Vegan Skincare

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.

Skincare Empties March 2018

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Skincare Empties March 2018

Skincare Empties 2018 March

You know some months you seem to run out of all your favourite products at once? Well, that’s what happened to me in March. Almost every product I use in my daily skincare routine came to the end of its life and it made me so sad. I will be repurchasing every single one of these products and I don’t think I have ever said that in an empties post before, there is usually at least one product that was a somewhat underwhelming but not this time, I have a lot of love for all 5 of these and I need them back in my routine ASAP.

Tropic Vitamin Toner Pore Refining Mist

If you’re looking for a toner that feels instantly refreshing and energising on your skin then this is 100% for you. It not only helps keep skin hydrated, feeling fresh and drenched in vitamins but it’s also infused with vitamins and amino acids that help to balance pH and reduce pore size. This is so easy to spritz on cleansed skin in the morning to kick off your skincare routine or I’ve even sprayed it on top of makeup throughout the day to refresh my skin. It is bursting with so many skin loving ingredients such as organic rose water, aloe vera and cucumber juices which are nourishing, soothing and deliver a boost of hydration. I used this religiously both morning and night,

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

I have used this cleansing oil for years and nothing removes my makeup quite as effectively. It melts away even stubborn mascara and removes lip-stains with ease. With it being an oil it is easy to use when giving your skin a mini facial, I like to spend time really massaging it into my skin which wakes my skin up and helps it glow. It is a good cleanser for protecting skin against environmental aggressors, is extremely gentle and leaves no greasy residue behind (which a lot of oil based cleansers do).

  • Olive oil – Rich in antioxidants, it helps fight damage caused by free radicals without clogging pores
  • Rosemary leaf oil – Extracted from the leaves of the plant, it contains invigorating properties and imparts a refreshing scent.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish

This has to be one of my most repurchased skincare products EVER, I mean are you even a skincare addict if you don’t have one of these in your stash? Even if I don’t use it daily, or try other products and overlook it for a spell, I always find my way back to the Liz Earle C&P. It just never lets me down.

It removes makeup with ease without leaving skin feeling dry and the hot cloth helps dislodge dead skin to keep it looking radiant. Its a ritual I look forward too in the evening and the distinctive botanical scent is also calming. This cream cleanser contains so many skin-loving ingredients which include, Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Cocoa Butter, Rosemary Essential Oil/Extract and Chamomile Essential Oil/Extract so it is very gentle, soothing and antioxidant-rich.

Liz Earle Superskin Face Serum

I received this for Christmas as part of a gift set and fell in love with it after a couple of uses. It is a serum which is perfect for my skin type and my age, turning 40 this year I’ve been more focused on using products that are nourishing, firming and target those early signs of ageing and this serum is ideal for that. Enriched with some of nature’s most powerful naturally active ingredients, including Persian silk tree to even skin tone, pomegranate flower to lift and firm, and rhubarb to plump and smooth. This deluxe sample size lasted me a surprisingly long time but I am looking forward to getting the full 30ml size.

Tropic Super Greens Nutrient Boost Serum

I have spoken about this green miracle worker so often on my blog over the past 6 months but it is just that good. I used the last of this serum a little over 2 weeks ago & I have missed it so much in my evening routine. This is what I use when I’ve been burning the candle at both ends, or if I haven’t been eating as well as I should, because it just helps your skin look refreshed, glowing and plump in the morning like you’ve had 10 hours sleep and have drunk a green juice. The visual results and incredible.

The key ingredients are Super Greens (which you might be more familiar seeing on your plate rather than in your skincare) such as Kale, chlorophyll and maca root extracts which help rejuvenate dull skin and organic tamanu oil helps to repair inflammation and heal blemishes. Green coffee extract not only stimulates skin cell renewal, it protects against pollution which is a major factor in premature ageing and dull skin.

If I had to recommend only one of these products for you to add to your skincare regime it would be this Super Greens Serum, I think everyone would benefit from the wonderful ingredients and see visual results in the skin.

New nspa Beauty Rituals Face Masks

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Coffee bean and jojoba exfoliating face mask

nspa beauty rituals face masks

I do love a good face mask mostly because they can help with so many skin concerns but also because they’re a great excuse to have a pamper session. I’m very excited to tell you about some fab new masks from nspa beauty, who if you’re not aware are an affordable, indulgent beauty brand with 25 years experience in creating quality skincare. They’re also exclusive to ASDA. So you can pick up your favourite skincare treats whilst doing your weekly shop (perfect right!).  I have used lots of nspa beauty products over the years and always been very impressed with the quality of their products, even skincare goddess Caroline Hirons has sung their praises so you know they must be good (her word is gospel in my house).

Face masks have always been a popular step in most people skincare regime but over the past year or so multi-masking has become the new craze, and I am 100% onboard. So this trend has been a beauty insider secret for a while and it has been catching on fast, so the trick is to apply several, different masks at a time depending on your skin type or skin concern then sit back and let them work their magic. For instance, you might have an oily forehead, breakouts on your nose and dehydrated skin on your cheeks and you can get a face mask to address all of these concerns individually. SO why not apply the specific mask to the area you need it the most, creating a bespoke skincare regime that is perfect for you.

nspa Beauty Rituals Multi Masking

Within the nspa rituals range, they have released 8 masks each one targeting a specific skin concern. They have clay, moisturising and hydrating masks which includes a sheet mask. With all 8 masks costing only £1.50 each, this is such an affordable way to multi-mask and get the most of your skincare. Let’s talk masks,

Charcoal and Menthol nspa face mask

Charcoal & Menthol Clay Mask

This balancing Mask helps to deeply cleanse with anti-pollution properties. Kaolin Clay is enriched with detoxifying Charcoal and refreshing Menthol to draw out impurities and excess oil to leave skin looking and feeling calm and clear.

Clay masks are a great way to help keep skin looking clear. Clay purifies skin drawing out dirt, sebum and also protects against the effects of pollution which is such a growing skin concern. The Kaolin clay in this mask helps absorb excess oils and impurities so It’s a good mask for balancing skin and reducing oils, which if like me you suffer from an oily t-zone this mask is perfect for combating that. Whilst the charcoal is drawing out impurities the menthol clay is soothing the skin and helping to calm redness and angry blemishes.

I do enjoy using a good clay mask, I use them at least once a week although I try not to leave them on too long as they can be quite drying on the skin but I like  to apply them to my forehead and chin which is where my skin is most oily and where I get a lot of blackheads and clogged pores.

Kaolin & Ginger Warming Detox Clay Mask

This self-warming Mask helps to open pores ensuring a really deep cleanse. Kaolin Clay is enriched with Ginger Oil to draw out impurities and leave skin looking and feeling clear and refreshed.

This is the second clay mask in this beauty rituals range but this one is self-warming and gives the skin a very deep cleanse, I know these warming masks are not to everyone’s taste but I think they feel quite soothing. This is another mask for fellow oily skin sufferers and a great mask to multimask with. As with the previous clay mask, it’s for applying to specific oily areas like forehead and chin just to clear out pores and balance skin reducing the excess oils, thanks to the Kaolin Clay which draws out impurities. The Ginger Oil acts as an anti-irritant and is an effective ingredient for protecting and soothing the skin. This is a very gentle clay mask, so if you tend to shy away from them this might be a good one to try.

Kaolin & Seaweed Deep Cleansing Clay Mask

This replenishing Mask helps to deeply cleanse skin. Kaolin Clay is enriched with Seaweed and Aloe Vera to help detoxify, draw out impurities and balance skin leaving it feeling revitalised and refreshed.

This soothing, cleansing antioxidant-rich mask is going to detox your skin without drying it out or stripping it of moisture. It is a gentle clay mask with added aloe vera to ensure skin is left calm and rejuvenated. I really liked this mask and my skin felt so soft and glowing after I’d used it. Seaweed seems to be a popular ingredient in this new beauty rituals range and my skin is loving its rejuvenating, balancing qualities.

nspa Pomegranate & Blackberry Moisturising and Hydrating Clay Face Mask

Pomegranate & Blackberry Moisturising and Hydrating Clay Mask

This replenishing Mask helps to moisturise and refresh skin. Kaolin Clay is enriched with Pomegranate and Blackberry to help even skin tone, draw out impurities and hydrate skin, leaving it feeling moisturised and nourished.

This clay mask is rich in fruity antioxidants and both Pomegranate and Blackberry are great for anti-aging and act as an anti-inflammatory. So this Kaolin Clay mask will hydrate, protect and help promote cell rejuvenation. It is a great refreshing clay mask to have in your routine.

Coffee bean and jojoba exfoliating face mask

Coffee Bean & Jojoba Exfoliating and Smoothing Face Mask

This exfoliating Mask helps to smooth and brighten. Exfoliation is essential to buff away dead skin cells for softer, clearer skin. With Coffee Bean and Jojoba to help reveal a radiant, clear and nourished complexion.

Exfoliating masks are a quick and easy way to buff away dead skin and the build-up of grime from the day, especially if you live in a city.  This mask contains ground coffee beans which make a great natural exfoliant (coffee beans are so on trend in the skincare world right now), the granules in this mask that are small but very effective and not in anyway abrasive. Whilst  Jojoba is a very popular ingredient in skincare as it helps smooth, sooth and soften skin it’s also great for calming redness too. Oh & this mask smells SO damn good, almost good enough to eat (no, don’t eat it).

Papaya and hops nspa beauty face mask

Papaya & Hops Brightening & Radiance Peeling Mask

This exfoliating, peeling Mask helps to soften and brighten skin. Exfoliation is essential to remove dead skin cells for smoother, clearer skin. Enriched with Papaya and Hops to help reveal a brighter, more radiant complexion.

This was one sticky mask but once applied it felt cooling and fresh on my skin, I actually applied the sweet almond and Shea Butter Mask on top of this just for some added hydration and that worked out well. This is an exfoliating mask and the fruit enzymes in the papaya help remove the dead skin cells leaving the skin radiant, and smooth. Peel off masks are so satisfying and one of my favourite kind of masks to use, you feel like you’re peeling away all the grease, grime and dead skin revealing a fresh, bright complexion. So this mask is sticky and a brush is a must to apply it evenly but it is well worth the extra effort.

new nspa beauty rituals face masks

Sweet Almond & Shea Butter Nourishing and Moisturising Mask

This moisturising Mask helps to revitalise dry skin. Enriched with nourishing Sweet Almond Oil and Shea Butter to help soften, pamper and smooth skin.

I think its widely known how good both Almond and Shea Butter are for combating dry, irritated skin. They’re such effective ingredients for keeping your skin supple, hydrated and nourished. This mask is so gentle and creamy on the skin and I used it a couple of days in a row and it left my skin feeling so supple and soft. This is a great mask if you work in an airconditioned office or travel a lot.

Vitamin E & Seaweed Soothing & Rejuvenating Sheet Mask

This rejuvenating Sheet Mask helps to revitalise skin. Enriched with Vitamin E and Seaweed Extract naturally rich in anti-oxidants, to help replenish, moisturise and soothe skin.

This sheet mask is AMAZING. It is the first one I tried and unlike the others, I used it alone, no multi-masking with this one. I just apply it to clean skin and leave it on as long as possible (scaring my husband). It is so cooling and soothing on my skin, the seaweed helps balance skin, acts as an anti-inflammatory and is antioxidant rich so your skin is in good hands with this mask. The Vitamin E protects against free radicals, is antioxidant rich and is great for replenishing and protecting dry skin.

It is a great one to use before a night out or big event as it hydrates and replenishes skin making it look and feel soft, smooth and fresh. My makeup blends out and looks great well after using this. This is a mask to stock up on.

nspa muli masking face masks

With 8 new masks in this range, there is a mask or two to suit most skin types & skin concerns and there’s even a couple of vegan options which is great to see. With all of the products in this range, I would say that each sachet has enough product for at least 2 if you 3 applications, so make sure you store it well after opening or use it on a pamper evening with friends. The nspa range is cruelty-free & available exclusively in ASDA. Let me know if you have tried any of the masks or if you’re going to get a few next time you are in ASDA, at only £1.50 each they are well worth trying.

*This post contains PR samples

February 2018 Beauty Favourites

- Vicki 2 Comments
February Beauty Favourites

February Beauty Favourites

INGLOT 10 Pan Freedom System Palette

I have spoken about my love of INGLOT quite a few times and featured this palette a lot on my blog over the past couple of years, I really do use it all the time so it is only right that I keep putting it in my favourites. The shadows are fantastic quality and the range of colours and finishes is almost overwhelming, it took me ages to finally decide on the 10 shadows to put into my palette but the process was a lot of fun.

I love the palette itself, the magnetic lid which does not budge or come off in your makeup bag, and it is also actually quite slim. The pans are a very decent size and I pretty much have all of my favourite shadows with me in one cute palette. Let me know if you have tried INGLOT eyeshadows & if you have built your own palette too.

Essence Fresh & Fit Foundation

I can’t believe I haven’t spoken about this foundation sooner, I bought it whilst in Amsterdam last September (you can get it in the UK) and it has become one of my most used foundations. It’s a nice creamy consistency, it’s easy to blend and buff into your skin. I’d say it gives a nice even medium coverage, it covers imperfections and blemishes but still feels lightweight on my skin. Which is everything I look for in a base – decent coverage but that feeling that my skin can still breath!

This foundation is enriched with a complex of vitamin b3, e, pro-vitamin b5 and cranberry water, it is fantastic to see a budget-friendly foundation with such fantastic skincare benefits added to their formula. These ingredients are going to help your skin glow, look refreshed and awake.

The staying power of this foundation was for sure better when I used a primer but that is true for most foundations on my skin as I tend to get an oily t-zone. I would say this gave my skin a natural radiance and didn’t settle into my pores. It looks fresh, as the name would suggest and it’s just am easy to wear medium coverage base! I love it.

It comes packaged in a lovely glass bottle with a handy pump, the only drawback is the shade range, although I managed to find a good match for my skin tone this foundation only comes in 4 shades which isn’t so great. I hope they add more options in the future. Overall if you’re looking for a new cruelty-free, vegan foundation then I highly recommend checking out this Essence offering and it is only £5!

Essence Cosmetics Fresh and Fit Foundation

NIOD Photography Fluid Opacity 12%*

This is nothing short of liquid magic! It has been dubbed airbrush in a bottle – so what is it I hear you cry? It is a skin perfecting serum which uses refracting prism technology to even out all skin tone and gives you the most amazing natural healthy glow. It is flipping amazing.

This is a highlighter, primer and serum in one, it instantly blurs imperfections and gives a healthy dewy, even-toned radiance. Designed to create a photo-ready finish on all skin types, this complexion perfector creates a lit-from-within glow in seconds with a wide variety of light-refracting prisms, tone and hue correctors, and photo-finishing technologies.

Apply to your skin alone or under foundation to add sheer radiance and correct discolouration. It can also be mixed with other products for subtle radiance. Used under, over, or mixed with liquid foundation if you prefer more coverage.  It’s such an easy product to incorporate into your makeup routine. I haven’t ever used a product quite like this & I just can’t get across to you just how incredible it is, although I am trying.  I should do a whole post on this one product!

It is also vegan, cruelty-free and alcohol-free.

INGLOT Eyeshadow Palette Makeup

Benefit Dandelion Shy Beam Liquid Highlight

If you’re looking for a subtle more natural highlight then this is the one. It is a nude, pink semi-matte liquid highlight that gives your skin a refreshed, healthy radiance. It is easy to apply, I just use the brush to place the product on the tops of my cheeks and down the centre of my nose – it also looks pretty on your brow bones and I blend it is either with my beauty blender or just my finger. It looks pretty when the light hits it and what I really like is the fact there is no glitter or shimmer. It is a great everyday radiance booster and also looks pretty mixed with your foundation. These little Benefit liquid products last forever and are so easy to throw in your handbag, I often like to reapply throughout the day to refresh my makeup.

MUA LUXE Glow Beam Cushion Highlighter

Not quite as subtle as the Benefit highlighter, this MUA Cushion highlight offers more of a peachy – golden, warm-toned glow. The packaging is pretty although a little bulky and the puff is handy, but I just don’t reach for it. I prefer to use my beauty blender to ensure I apply it evenly. It is a liquid cushion product and I am waiting to see just how long it stays moist as I have a feeling it will dry out pretty quickly, that being said I do love using this as an evening highlight and it can look quite subtle or if you want more on an intense look you can build up the colour & effect to be more intense.

It is always nice to see affordable brands releasing on-trend products so we can all try them and Cushion makeup was certainly popular last year. Have you tried any cushion products, if so are you sold on them or think they’re too much faff.

MUA LUXE Glow Beam Liquid Highlighter

Benefit Dandelion Shy Beam Liquid Highlighter

Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner

When it comes to drugstore liquid liner Soap & Glory take the top prize, their Supercat liner ticks all of the boxes. It’s pigmented, sets down the perfect amount of product, doesn’t drag and the fine nib allows you to apply either a neat line or build it up to be more bold and thick.

This is a liner that would allow even the most self-confessed eyeliner novice to create the perfect winged liner. The nib gives you full control and isn’t too firm so you can create smooth lines without having to keep going over the same spot which often leads to the product bleeding into fine lines and getting very messy. This is one product everyone needs in their makeup bag (although I am sure most of you already own it). It’s pigmented, easy to use and long wearing.

Soap & Glory Gloss Stick in Nudist

Lip crayons are my goto lip product of choice, I find them so easy to use and this Soap and Glory one is a stunning everyday shade. It is in the colour Nudist and it enhances your lip colour giving them a pretty glossy finish. It’s a natural, subtle shade which has been living in my handbag – I apply it even when I’m wearing no other makeup, it makes me feel somewhat put together. Not only do they give your lips a subtle wash of colour but the formula is also very moisturising, oh & they smell so good too – I think it is a vanilla scent.

Current Makeup Favourites

Real Techniques PowderBleu Soft Complexion Brush*

I mostly use this brush for applying powder foundation but it also works well for blush too. This Soft Complexion Brush has a small, dense head which makes buffing in the powder so much more effective. I also love the long slim handle which feels nice in your hand makes applying my makeup really easy. This collection is stunning and incredible quality, it looks and feels luxurious and that deep blue colour is gorgeous and makes me want to use them all the time.

Let me know what you have been loving this past month & if you’ve discovered anything new that I need to try. I am on the hunt for a new mascara, I’d love it if you’d leave me suggestions in the comments.