Monthly Favourites

Antipodes Evening Skincare Review

- Vicki Leave a comment
Antipodes Skincare Products

Although I’d never tried anything from this brand, I had heard of Antipodes Skincare and read so many positive reviews about the quality of their products and the ingredients they use. So I was so excited to finally try 2 products from their evening skincare range and not to let the cat out of the bag right away but I this duo has really given my skin its glow back!

Antipodes are a brand that is very focused on the environment and harnessing the power of organic plants and natural ingredients. The entire product range which hails from New Zealand uses sustainably sourced, fresh ingredients and combines these with extensive scientific research to create effective results orientated skincare. Let me know if you have tried & loved any other products from their range and I will add them to my basket!

Evening Skincare From Antipodes

Antipodes Avocado Pear Night Cream

Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream

I think this night cream might just be the answer to plump, hydrated, blemish-free skin. It works wonders whilst you’re sleeping and I think that when used after the Joyous Serum you have the perfect duo not only for combating the signs of ageing but for boosting your skins natural healthy glow! I can’t believe it has taken me this long to discover the benefits of Antipodes skincare.

If you have dull, dry, mature skin then this rich cream is going to fit well into your routine. This Avocado Pear cream has a thick texture and a distinctive bold scent (ylang-ylang, jasmine and sandalwood). It isn’t greasy but the cream is very rich and has a slight oiliness to it which will help replenish dehydrated skin.

• Avocado oil – is high in antioxidants, works as a natural sun filter and gives a super-hydrating boost for your skin.
• Manuka honey – helps to promote youthful, fresh, blemish-free skin & is antibacterial too.
• Vinanza® Grape extract – This is a revolutionary antioxidant extract from sauvignon blanc grape seeds grown on Marlborough vineyards, scientists have identified as having double the levels of polyphenolic antioxidants, helps neutralise free-radical damage.

The ingredients list is pretty impressive:-

Ingredients: shea butter vegetable extract avocado oil Active 20+ manuka honey macadamia nut oil calendula oil coconut oil vegetable extract Vinanza Grape® grapeseed extract Vitamin E Aqua butyrospermum parkii squalane persea gratissima leptospermum mel macadamia ternifolia calendula officinalis cocos nucifera cetearyl olivate sorbitan olivate lecithin gluconolactone sodium benzoate calcium gluconate vitis vinifera tocopherol essential oil fragrances of sandalwood ylang ylang and patchouli

  • Hydrates and protects skin while you sleep
  • Scientifically shown* to stimulate synthesis of collagen production in human cells by up to 92 per cent
  • Suited to most skin conditions, especially mature and dry
  • Certified vegetarian by the UK Vegetarian Society
  • Recyclable glass bottle. 100 per cent biodegradable cardboard from sustainable forests

Antipodes Avocado Pear Night Cream

Antipodes Joyous Night Replenishing Serum 

This is one serum you are going to want to add to your evening routine, especially if, like me, your skin often looks dull and lacklustre. This oil-based serum has a lovely rich silky texture and a subtle botanical scent it applies like a dream and boy does my skin drink it up. It is absolutely packed full of wonderful premium organic ingredients, no hidden nasties and their packaging is environmentally friendly.

Showcasing some incredible skin-loving ingredients including a trio of superfood oils that will rejuvenate, hydrate and refresh your skin. You can rely on this serum to keep your skin looking incredible night after night! I am in love with it and the results I have already seen in my skin – my skin feels supple, smooth and looks so much more healthy and glowing. This serum has become a staple in my skincare routine.

  • Himalayan goji berry – protein-rich, containing up to 19 naturally occurring amino acids.
  • Red raspberry seed & blackcurrant oil – provide a rich natural source of essential fatty acids to hydrate
  • Hibiscus flower helps exfoliate and freshen your complexion.

The ingredients list again is impressive:-

Blackcurrant Oil, Goji Berry Extract, Raspberry Seed Oil, Hibiscus Flower Extract, Reishi Mushroom Extract, Ribes Nigrum, Lycium Barbarum, Rubus Idaeus, Hibiscus Sabdarifa, Gandoderma Lucidum, Essential Oil Fragrances Of Blackcurrant, D-Limonene*, Geraniol*, Linalool*, Citronellal*. 

  • Helps repair damaged and ultra-dry skin
  • Help improve skin elasticity and suppleness
  • Suited to normal, dry and mature skin conditions
  • Certified vegetarian by the UK Vegetarian Society
  • Recyclable glass bottle. 100% biodegradable cardboard from sustainable forests

Green Skincare from Antipodes

People are becoming more aware of how they impact the environment (I know I am) and we are seeing more brands becoming vegan, sustainable and organic. I think It is such a positive step & Antipodes are a world leader in this, with over 10 years experience.

Antipodes is one of the few fully certified organic skincare producers in the world, making them a green beauty brand you can genuinely trust.

Best Exfoliators for Summer

- Vicki 1 Comment
Current Favourite Exfoliators

I do love a good exfoliator, and I’ve gathered my favourites, so I can tell you all about them. I recently went to a family wedding & so I wanted my skin to look its best – on my face, hands, and body, so I have been exfoliating like a maniac these past few weeks. Not to mention the fact the UK is experiencing a sustained period of gloriously warm weather which means my legs & arms are out a lot more than usual, so having a good exfoliator helps remove all that SPF and keep them looking their best.

Current Favourite Exfoliators

Previse Marine Granules Skin Brightening Botanical Scrub

I reviewed this facial exfoliator recently so I won’t go on about it too much, it is a great Vegan, Green and Cruelty-Free option if that ticks boxes for you! It is also mineral oil, synthetic fragrance-free and contains no parabens or petroleum.

This gentle exfoliator blends fossilised algae with jojoba and botanical extracts to gently buff the skin. This has a gel-like texture with lots of very fine scrubbies which exfoliate away all the dirt and grime your skin clings on to from the day. It works wonders on my blackheads & leaves skin feeling smooth without being abrasive. I love using this in the morning as it leaves my skin so smooth and my makeup sits so well after using this. It also stimulates cell renewal and gives your skin a healthy, fresh glow.

Superdrug vitamin E Gentle Oatmeal Exfoliator

This is one of my absolute favourite affordable skincare ranges, the Vitamin E range from Superdrug is incredible for hydrating, nourishing and preventing premature ageing. I have used up so many bottles of this Oatmeal Exfoliator, and it is so good at keeping skin smooth and looking radiant. It is a great gentle option and oats are renowned for being calming and soothing too, so your skin is in good hands with this product. I always stock up when Superdrug have it on offer. All Superdrug own branded products are Cruelty Free and Leaping Bunny approved!

Merumaya Skin Brightening Exfoliating Peel 

This peel doesn’t have any exfoliating scrubbies instead it smooths, brightens and removes dead skin with glycolic acid and pomegranate enzymes. I apply a generous layer once or twice a week as part of my morning skincare routine and leave it on for 15 minutes to work its magic (or should I say science).

Aloe Vera and humectants help maintain the right moisture balance, Allantoin and a high strength calming complex soothe the skin during and after the peel. This peel is amazing at refreshing and rejuvenating your skin and is a good product to use in the lead up to a special event.

• Reduce blemishes, congestion, and blockages.
• Refine and reduce the appearance of pores.
• Re-texturise all skin types so it is smoother
• Soften signs of skin-ageing.
• Prevent ingrown hairs for men.

best exfoliators for summer

Tropic Body Smooth Refreshing Polish 

Not all exfoliators are created equal and let me just tell you that this Tropic Body Polish is out of this world – it is a pot of utter luxury for your skin. My body has never felt so smooth. I’m in love with this stuff. I use it a couple of times a week and as you can see from the photo I have used over half and I will be repurchasing it without question! Oh, Tropic products are all Vegan, Cruelty-Free & are Leaping Bunny approved so that is amazing, their range is also manufactured right here in the UK in their Surrey Beauty Kitchen.

It’s packaged in this lovely glass jar and comes with the cutest little bamboo spoon so you can scoop just enough product out without having to dip your fingers in (love the attention to detail). The first thing you notice is the uplifting zesty scent, which is incredible and such a lovely Summer fragrance. It has a blend of invigorating, zesty essential oils, mineral-rich sea salts and exotic pure plant extracts. Enriched with vitamin E and lemon myrtlet.

It exfoliates away dead skin with ease and the blend of oils helps nourish skin so it doesn’t dry out, and it leaves it feeling unbelievably soft. If you like to treat yourself to nice skincare then this product has to be top of your list to try! Its ingredient list is short but jam-packed full of wonderful skin beneficial

Mineral Rich Organic Sea Salts, Organic Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Macadamia Oil, Rosehip Oil, Vitamin E, Essential Oils of Australian Lemon Myrtle, Eucalyptus, Lime, Lemon, Bergamot and Peppermint

Jurlique Exfoliating Hand Treatment

One of my resolutions this year was to take better care of my hands. I mean I do a whole skincare routine for my face and always use body lotions and oils but my hands more often than not get overlooked, and it has been nice really taking the time to look after them. I do an entire hand care routine when I am doing my at home manicure, and this Jurlique Exfoliating Hand Treatment has a creamy texture with tiny exfoliating Jojoba beads which provide just enough scrub without being abrasive.

I like that this is a multi-benefit 2 in 1 treatment mask and scrub. Apply a generous amount to the backs of your hands, fingers and forearms, relax for 5 minutes then with a little warm water massage off making use of the Jojoba beads. It leaves your hands velvety soft, smooth and nourished. It includes,

  • Red & White Clay – to absorb impurities
  • Jojoba Beads – to gently exfoliate
  • Shea Butter – to soften and hydrate
  • Calendula Extract – to nourish and protect

A great product if you find your hands are taking the brunt of this warm weather, it is nice and luxurious to take the time to apply a mask to your hands, and it leaves your hands feeling amazing once you’ve washed it off exfoliating away all the dead skin.

*This post contains PR samples

Currently in Use #8

- Vicki 1 Comment
Skin Care Products Currently In Use 9

Products Currently In Use 9

Superdrug Raspberry & Vanilla Shower & Bath Soak 

I can’t get enough of these Superdrug own brand shower gels. They have the nicest selection of scents. I picked up this Raspberry & Vanilla one and also my favourite Salted Caramel one too. They always seem to be on offer so I stock up and they last ages. This one is lovely and fruity with a touch of sweetness. This bath soak leaves my skin soft and makes my whole bathroom smell so good. Best of all is the fact they’re Vegan and cruelty-free, not to mention a complete bargain. So if you’re looking for a new shower gel (you can use them as bath soak too), I highly recommend this range. I really want to try the Rhubarb and Custard one but it is always sold out in my local Superdrug.

Garnier Ultimate Blends Shampoo – The Sleek Restorer with Coconut Oil & Cocoa Butter

This is great if you find most shampoos weigh your hair down, or you find it difficult to wash it out fully. The consistency of this shampoo is like a lightweight gel, it is so easy to work through your hair and very quick to rinse out. It leaves hair feeling hydrated, looking smooth and glossy with no trace of product buildup. I have naturally wavy hair that can get super frizzy but this shampoo helps to keep it manageable and frizz-free. I really want to try the conditioner too. Oh and this smells like pure Summer in a bottle, it is gorgeous.

Compagnie de Provence Karite Liquid Marseille Soap

In my house, I enjoy having products in lovely packaging, especially items that are on display all the time like handwash. When I saw this one in a cute homeware shop in St Ives I had to get it. The soap is great & doesn’t leave my hands dry at all. It is enriched with nourishing Shea Butter which is rich in vitamins A, D, E and F.

The bottle is ceramic so when it runs out I will refill it and keep using it. I love the bold typeface used on the bottle and think the cream and black make it look very modern and not too in your face. It was £18.50 so a bit of a splurge but it is 500ml and going to last a long time, also as I said I will reuse the bottle so that makes it worthwhile.

Superdrug Vitamin E Gentle Oatmeal Exfoliator 

I have tried almost all of the Superdrug own brand skincare collections and have never been disappointed. They’re affordable, vegan and have really good ingredients. I bought this Oatmeal Exfoliator from the Vitamin E range on a whim and I have to say I love it. It isn’t abrasive but the oatmeal scrubbies are enough so they exfoliate away the dead skin without leaving skin sore. I often apply it then leave it on my skin like a facemask for a couple of minutes before massaging it over my skin then washing it off with a damp warm cloth. It reminds me of the LUSH Oatifix face mask. For under £3 this is a great exfoliator to have in your routine.

Enriched with naturally sourced Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that will help to shield your skin against environmental damage and premature skin ageing by combating the harmful effects of free radicals, The indulgent formula also contains a skin conditioning multivitamin complex comprising of vitamins A,B ,F and H, which, combined with horse chestnut extract, helps to care for dry skin.

SheaMoisture 10-in-1 Multi-Benefit Hair Masque 

I use this hair mask once a week and I try to leave it on my hair as long as possible (2-3 hours). It is a wonderful mask with so many benefits – well 10 to be exact and they are

  • Age-defying
  • Nourishing
  • Anti-stress
  • Revive body
  • Colour Protecting
  • Shine
  • Hydrating
  • Strengthening
  • Manageability
  • Softening

This is the ideal mask to add to your pamper routine, it gives your hair such a deep treatment. Once I rinse this out my hair instantly feels silky smooth and healthy. It’s a great masque if you have dry, dull hair because this will bring back the shine.

It contains some fab hair loving ingredients & the whole SuperFruit Complex range is pretty fantastic. I have tried both the shampoo & conditioner and they’re well worth investing in it is great for hydrating and nourishing dry, damaged hair.

  • Superfruit–a blend of red raspberry, ketones, goji, acai and guava extracts rich in anti-aging antioxidants
  • Marula oil–contains natural plant peptides that help support hair’s elasticity
  • Biotin–nourishes individual strands for thicker, stronger hair
  • Shea butter–deeply moisturises while conditioning hair and scalp

Let me know if you’ve tried any of the products I’m currently using – or if you have any recomendations of products I need to try.

Currently in use #7

- Vicki Leave a comment
Products in my bathroom

Products Currently In Use March 2018

balanceMe Super Moisturising Bodywash

I do love a fancy body wash, it’s one of my guilty pleasures. This balanceMe one smells like a spa and leaves my skin feeling like I’ve had a pamper. It is infused with a skin-softening blend of Benzoin, Yarrow and Shea Butter, so it leaves skin feeling soft, supple and hydrated. The handy pump makes it easy to use in the shower when your hands are all slippery and it also means you don’t dispense more product that you need & that makes me happy. It has a refreshing, uplifting scent which is perfect for the morning and I like that it’s sulphate free, and 99% natural too!

SheaMoisture Argan Oil and Almond Milk Shampoo & Conditioner

This new release from SheaMoisture is the answer to frizz-free, sleek hair. It doesn’t weigh my hair down or cause product build up which means my hair looks healthy and glossy for longer.  It has been formulated specifically for curly, frizzy unmanageable hair, it is formulated with almond milk, argan oil, marshmallow root extract and raw shea butter to help tame frizz, detangle and lock in moisture. So your hair is in good hands with this duo!

Key Benefits

  • Helps to control frizz
  • Smoothes hair
  • Helps to improve manageability
  • Cruelty-free
  • Contains organic ingredients and fair trade ingredients
  • Detangles hair
  • Revives tired hair
  • Lightweight
  • Seals hair cuticles against humidity

This is also great, if like me your hair can often feel quite coarse and hard to style, this duo smooths and tames whilst giving the hair a real boost of moisture which helps it to feel softer for longer. Oh, and it smells amazing – which is always important in my book, especially when it comes to haircare.

Soap & Glory 3-in-1 Vitamin C Face Wash

These bottles always last me for months, it never seems to run out. I use this morning or night as a first cleanse. It has a gel consistency with tiny jojoba scrub-beads which are not at all abrasive but just help smooth skin and get rid of any dead skin which helps your skin glow from within. This 3 in 1 face wash cleanses, polishes and energises skin. It contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and Soap & Glory’s exclusive SUPERFRUIT™ YUZU complex.

I have been through quite a few bottles of this over the years and it’s a product I love having in my skincare routine because you can use it daily, it isn’t drying or striping so you can use it whenever your heart desires (I use it daily). I like to have a gentle, daily exfoliator in my routine, it helps reduce the build-up of dirt and grime which in turn stops me getting so many breakouts. This is a great face wash to have in your collection and like I said it lasts forever!

Merumaya Skin Brightening Exfoliating Peel  

This gentle exfoliating mask makes it easy to get radiant, smooth refreshed looking skin. No more scrubbing required. You just apply a generous layer of this gel and sit back, relax and let it work its magic. The Glycolic Acid integrated with Pomegranate Enzymes help eliminate dead skin whilst Aloe Vera and Allantoin soothe, calm and balance skins moisture levels.

Key Benefits

• Reduce blemishes, congestion and blockages.
• Refine and reduce the appearance of pores.
• Re-texturise all skin types so it is smoother
• Soften signs of skin-ageing.
• Prevent ingrown hairs for men

It is a fast acting mask so you don’t need to sit for ages, waiting. This mask re texturisers skin in 5 – 15 minutes, I usually leave it on for a solid 10 minutes, which is great if you are pushed for time. I love how effective it is and my skin is visibly more radiant after using it, doesn’t sting or leave my skin red afterwards, in fact, I often use it in the morning so my skin looks glowing with or without makeup.

Let me know what products you are enjoying at the moment and if you’ve tried any of the ones I have mentioned in this post.