Author: Vicki

No7 Future Renew Skincare Collection

- Vicki Leave a comment

#gifted Unless you have been living under a rock or on a social media detox, then there is no way you could have missed the latest release from No7. Their Future Renew Collection has been hyped all over the internet, and I was very excited to try it out. The collection is made of of 4 core products, eye cream, serum, day cream and a night cream. It’s so fantastic if you like a simple but robust routine, covering all bases.

No7 is a market leader in skincare, their products are purse friendly, effective and top quality. I always think of No7 as skincare I can trust which has simple packaging, is easy to understand, and they have a collection for every age group. I have tried and loved quite a few products from them over the years, their makeup is also incredible quality. This Future Renew collection is science lead and has been 15 years in the making, using research from the University of Manchester and their breakthroughs in peptide technology (pepticology).

Peptides occur naturally in the skin and aid the skin’s natural repair process. Exclusive to No7, this breakthrough technology supports skin’s natural self-repair. With damage reversal skincare products for both your day and night skincare regimes to reverse visible signs of skin damage, fine lines & wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dryness, and loss of firmness.

Sounds exciting, now let’s see what that means for the actual products.

In addition to world-first pepticologyTM, Future Renew also includes niacinamide to help fight off environmental stressors & hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin. An antioxident blend of vitamin C, E and mulberry extract to help protect the skin and give your skin radiance.

No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Eye Serum

If you like a lightweight & smoothing product around your eyes, this is it. Not your typical heavy eye cream but a lovely light consistency serum. Think velvety smooth skin and noticeably hydrated. Along with the super peptide blend, this eye serum contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C and rice proteins, so it packs a punch. It’s hydrating, locks in moisture and brightens too. It wears well under makeup and helps keep your concealer from clinging in fine lines. Very impressed.

No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Serum

Very smoothing, I like it, it wears well under makeup so thats an added bonus for me. Alongside the peptide blend it also contains, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, hydrolysed rice proteins, mulberry, and vitamin C. This serum adds a nice boost of nourishment for your skin as well as working hard to at brightening, and reducing hyperpigmentation. Much like the eye serum, it has a lightweight texture and feels comfortable on the skin. It is a step that when you miss it out, you notice it’s missing.

No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Night Cream

Now this is a night cream you all need in your routine, it is rich, nourishing and works magic whilst you sleep, well my skin did look refreshed and plump when I woke up, so I call that magic. Whilst you sleep, this cream helps reverse uneven tone and texture, dryness and loss of elasticity with its line up of skin loving ingredients alongside the peptide blend it has shea butter, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. So great to quench skin, reduce fine lines and even out skin tone. This really is a fantastic night cream, I have been enjoying it a lot as we come into the warmer months.

No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal SPF40 Day Cream

This is my favourite product from the collection, it was a tough call as all the products are quite special. This day cream feels like it coats your skin in hydration and after the cold long winter we just had, my skin needs all the quenching it can get. This day cream contains SFP40 which is fab, I love it when my moisturiser offers an added layer of protection against UV damage, there is no point in spending ££££ on wonderful skincare if we do not use SPF on a daily basis. Am I right!

This cream protects from harmful UV damage and as well as skin damage, like, fine lines & wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dryness, and loss of firmness. So this is a morning step I have not been missing out.

Each product has the new No7 peptide technology at its core, which in short is, ‘An essential ingredient in the battle against the visible signs of ageing. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks of proteins such as collagen, elastin, and keratin’ so they are helping support your skin’s natural self repair.

The peptides alongside some really fabulous ingredients which together help your skin look brighter, more plump, hydrated and protect it from natural aggressors (including UV damage). I like to put more of a positive spin on this collection and think of it more of future proofing my skin from more damage. As that is what it feels like is happening with all these rich skin loving ingredients and technology.

I really enjoy science led skincare which don’t rely on frills or gimmicks, just products that target specific concerns with visible results. I highly recommend this entire range from No7, the price point is spot on and the products are exceptional quality. My skin does look and feel healthier. If you are only able to buy one product I have mentioned, it has to be the SPF40 Day Cream!

 

You can learn more about the No7 Future Renew Collection at www.no7beauty.co.uk & they have some deals on bundles, so you can try the range for a great price. Or pop into your local Boots store.

*This post contains PR samples

The Hoxton Hotel Amterdam

- Vicki Leave a comment

I have been to Amsterdam countless times over the years, if you know me you know that it is joint number one (with Berlin) as my favourite cities to visit. Amsterdam has such a special place in my heart. Before Brexit, we were all set to move there but as a result of leaving the single market we would not be able to take our business with us, so sadly a move is off the table for us. Instead we try to visit as often as possible, and we recently came back from a visit in March (it was FREEZING)

Until my most recent visit, we have always stayed in the same hotel (creature of habit) we liked being in a quieter area of Amsterdam, a little off the beaten track, out by the Tropenmuseum at The Manor Hotel. Surrounded by parks, nature and fewer tourists. We (still) love it out there, it’s relaxed and leafy it has nice restaurants, good travel links, and it is a beautiful walk (if you wanted to walk) into the more central areas.

Over the years, we have popped into The Hoxton Hotel for drinks and dinner (or just a cheeky wee). I always wondered what it would be like to stay there, right on the Herengracht Canal, in the centre of the 9 streets. I have heard so many people rave about this hotel and The Hoxton Hotels in general.

So I bit the bullet, and booked 5 nights (for early March). I was so looking forward to it, after my husband had lost a close family member over Christmas, we really needed a holiday. That was not the case, sadly my dad passed away suddenly 2 weeks before we were set to go away. I was torn between going and staying home. Knowing I wouldnt get a refund, and it was a pricey trip, (my dad would have been annoyed at me loosing all that money). I decided to go and try to make of it what I could.

We stayed for 5 nights in a Cosy Canal View Room on the 2nd floor, the room was small but had everything you might need. Lovely big window overlooking the Herengracht Canal, this view was worth every penny, so beautiful, and we loved seeing and hearing all the goings on out there. We have never had such a grand view before, and it really made me very happy to sit in bed with a cuppa and look out the window.

The bed was very big, comfy and with it being -5 degrees one day & snowing it was very warm too! We slept very well, even though I was pretty stressed and emotional. There is a desk in the corner and a desk chair, I used this space as a vanity. You get tea & coffee in the room, as well as daily bottles of water & milk (if you require it). The mugs in the rooms at The Hoxton are fab, very big, and perfect if, like me, you enjoy a nice cup of tea! There is also a fridge, we kept our Almond milk in there & some bits & bobs.

The bathroom had a rainfall shower and lovely products, shampoo, conditioner and body wash. I loved the white subway style tiles in the bathroom, it was a cool looking small bathroom. The wardrobe big enough for us & the huge drawers under the bed were great for our stuff too, for a small room there was plenty of storage.

The bar, and lobby is very, very busy at all times. We found that getting a seat was like a game of cat & mouse, it is a popular place for people to work out of (like a co working space). People would arrive when I left the hotel at 9ish, and they were still there when I came back in the late afternoon. It’s great that you’re able to do that, but if you want to use this space as a hotel guest, it is challenging. On the odd occasion we managed to get a seat, the light bites bar menu was great, coffee very good and the cocktails were even better. There is a great atmosphere here in the evening, and they have lots of live music in the evening.

So all in all, The Hoxton was a treat, I booked it in January and my wonderful Dad passed away in February, so I didn’t have the relaxing trip I had envisioned, but I am glad I went. I want to go back, so I can really appreciate it, with a calmer mind and more energy.

If you want to stay here, I would say sign up to their newsletter, or keep an eye out on Expedia for deals, otherwise (in my opinion) it is on the pricey side. The location is amazing if you want to be in the thick of it, in a nice area of Amsterdam, with shopping, restaurants and the hustle and bustle on your doorstep. Everything in Amsterdam is pretty much within walking distance, and what I love most about this city is that it is incredibly beautiful no matter what time of year you visit. Walking everywhere is the best thing to do, the way to discover cafés, bars, and shops tucked away.

There is also a Old school B&W photo booth in the hotel, we didn’t use it this visit as there was a constant queue of about 20 teenagers waiting to use it. We took these photos 3 years ago in 2019.

I will do another post about all the places we ate & cafés we visited. I just wanted to do a post about staying here, at The Hoxton, as it was such a small dream of mine, even if the circumstances were emotional.

A Few Product Empties

- Vicki Leave a comment

Taking it back to old school blogging days and sharing my empties with you. I have used up some fab products so far this year, so here we go, this is what I thought of these 6 products.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

It is no surprise that I am a very big fan of The Ordinary, this brand knows how to produce quality skincare for a great price. I have repurchased this moisturiser a couple of times now, it is a gentle, non-greasy formula that helps lock in moisture and protect your skin barrier. Being 44 I might not be getting all the bells and whistles with this cream, but it is a fantastic every day, no fuss option. I like to use it when I am travelling, it is an easy all rounder to throw in your travel skincare routine.

It contains 11 amino acids, phospholipids, alpha/beta/gamma fatty acids, triglycerides, sterols and sterol esters, glycerine, ceramide precursors, urea, saccharides, sodium PCA and hyaluronic acid. It gives immediate hydration, so great for flights, or if you work somewhere that has air-conditioning.

Jurlique Rare Rose Cream*

I have another pot of this cream (in its new fancy packaging) to crack open. I love it when you finish a product you have enjoyed, and you have a backup ready and waiting, so you don’t have to be without it. This cream saw me through what felt like the coldest, dullest winter ever. This cream has an almost water like texture which gently glides over the skin and instantly soothes and smooths skin’s texture. Don’t think that because it is lightweight that it isn’t very nourishing, because you would be wrong, this is a rich cream that deeply hydrates and slowly releases moisture over 24 hours. So thats why it was perfect for my skin over winter.

If you need a product to help revive dull skin which also protects against environmental polluters, this this is a good daily moisturiser to add to your routine. It contains, Cupuacu Butter which deeply nourishes and adds a healthy, moisturised glow. Then, the Senna Seed Polysaccharide Extract adds a protective layer on the skin that locks in and intensifies the moisture. Loved it so much & the skin lotion from this range is quite special too, a little more lightweight but acts as another nourishing layer.

Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation

Incredible foundation if you like a medium to full coverage. I don’t often finish a base product because I do not wear makeup daily, so to use this up completely means I loved it a lot. I have redness on my cheeks and a few areas of uneven skin tone, and this covers them with ease. I wear the shade nude and thats worked well. The consistency feels quite thick but once you start to blend it in, (I use my makeup sponge) it applies well and looks smooth, even and despite its good coverage looks natural.

A lovely radiant finish base that has good coverage and will wear well all day long. I am currently using the L’Oreal True Match Plumping Serum Foundation, so haven’t yet rephrased this (but I 100% would). My mum who is 65 also loves this foundation.

L’Oréal Midnight Serum*

I don’t think I could do my skincare routine without a serum, I love this step the most. This serum is an overnight serum that helps rejuvenate and repair skin whilst you sleep. I liked the way it smooths skin and makes it look plumper, great if, like me, you are seeing more fine lines and uneven skin tone. It is anti oxidant rich and hydrating. I don’t know when L’Oréal became a more premium skincare brand, but I have noticed that the price tag can be quite high. So I would say keep your eye out in Boots for those deals, that way you can try it out without breaking the bank. I did like this, but wouldn’t pay full price, I like their Hyaluronic Acid range a little more.

Wake Skincare Face Cream & Face Mask

Wake are a skincare brand with a small but very good selection of products. I have tried 3 items from them and liked them all. I have used up their daily moisturiser and their detox mask. Both products are quite basic, and I mean that in the best way, they’re for all skin types and do what they promise.

The moisturiser has key ingredients like Hyaluronic acid and Coenzyme Q10 which help lock in moisture and plump the skin. I liked the lightweight formula and that it is fragrance free. It is a nice, gentle face cream that would be a great addition to any skincare routine.

The mask was my favourite of the two products from Wake, it is Australian pink clay. I loved using it on a Friday night (rock & roll) to help detox my skin and draw out all the grime and dirt of the week. It contains Kaolin, which helps draw out excess oil and sebum skin, helps prevent acne and helps reduce irritation and redness. Whilst zinc oxide helps calm skin, protects skin cells from being damaged and protects from harmful damage from UV rays. It is a fantastic mask and a pot will last you a good few months. Loved it!

Let me know if you have tried any of the products I have mentioned, or let me know what you have used up so far this year. I would love to hear what you would repurchase.

*Some products mentioned are PR samples.

Gorran Haven Cornwall

- Vicki Leave a comment

Having lived in Cornwall for almost 8 years now, you would have thought I’d explored quite a lot of it. I have been to so many beautiful places, but there is still so much to see. I have been making it a priority to get out more and be a tourist in my own backyard (or County). So a few weeks ago, in what Cornwall would term “out of season”, I headed for the coastal village of Gorran Haven.

Gorran Haven is just a few miles around the coast from where I live and very close to the neighbouring harbour town of Mevagissey. Gorran Haven is much more sleepy, quaint and unspoilt than many other small coastal villages in Cornwall. I did visit during the Winter, which meant it was very peaceful. The car park is great, you can’t miss it & from there you just walk down the hill to the sea. Gorran Haven was a very busy and important fishing port from the 12th century right up until the 19th century. It was known for its pilchards, crabs and lobsters, but now the harbour has very few commercial fisherman and more holidaymakers.

This small village has a beautiful beach, its sandy shoreline and cove make it protected from the wind and a popular swimming spot. Even in the winter, you will see local residents taking a dip & wild swimming has had such a resurgence over the past few years. Although I do like to swim in the sea, I am not brave enough to go in when it is cold outside.

We visited on a bright, but chilly day and just had a lovely stroll up and down the tiny streets, and along the beach. Apart from the village Post Office, which also sells tea & cake, there was nothing else open. Not even the chip shop, that is the problem with Cornwall in the Winter, so many businesses and amenities either close fully until the end of March or they open for only a short time. If they were open, there is a café on the beach called Mermaid Café and The Beachcomber Café just on the hill overlooking the beach.  The Beachcomber Café used to be a boat building shed, and the Mermaid Café used to be in part, The Ship Inn Pub.

There are so many lovely traditional Cornish cottages in this village & so much history down every street. The whitewashed cottages with pretty painted doors and windows are my favourite. They always look so quaint and homely. When I visited the streets were so quiet, and it is not a village that has a lot of traffic, with the streets being so narrow it is almost impossible to get a car through. So it means it is peaceful and the perfect place to soak in the sea air and enjoy the views.

I am sure if you visited from April – October the cafés and shops would be open, and there would be a little more hustle and bustle. I must admit that I like going during the “off season” as it feels calm, and you get time to yourself, so you can amble up and down the deserted streets. On the way home, we did stop into the larger harbour town of Mevagissey, which is only a few miles from Gorran Haven. It is somewhere that is well worth a visit. It has more amenities and I took quite a few photos, so make sure to keep an eye out for a post all about another pretty fishing town.