summer skincare

Skincare For Radiant Skin

- Vicki 2 Comments
Skincare saviours for glowing skin

Skincare saviours for glowing skin

Alex Steinherr Plump and Glow Moisturiser

I have been waiting for the best part of 6 months to try the Alex Steinherr X Primark skincare collection. My local Primark doesn’t stock it so when I was up in Manchester recently I bought 3 products and I love them all. This Plump and Glow moisturiser is lightweight and leaves the skin looking fresh, plump and radiant. I can’t believe this only costs £5. It contains Hyaluronic Acid which is great for helping your skin retain moisture, Centella Asiatica which is a natural anti-inflammatory (great for reducing redness and soothing skin) and Pink pomelo (which is a citrus fruit) which is antioxidant rich and protects the skin against the damaging effects of free radicals.

This is a great moisturiser to add to your skincare regime, especially if you’re looking for products that keep your skin looking refreshed, smooth and hydrated.

La Roche Posay Pure Vitamin C10*

I was lucky enough to win this in a recent giveaway on Twitter and let me just say It is one of those skincare products that instantly makes your skin look and feel a hundred times better. If like me you like to use products that keep your skin looking youthful (radiant, fresh and smooth) then you need this serum in your life. It tackles/addresses so many skincare concerns, including

  • Anti-Wrinkle
  • Boost Skins Radiance
  • Improves skin texture
  • Reduces Wrinkles & Fine Lines
  • Smooths Imperfections / reveals Skin’s full radiance

This pure vitamin C10 serum contains some wonderful skin loving ingredients which help combat, improve and prevent some of our most pressing skin concerns.

KEY INGREDIENTS – [10% vitamin c + salicylic acid + neurosensine] in a nutshell these ingredients help exfoliate away dead skin cells, brighten and even out skin tone, stimulate collagen production and reduce the damage of free radicals and help reduce redness and skin irritation. So it is quite an all-rounder really. I am already very impressed with the improvements in my skin tone and I can’t wait to see the benefits of using it over a longer period.

B.Soft Multi-Acid Retexturising Pads

I love these retexturising pads, I use them in the evening after cleansing and before I apply my evening skincare. These pads use a blend of Fruit Acids and Glycolic Acids which gently removes the top layer of skin along with the grime and dirt from the day. Including pollution, dirt, oil,  and dead skin cells this helps to help keep your skin glowing and stop your pores getting clogged. You get 60 pads and I use them every other day, really quick and easy and a great step for preventing blemishes and keeping your skin looking its best.

Stri Vectin Multi-Action R&R Eye Cream*

I have been using this eye cream since Christmas and yes It is very expensive but Stri Vectin is a premium skincare brand & I do rate and really love their products. This Multi-Action R&R eye cream is lovely and creamy it is formulated to target the five major signs of ageing which includes lines & wrinkles, dark circles, sagging, puffiness and dehydration. It really hydrates my under eye really well and I have noticed my concealer sits well and doesn’t crease as badly when I apply this first. My dark circles are always quite bad and I don’t think any eye cream would make a big difference to them but I will say it reduces puffiness, smooths and helps me look more awake. If this cream is within your budget then I highly recommend adding it to your routine.

Super Facialist Vitamin C Brightening Face Polish

This is my second tube of this incredible face polish, I repurchased it as soon as it had run out as I never want to be without it. This face scrub smells like summer – it has such a fresh, zesty citrus scent which I love and which reminds me of holidays! It’s gentle enough that you can use it daily, but I have been using it every 2 days and that’s been working well for me. It has a lightweight gel texture which is infused with biodegradable micro-beads to softly remove dead skin cells & daily impurities and dirt. It is boosted with antioxidant ferulic acid and vitamins C & E to promote brighter looking skin. So if you have quite dull skin and get a little texture where dead skin forms around your nose, chin area then this is perfect for addressing that! Packed with Vitamin C and natural skin brighteners, it encourages skin’s renewal and energises the complexion to keep it looking fit, radiant and youthful. I also like how well my makeup applies after using this and that my skin is smoother and super soft!

*This post contains 2 PR samples but all opinions are my own.

Beauty Product Empties July 2018

- Vicki 1 Comment
Superdrug Vitamin E Face Mist

You can tell from my empties that July was a HOT month. I used up so many hydrating products – mostly for my face. I was trying so hard to stay cool and keep my skin hydrated. So there are quite a few products to talk about, let’s jump right into it.

July 2018 Beauty Product Empties

Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion

LOVED this. It is a very affordable body lotion, not heavy or greasy and sinks right into the skin. The lightweight lotion has a thin almost serum-like consistency which was really good especially in the Summer heat. It meant my skin didn’t feel sticky or like the lotion was too thick under my clothes. I would repurchase this 100%.

VICHY Idéalia Peeling 

This toner is incredible for radiant skin – it is as if it just wipes away all the dullness and you wake up with a fresh, glowing complexion. I used this at least 2-3 times a week and this bottle lasted me months! This formula has a combination of 4% glycolic acid and 5% hepes, to provide an exfoliating effect whilst boosting cell turnover. So it is a great product if you find your skin is looking a little flat. This Idéalia is great and I really want to try more from it.

Superdrug Vitamin E Hydrating Face Mist

This is another warm weather must have skincare product! I have been misting it over my skin throughout the day in a bid to keep cool. You can mist on to cleansed skin before you apply makeup or you can spritz it on your skin to refresh your makeup and keep skin hydrated and refreshed. This Vitamin E Range from Superdrug is incredible value for money and I can’t recommend it enough. I love the Hot Cloth Cleanser, Oat Exfoliator and the Eye Cream – you can’t go wrong! This hydrating face mist contains soothing Aloe Vera as well as a skin conditioning multivitamin complex, comprising vitamins A, B, F and H, which, combined with horse chestnut extract, helps to care for dry skin.

Superdrug Vitamin E Face Mist

Faith In Nature Deodorant

I have been using this Natural Deodorant for about 2 years now. It doesn’t stop me sweating but it neutralises the smell and contains no nasty ingredients. I hate the thought of applying a deoderant that is full of chemicals and metals right on my armpits where they’re easily absorbed into my body. This deodorant doesn’t block the sweat ducts but fights the odour & leaves my armpits feeling fresh & comfortable.

  • 100% Natural Fragrance
  • With Essential Oils
  • Free from Parabens and SLS

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic

How adorable is this mini bottle, I am gutted that it has run out. Over the past few (very warm) weeks I have been keeping this in my fridge so it is cool and refreshing on my skin, I have been using it in the evenings after I’ve cleansed just to refresh and calm my skin. This is the perfect refreshing Summer toner & I am going to have to purchase the full size – especially if this crazy heatwave continues.

Naturally, active ingredients include aloe vera to hydrate, calendula, chamomile and cucumber to soothe and refresh, plus antioxidant vitamin E. This revitalising toner is fragranced with an uplifting blend of pure essential oils, including rose-scented geranium, lavender and sweet orange.

Products Ive Used Up July 2018

Miller Harris Rose Silence (travel size) and Lumière Dorée 

Over the past 3 years, Miller Harris has become my favourite luxury fragrance brand, their scents are simply stunning. no matter which of their fragrances I am wearing I always get compliments. In terms of staying power, they’re second to none – I very rarely have to spritz again throughout the day because the scent doesn’t fade. My absolute fave is Rose Silence and I have gone through so many bottles – including this travel size. I love this small size for my handbag or weekend breaks. The Lumière Dorée is a great unisex fragrance and I think it has a zesty, quite sweet scent but the musk makes it a little sensual and warm. If you are ever near a counter you must test out their range.

  • TOP NOTES: BERGAMOT, PETITGRAIN BIGARADIER EO, ORANGE BIGARADE
  • HEART NOTES: NEROLI BIGARADE MOROCCO EO, SAMBAC JASMINE, ORANGE BLOSSOM WATER
  • BASE NOTES: CASHMERE WOOD, VETIVER, CRISP AMBER, WHITE MUSK

Jurlique Activating Water Essence

This is that product you think you don’t need or think you don’t want to add another step to your skincare routine. Well, let me just say, you really do need it & it has become an essential step in my routine. So an Essence is not a toner, nope its used after both cleansing and toning, it can replenish moisture, balance skins PH levels and help skin look glowing. For me, it has 3 main benefits & I love to use it all year round. It is refreshing in the Summer & very hydrating in the Winter.

  • Hydrates – Delivers continuous hydration and lasting moisture
  • Conditions – Smooths skin to provide a soft, supple complexion
  • Revitalise – Revitalises and re-energises for healthy-looking skin

Skincare Empty Products July 2018

Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Mascara

This is a forever repurchase for me, it’s very affordable and I love the way it gives volume and makes my lashes look thick. You can either apply one coat for a more everyday look or really build it up, giving you more intense, bold lashes and the mascara doesn’t flake throughout the day which is epic! So many mascaras give me panda eyes.

*This post contains PR Samples

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

Tropic Skincare Summer Releases

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Tropic Sun Skincare

Tropic Sun Skincare

Tropic Skin Care has released some fantastic products for the Summer and I have been putting two of them to the test. Their Summer essentials include Mineral Sunscreens, a Self Tanning range, Shimmer Treats and a soothing Aftersun Lotion. So Tropic have everything you need to see you through the Summer.

Tropic Tinted Skin Shade

This is a tinted facial sunscreen and is available in two shades, Light to Medium and Medium to dark. This is a water-resistant SPF50 mineral sunscreen, it provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection whilst also giving your skin a healthy natural tint.

As we are all aware sun exposure can be dangerous and sunscreen is an essential part of preventing premature ageing, reducing sun spots and skin discolouration and of reducing your risk of skin cancer. So when I can find a sunscreen that also provides a little coverage I’m all over it. I like products that are a 2 in 1 and I love that this Tropic Tinted Skin Shade gives me a natural healthy tint of colour whilst not compromising on the quality of the SPF protection.

As I said I have the Light / Medium shade and have been enjoying using this alone as my base for a couple of weeks. It gives my skin a beautiful touch of colour and a healthy glow. It also evens out my skintone but still lets my freckles show through which I like. It feels comfortable on my skin, is very easy to apply, blend (I use my fingers) and to top up throughout the day. It is the perfect product for creating a lightweight, fresh Summer look and perfect for taking with you on holiday. I have been using a facial SPF daily for a couple of years now and having one that gives you the benefits of high SPF protection, is tinted and contains lovely skincare ingredients to just ticks all the boxes.

• Extracts of passion flower oil, high in omega 6, retain your skin’s natural moisture

• Australian aniseed myrtle and wild hibiscus flower extract actively eliminate free radicals and promote younger looking skin

  • –  100% mineral sun protection
  • –  Free from toxic chemicals
  • –  Broad spectrum (UVA/UVB protection)
  • –  Kinder to the environment
  • –  Gentle on sensitive skin
  • –  Water resistant

I’m so impressed with how lovely this looks on my skin and how nice it feels. It is one of those products you look forward to using every day.

Tropic Suncare Products 2017

Tropic Summer Goddess Shimmering Body Oil

This shimmering body oil is 100% Summer in a bottle, it looks so pretty and smells beautiful too. It makes me wish I was heading to IBIZA on holiday but sadly that is not happening, although I do live in Cornwall so I have been slathering this all over my limbs to get that radiant holiday glow.

• With organic virgin coconut and golden jojoba oils to hydrate and nourish skin

• Scents from Tahitian and bourbon vanilla keep you smelling delicious

This won’t make you look like you have covered your body in glitter but instead makes your skin glisten with a subtly shimmery, golden glow and the gorgeous oil hydrates and nourishes the skin keeping it looking and feeling its best. I give it a quick shake to disperse the shimmer particles then I  massage a good amount on my arms, legs and décolletage. It instantly makes them look golden and gives them that sexy holiday glow and the

This is a limited edition product so if you want it you best be quick.

Tropic Skincare New Summer Releases

Tropic Skin Care are a Vegan and Cruelty-Free brand and their products are free from,

Parabens • SLS/ALS (sodium/ammonium lauryl sulphate) • unsustainable palm oils • formaldehydes • phthalates • alcohol • MI (methylisothiazolinone) • petrochemicals • mineral oils • gluten • lanolin • triclosan • beeswax/honey • harsh preservatives • toxic chemicals • microbeads

Tropic Skincare is available online at www.tropicskincare.co.uk

*This post contains PR samples