hot and sweaty on holiday or I'm feeling tired at my desk - a spritz of this refreshing spray is all my face needs. As for my body I find wipes to be a great solution when a shower isn't an option. Again from femfresh, these Freshening & Soothing Cloths (£3.49 pack of 25 cloths - femfresh here) are simple to use, gentle on the skin with the pH-balanced formula to freshen up on the go. Perfect for hot days and for travelling with! Lastly another product that may seem out-dated to some; Talc. Yes, I use talc! Though the Natural Body Powder from Senspa (£4.50 - Waitrose here) that I like to use is actually talc-free. This natural body powder is great to use after a shower as it soaks up moisture to leave a silky touch to the skin and smelling of relaxing essential oils. Another product that is idea for a gym or swim bag as it makes getting dress that much easier.
*Sponsored by femfresh*
I hope you've enjoyed a little tour around what products I use in the shower and what I like to freshen up with.
Let me know your own shower favourites?
Fee xo.
Imagine checking your Boots Advantage Card only to discover it contains a massive £10,000 worth of points. It's a thing of dreams, isn't it? Well for one lucky customer that dream will become reality, as Boots are giving £10,000 worth of Boots Advantage Card points away, plus between - 50 -5,000 points to thousands of customers!
Taking part is easy - Simply download the Boots App (if you don't already have it), sign in using your Boots Advantage Card number and access 'My Offers' before 4th August 2015 to enter!
To support the launch of this fantastic campaign Boots asked me how I would spend the points if I became a Points Millionaire, which let me tell you is an easy thing to day dream about! My skin care routine would be sorted, my fragrance collection would be bigger than ever and I'm sure each new makeup launch would be mine. Not to mention the Chanel Nail Polish collection I would have to acquire and mostly likely gaze at. Below are just a few products I would instantly have to snap up!
The first thing I could imagine indulging in is fragrance! My current wish list contains many high end scents which would all have to be bought with my fantasy points, all at 100ml of course! My two favourite fragrances of all time would to be snapped up - Guerlain Insolence and Thierry Mugler Alien. Then the most talked about Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess for summer along with Elie Saab Le Parfum. As well as a luxury 100ml bottle of Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, a old favourite that would truly feel like a luxury
I'm also sure I'd have to browse the fragrance counters of Boots and seek out some new perfumes to enjoy!
Next up would be makeup, ahhh I would be in heaven! Who wouldn't be?! First stop would be the Clarins counter as I've been eyeing up nearly all of the summer '15 collection. From the stunning Aquatic Treasures Summer Bronzing Compact to the beautiful Ombre Iridescent Eyeshadows. I'd also have to try out the raved about Double Serum along with their self-tanning range. Plus I may stock up on my favourite Clarins HydraQuench Cream for combination skin as my skin just drinks it up and feels beyond hydrated and smooth.
Carrying on with makeup I would be more than tempted to pick up a whole array of luxury lipsticks. First with YSL Rouge Volupte lipsticks as they all look so beautiful and then moving onto a few Burberry and Chanel lipsticks! That would certainly be a dream moment. As for nail polish, though I have so many already but all quite low end, I would have to treat myself to all my favourite Chanel Le Vernis Nail Polish shades and create a whole collection - from stunning vivid brights for summer to deep rich tones for autumn/winter.
Lastly for makeup, though I'm sure many shopping trips would be done with my fantasy advantage points, I would have to scoop but the entire range of Real Techniques Bold Metal Brushes as the few I own are so soft and professional. Not to mention how amazing they would look all lined up on a dressing table! Heck, I could even splurge and double up on a few of my favourite brushes!
Boots also have a great range of electricals that I would have to treat myself to. Firstly the blogger favourite - Olympus Pen Camera. This is a stunning camera and would make a great camera for holiday snaps or for blogging with! As for beauty electricals I definitely feel it's time for a new electric toothbrush and with my current one being sonic, and much preferring it to standard electric toothbrushes, I'd go for the Philips Sonic Care Diamond Clean. This would certainly be a luxury! I'd also snap up the interesting looking Philips Facial Cleansing Brush which has so many amazing reviews on the Boots website. Lastly, though I'd sure I'd massively spend on hair styling tools, I'd love to try out the Ego Boost Heated Roller System.
To also celebrate the campaign there will be throne made out of hundreds of products popping up in various cities throughout the country to have your photo taken at! The visiting places include -Bluewater 18th July, Crawley 25th July, Nottingham Victoria Centre - 1st August.
So go ahead and download the Boots App to be in with a chance of being Boots UK's first ever Points Millionaire!
How would you attempt at spending so many points in Boots?
Fee xo.
*Post sponsored by Boots UK
Whether you are jetting off somewhere warm this Summer or staying put you should be seeing some sun and with sun comes a change of products that match the climate. Here I've put together my own Summer essentials that I can't get enough of!
From an all-in-one hair oil that does everything to easy to use hair removal kits that leave the skin smooth and Summer ready!
Hair Essentials
First up whether here or in the sun the Tangle Teezer is a must for my hair. This is a product I recommend to anyone with mid to long length hair, as it glides through tangles with ease, saving your hair from the usual pulling and tugging. I also find it works amazingly well after getting your hair wet in the sea or pool as the plastic bristles really tackle them deep-rooted tangles. A total Summer must-have!
Another hair product I use almost daily is the L'Oreal Extraordinary Oil as it's the best multi-purpose oil I've come across. This wonderful oil can be used pre-shower as a mask for the hair, after showering on damp hair to de-frizz, on dry hair to tame split ends and add shine, and it even works to protect your hair from the heat. So as you can see this is an all-rounder oil! I also find this light enough for my fine hair and doesn't add a greasy look or feel. Another great Summer item to really look after your hair.
Face Essentials
For over a year now I've been into facial hair removal, this is something I was unsure of at first but after seeing the benefits of how smooth my foundation would sit on a fuzz-free face I was totally convinced. I now use the Nair Upper Lip Kit to quickly remove hair from my lip area, leaving a silky soft base. What I really love about this product is how simple and easy to use it is - apply the hair removal cream around the lip area, wait 3 minutes, then simply wash off with a dampened flannel. I then use the fragrance-free moisturiser provided to ensure my skin is totally smooth and nourished. This fits into my morning routine with ease just once a week and gives such a smoother foundation for makeup. You can find out more about the Nair Argan Oil range on the Nair website here.
Another must-have Summer essential is suncream! It's a total must to not only protect against skin cancer but premature ageing of the skin. As I personally have oily/combination skin my facial suncream of choice is Eucerin Mattifying Sun Fluid SPF 50+ which gives a perfectly matte base to apply makeup onto - exactly what my skin needs! If you have anything other than normal/dry skin I highly recommend seeking out a suncream that's specific to your own skin type.
Carrying on with keeping the skin matte in the warmer months another Summer essential is the Gosh Prime 'n' Set Powder. This is unlike any other powder I've tried and can be used to prime the skin before foundation to keep oil at bay and also to mattify and set makeup. If you suffer from an oily T-zone or find your makeup slips throughout the day this is a must-try!
Lastly for face essentials I couldn't get through Summer without a nourishing lip balm. As I love all things coconut I'm particularly in love with the Dr. Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Lip Serum. This thick serum coats the lips for a glossy finish and lasts hours. In hot weather this keeps the lips hydrated and tasting great! A Summer handbag essential for me.
Body Essentials
For Summer-ready skin being hair-free is a must for me but as I'm still a waxing virgin I opt for the incredibly easy to use wash-off hair removal creams from Nair. The new range now comes with Argan Oil making the creams smell pleasant compared to other depil creams. My favourite to use for both the bikini and underarm area is the Nair Argan Oil Glide-On. I apply this 5 minutes before getting into the shower whilst also applying a hair and face mask - multi-tasking at it's best! Then simply wash the cream off once in the shower to reveal silky soft skin. This I find totally fine for my often sensitive skin and I only need to use it once a week. Another hair removal cream I like to apply before a shower is Nair Argan Oil Shower Power Cream which again is no fuss, just smooth over legs and then remove in-shower with the provided spatula to ensure all the hair is removed. This is now my preferred method over shaving! Though for my next holiday to keep hair at bay for longer I may consider using the Nars Argan Oil Salon Divine Body Wax as the 'Bye Bye Pain' formula seems exactly what I would need! You can find out more about the interesting 'Bye Bye Pain' formula here.
Onto Summer scents now with my favourite natural deodorant from Weleda. Over the past year now I have been making subtle changes to minimise the chemicals I'm exposed to, especially when it goes to deodorant as the underarm area is porous. I've now switched to the beautifully scented Weleda Citrus Deodorant for day-to-day use which is a spray and to be quite honest with you, smells as good as a Summer fragrance! Though for times when I need something more I swear by Dove's Cream Go Fresh Deodorant in Cucumber & Green Tea - you aren't sweating at all with this stuff!
As for my Summer fragrance this year it's Escada Turquoise Summer. This is Escada's 2015 Summer scent which is bursting with juicy fruit notes, such as watermelon, pineapple and strawberry! For me this is perfect on hot days and one I will be taking on holiday with me in a few months time!
Summer Extras
Lastly I wanted to include a round-up of my favourite Summer accessories and extras! Again reiterating the importance of suncream I opt for a good SPF 30 with Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration. I've mentioned this product before but I find it to feel exactly like a moisturiser and to smell amazing! Something I don't go without when the sun is shining. As for my current nail polish of choice both on my fingers and toes is the beautiful Bourjois 1 Seconde Nail Polish in Blue No Blues. I find this such a sunny blue shade that looks equally great against pale or tanned skin - you can see full nail swatches of it here.
Onto Summer accessories now with my wonderful new pair of Le Spec sunglasses from Very Exclusive! These were a total impulse purchase after seeing Beyonce sporting them and looking amazing. Very 70's and cool - love the multi-toned mirrored lenses. I'm also currently loving my new tasselled kimono from Romwe, perfect to pair with demin shorts so the tassels hang down against bare legs with my cute embroidered duffle bag from New Look!
Really hope you've enjoyed this Summer inspired post!
Fee xo.
*Sponsored by Nair*
Over 3 years ago now I decided to go SLS-free, cutting out the harsh chemical I used in my shampoo, shower gel, face wash and even toothpaste! This marked a visible change in my overall skin health and from there I became more and more aware of harmful chemicals in the toiletries I use.
As a full supporter of any brand that decides to promote avoid beauty nasties I was more than pleased to hear about Holland & Barratt's latest campaign - The Big Beauty Swap. Where you can save 25% off all natural beauty products and toiletries in-store and online here until 11th June.
For part of this campaign Holland & Barrett are encouraging customers to also swap their beauty products in-store for more natural alternatives at a discount. Simply take any old, empty or partly used harmful toiletries with you to be environmentally recycled!
For part of this campaign Holland & Barrett are encouraging customers to also swap their beauty products in-store for more natural alternatives at a discount. Simply take any old, empty or partly used harmful toiletries with you to be environmentally recycled!
Holland and Barratt have a great selection of beauty products with some of my favourite natural/organic brands - Burts Bees, Yes To, Crazy Rumors and Dr Organic. Above are just a few of my favourite picks from the website and all at under £5 with the current 25% off offer! My absolute favourite picks being the Crazy Rumors Lipbalms in Lemonade and Bubble Gum at only £2.63 - bargain!
This is a great time to pick up some new summer products and discover the benefits of cutting down on your chemical usage!
If you also love your natural/organic beauty products I'd love to hear what your favourite brands are.
Fee xo.
With tarte cosmetics launching in the UK at the end of the month I thought today I would share some of my wish listed products!
Tarte is a brand I've always wanted to try because of their perfect colours and shades in each range and because of the amazing packaging - I mean mascara that looks like bamboo, what couldn't be better! So here are my top 5 products I'd love to try...
Amazonian Clay Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow
When it comes to eyeshadows I'm all about cream shadow bases. They are just so easy to apply, have great staying power and seem to come in some amazing shimmery shades whatever the brand. Looking up swatches is a must for this range of cream eyeshadows if you are a nuetral eyeshadow gal. Slate and Shimmering Bronze just look perfect to me!
Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara
Okay, I hold my hands up I may want this for the packaging... but also for the mid-size brush, so it's allowed right? From reviews I have read this is a great mascara that doesn't smudge or flake and nicely lengthens and separates, which is exactly what I love in a mascara. Purchased too many mascaras recently with huge wands and too 'wet' a formula that I just can't get to grips with, so I'm in need of a good everyday staple.
Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush
Tarte's most raved about product! How could I not want to try this... pretty packaging, amazing reviews and a great shade range. I currently have my eye on 'Flush' a lovely light pink shade that I know will go perfectly with my pale skin in spring/summer.
Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer
Another product that came to my attention due to it's claims of being waterproof (making it ideal for oily skin and hot weather). I love light matte bronzers for contouring which this looks spot on for but they just never last the day on my skin. Not overly keen on the packaging of this but the light shade and it's claims look like it could be an ideal bronzer for me.
LipSurgence Lip Tint
Ahhh lip crayons and lip tints, how I love them so. Tarte have an amazing range of both, but as summer is on it's way lip tints are my preferred lip product. The LipSurgence range consists of both matte and gloss shade in some perfect juicy looking shades that I absolutely love the look of.
Tarte really have an amazing range of products that I can't wait to try out this summer. Let me know if you will be purchasing anything from the cult U.S beauty brand!
Fee xo.
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