Glowing Skin

Beauty Bay Skincare

- Vicki Leave a comment

I had no idea that Beauty Bay had their own skincare line, so I bought a few things to try out. It is very affordable and although the packaging is quite basic and no frills, the products themselves are very good. It reminds me of brands like The Ordinary with their focus on delivering great products but not wasting money on overpriced packaging, and I like that! Simple packaging but good quality products.

I bought two of their serums, I am always looking for products that help brighten or hydrate skin, so these two were perfect for me to try. They are different consistencies, the brightening serum is a little thicker and has a cloudy appearance to the liquid, whilst the hydrating serum is thinner and is clear in texture. Both serums feel lovely on the skin and wear well under the rest of my skincare.

The Hydrating Serum contains, Hyaluronic Acid and Glycogen (skin hero ingredients) which draws and retains moisture into the skin, minimising the appearance of fine lines and a tight, dehydrated complexion. Giving you that fresh, plump, healthy look. This serum, supports a stronger skin barrier, helping to protect against environmental aggressors. I love products with Hyaluronic Acid in, especially in the colder, dryer months it just gives your skin that extra boost to look really hydrated and my makeup looks so much smoother after I use a product like this.

The Brightening Serum is equally good, I have been using the hydrating serum in the morning and the brightening serum in my evening skincare routine and that is really working well for me. The brightening serum with vitamin C which is an antioxidant that promotes collagen production, that helps to support healthy skin, whilst a brightening peptide works to increase luminosity by boosting skin cell turnover and targeting dullness. So with consistent use, this serum helps brighten, diminish pigmentation and even out skin tone.

This serum has been a welcomed addition to my skincare routine and I like that it leaves my skin feeling smooth and non-tacky and that the product is so affordable, as it all the beauty bay own brand products.

Now on to maybe my favourite of the three products, the Beauty Bay Chamomile and Oat Lipid Cleansing Balm which is a lovely classic balm to oil cleanser that makes light work of removing makeup and the dirt from the day. It has become an absolute staple in my routine, it makes a very good first cleanse as it melts away stubborn makeup. It is effective on makeup but still gentle, no need to rub or scrub just massage into your skin and the product will easily break down your makeup and leave your skin feeling so smooth and soft.

This balm boasts a formula made up of 86% naturally derived ingredients which include, Oat Lipids which are rich in ceramides, which are essential for maintaining the skin’s barrier and retaining moisture. They help to replenish the skin, leaving it nourished and smooth, whilst gently removing impurities and makeup without stripping the skin. It also contains, Chamomile which is well known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties, making it ideal for soothing irritated or inflamed skin.

Do not let the minimal and no frills packaging put you off trying beauty bay skincare, because the products themselves really are very good. Beauty Bay make it easy to find the right product for you, as they break their products down by skin concern, as use very easy language so you do not get overwhelmed or confused. The quality of ingredients and the focus on affordability is where these products shine, I highly recommend checking them out & adding some products to your routine, specific to your skincare needs.

These products are both vegan and cruelty-free and the packaging is easily recyclable.

Beauty Bay has a great selection of own brand skincare on their website.

 

Backup Skincare

- Vicki 1 Comment

I can’t be the only person that has backups of their favourite skincare / beauty products?! I consider myself to be quite low-key when it comes to hoarding products or buying new things, even though I love beauty and skincare. There are just a couple of items that I will always have a spare of so that when I run out I have one to replace it straight away. I wanted to share with you the 3 items that I have religiously repurchased and recommend time and time again.

Q+A Oat Milk Cleanser

This Oat Milk Cream Cleanser is my go to hot cloth cleanser. It is a lovely rich cream and I like how gentle it is on the skin, but that it also removes makeup.

  • Oat Seed Oil – rich in fatty acids, omegas and oleic and linoleic acid, this moisturising oil is easily absorbed into the skin. Vitamin E and ceramides help to lock in moisturise, promoting a healthy skin barrier.
  • Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids – which are gentle and less stripping, they leave your skin feeling less dry. They protect the skin barrier and reduce water loss for a deeply moisturising and gentle cleanse.

The Q+A skincare range is very affordable and great quality. I have been through countless tubes of this. I just need a mini version to take away on holiday.

 

Garnier vitamin C Brightening Night Serum

This serum has been years in the making from Garnier and contains, 10% Pure vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid. It is of the best, affordable products I have tried for achieving glowing, fresh skin. It is great at reducing sunspot and uneven skin tone and rejuvenating tired skin, which is just what I need.

  • Vitamin C – A potent antioxidant with brightening properties
  • Hyaluronic Acid –  A humectant that retains moisture to hydrate the skin

I have to say that I like the day serum too, they make a wonderful skincare duo.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream 125ml

Both my husband and I swear by this cream, especially in the colder months. It is so hydrating and perfect if you have sensitive skin. It is non-greasy, lightweight and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. It is what I reach for if the weather is cold, my skin is feeling dry or my makeup is not going on as well as usual. Fantastic at giving you that boost of hydration, and I travel everywhere with a mini pot of this.

  • Glacial Glycoprotein – Sourced from Antarctic sea glaciers to deliver intense hydration
  • Squalane – A natural moisturising agent and antioxidant
  • Pro-Ceramides to smooth skin and help boost hydration!

I would love to know what products you always stock up on.

 

New Vichy Idéalia Skincare

- Vicki 1 Comment
NEW Vichy Idealia Skincare

NEW Vichy Idealia Skincare

I have tried quite a few products from French skincare experts Vichy over the years and I am always impressed by their quality. I especially loved the Double Glow Peel Mask and Purete Thermale Range because my number one skin concern is dull, lacklustre skin and they both helped my skin look fresh and achieve that natural healthy glow. So when I heard about this new Idéalia range which is formulated to boost radiance I was so excited to put it to the test, and this duo came through my door at just the right time to combat the dulling effects of Winter on my skin.

New Vichy Serum

Vichy Idéalia Radiance Boosting Serum

So this serum has a lovely lightweight consistency (it contains regenerating Vichy Thermal Spa Water) and I have been enjoying using it in the morning as the first step in my skincare regime. It glides on my skin and instantly gives is a smooth, soft feel. Its emulsified texture leaves a light, non-greasy, protective film on the skin’s surface and protects the complexion from the microparticles that it collects throughout the day.

  • Radiance is restored and dullness reduced
  • Skin texture appears smoother
  • Vichy Mineralising Thermal Water strengthens the skin against aggressors
  • Tested on sensitive skin under dermatological control
  • Hypoallergenic

This Idéalia range is formulated to help repair and restore your complexion so it looks healthy and has that fresh glow. I am all about trying to achieve that glow! It is safe to say that Vichy has packed both products full of incredible ingredients that help protect against environmental aggressors, stimulates cellular repair and gently exfoliates the skin’s surface.

NEW Vichy Radiance Peeling Solution

Vichy Idéalia Peeling – Night Peeling Care

Over the past 3 months, this has become an integral part of my evening skincare regime, I use it after cleansing by applying it with a cotton pad, (avoiding the eye contour) I just sweep it across my skin and it gently exfoliates the skin whilst the active ingredients illuminate skin from within.

If you have tried other glycolic acids but found them too much for your sensitive skin then I highly recommend trying this Vichy one as it is very gentle and a little product goes a long way. This formula has a combination of 4% glycolic acid and 5% hepes to provide an exfoliating effect whilst boosting cell turnover.

  • Formulated with blueberry polyphenols, fermented black tea extract & Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water
  • Wake up to the look of naturally glowing skin
  • Evens skin tone and smoothes fine lines
  • Evens complexion
  • Awakens dull skin to reveal a natural glow

I think this has really helped even out my skin and give it that refreshed healthy glow. My skin also feels smoother and softer since using both products and I’ve found my makeup also sits better, which is a real bonus.

I’ve been very impressed with both products but out of the two (if I was forced to only repurchase one) I don’t think I could be without the Vichy Idéalia Peeling – Night Peeling Care. It is unlike any other product I am using at the moment and I know how important it is to use glycolic acid to help renew and rejuvenate skin. I think I have found the right fit for me.

Have you tried either of these products from the new Vichy Idéalia range or do you have any recommendations for gentle glycolic acid toners?

*This post contains PR samples

NIOD Flavanone Mud QVC Exclusive

- Vicki Leave a comment
NIOD Flavanone Mud 100ml

NIOD Flavanone Mud 100ml

I have always had my eye on so many NIOD products because they get such incredible reviews and the packaging is right up my street. Simple, clean and modern its so cool. I have been testing out their very popular Flavanone Mud (FM) Mask which for the month of September is available in a SUPERSIZED 100ml edition exclusively to QVC. So if you are a fan of this mask and prefer a tube instead of the original 50ml jar packaging then what are you waiting for, you need to stock up.

This is also an incredible deal as 100ml is only £38 whereas 50ml will set you back £24.50. So you’re getting fab new packaging and a deluxe supersized version for a bargain price.

NIOD QVC Exclusive Flananone Mud

How to use:

  • Use once a week
  • Apply a thin layer of Flavanone Mud to your entire cleansed dry face, avoiding the lower and upper eyelids
  • Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with warm water
  • There will be a stinging sensation which increases for a few minutes after the product is rinsed off

This comes out a very unusual orangey, brown shade and does tighten on the skin over the 10 minutes but it is not uncomfortable and the stinging sensation isn’t as dramatic as I was prepared for. So don’t panic. I smoothed a very thin layer over my face using a brush & just left it to work its magic.

So the magic is that this is one of the best mud masks I have tried and I have tried quite a lot. This mask works in three phases

  • Purifying Phase

This phase is the simplest one in the formulation and the one that is most closely aligned with masques as they are known today. In this phase, surface impurities—which include oil- and water-soluble pollution, cosmetic product build-up and excess sebum activity build-up—are physically solubilized and removed.

  • Protective Phase

This phase of FM’s formulation offers the most innovative approach to decongestion by introducing technologies that offer a physical shield against external build-up.

  • Responsive Phase

This phase of the formulation introduces mechanisms that fight against environmental congestion factors. This phase is the most important phase of FM as it respects health and longevity. The presence of “Flavanone” in the name of the product emphasizes the importance of this phase.
The result of this combined approach is a topical purification process that allows for a form of sustained visible radiance that is not “fabricated” through short-term inflammation or peeling.

Super Sized NIOD Flavanone Mud

There are so many wonderful ingredients included in this mask and NIOD are very cutting edge with the designing and formulation of their products, they like to go about things a little differently. Which is very intriguing and exciting.

With a commitment to be at the very forefront of science, NIOD (Non Invasive Options in Dermal Science) brings new innovations out ahead of the curve, adapting to the needs of modern-day skincare and pioneering next-generation beauty.

Face Mask

Quite a few whiteheads came to the surface after using this but after using it over the past 2 weeks. My skin is now looking healthy and feels smooth and soft.

‘FM is designed to be used once per week. Its action may lead to a stinging sensation which actually increases for a few minutes after the product is rinsed-off. The product should be applied on clean, dry skin as a very thin even layer and left on for 10 minutes. Some benefit will be seen immediately after the first use, but the benefits will be more evident 24-48 hours after application and will continue to be maintained with continued use. Note: An accelerated method of use would be to use FM once per day for the first five days followed by weekly maintenance applications.’

So as you can see the mask is a dark burnt orange and its formula is thinner and feels almost like a serum when applying it, it is very easy and smooth to apply and surprisingly easy to remove with warm water and a flannel. Even after one use, you will notice a difference in the texture of your skin.

NIOD Flavanone Mud Face Mask

If you often see very little results from your regular Mud Mask then I think its time you tried this Flavanone Mud Mask. It’s a fantastic decongestant and I usually have quite a few small spot like bumps around my jaw and chin, after 6 or so uses they have all but disappeared. Also, mud masks can be drying and leave your skin feeling stripped but this NIOD release does the opposite. Your skin feels hydrated and nourished after using it despite it drawing out all the dirt, sebum and grime from your skin. It really is a multi-purpose mask and I can see why it always sells out so fast, they struggle to make it quick enough to keep up with demand.

If you like this kind of exfoliating, resurfacing mask then I guarantee you are going to love this NIOD one.

NIOD Flavanone Mud 100ml £38

*PR sample