Antipodes Evening Skincare Review

July 23, 2018September 4, 2026 - Vicki

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!

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 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

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.

CND Vinylux Boho Spirit 2018 Collection

July 18, 2018September 4, 2026 - Vicki 2 Comments

In case you’re not familiar with this brand, CND VINYLUX Weekly Polish is a unique two-part system, a self-adhering Colour Coat with a built-in base coat and a superior Top Coat, which gives you seven-day chip-free wear. I have previously reviewed their Nude Collection which I still love & recently wore to my brother’s wedding.

There are four gorgeous shades in the new Vinylux Boho Spirit Summer Collection. I have three of them to try which is exciting. I’m missing the shade Offbeat which is a gorgeous bright coral pink & I might just have to get my hands on this shade to complete the collection. So this paired down 4 piece Summer collection covers all the bases (well I think so).

Vinylux Gypsy Boho Nail Polish 2018

Offbeat – a bright coral cream

Uninhibited – a rich salmon cream

Vagabond – a pale sandy yellow

Gypsy – a tangerine dream

Gypsy

This is the shade I have been wearing the most. It applies so well and is opaque in one coat but I do like to apply two just so the colour is more intense and rich. Orange is one of my favourite shades for Summer and I love how well this polish lasts on both my fingers & toes. It’s a WOW shade for sure and one I know will see me through the Summer.

NEW Vinylux long wear nail polish

Uninhibited

This salmon pinky peach shade gives you a lovely light wash of colour. It looks stunning on both fingers and toes and its subtle colour looks so sophisticated and is the perfect everyday Summer shade. It is a pretty creme finish.

Vagabond

I wasn’t at all excited about this shade at first and thought it looked a little flat, dull in the bottle but I just love it on my toes. It’s not a bold yellow but a creme pale sandy yellow and it isn’t a WOW shade but it is very much a pretty shade. Again it’s perfect if you have a tan and is an easy colour to wear.

CND Vinylux long-wear polishes promises,

7-day, chip-resistant wear

Fast-drying,

Simple two-step application

Features a built-in Base Coat

Superior shine

The Vinylux Weekly polish Top Coat is incredible, it gives a high shine finish and the quality looks as good as a professional nail salon but best of all my nail polish lasted chip-free for almost the 7 days. This is no mean feat as I work with my hands crafting & they usually get scuffed so easily, but this topcoat meant my manicure remained intact with no unsightly chips for 6 solid days. I was very, very impressed. The high shine finish didn’t dull either. This topcoat is a serious winner and I am going to use it on top of all my manicures from now on. Vinylux Summer Boho Spirit Collection

So if you’re looking for that perfect polish so you can wear all the Summer sandals then I highly recommend checking out this Boho Spirit Collection from CND Vinylux & let me know if you get your hands on the pink (Offbeat) shade – I think this would look gorgeous with a sunkissed tan.

Vinylux™ – weekly, chip-resistant wear, fast-drying, two-step application, brilliant shine which lasts without the need for a base coat. Increased durability with natural light.

CND products are available from pro nail salons and online at cultbeauty.com to find a pro salon near you, go to lovecnd.com

Affordable Sun Protection From ASDA

July 16, 2018September 4, 2026 - Vicki 1 Comment

Well, it is safe to say Britain has been bathed in unprecedented sunshine these past few weeks, in fact, I can’t remember what it is like not waking up to blue skies and temperatures in the high 20’s. I love it and the sunshine makes me feel positive and happy, so fingers crossed it continues right into September (please).

One thing I’m a firm believer of is in being sun aware & slip slapping on the SPF. I personally use it all year round but it’s so important to use and reapply SPF in these high temperatures especially when spending prolonged periods of time outside. It really is a must to protect your skin and minimise the damage from the harmful UVB & UVA rays.

UVA rays are not filtered by clouds or windows and are present all year round. UVA rays penetrate the skin deeply and cause greying of the skin, wrinkles/sagging and cause skin cancer. It is these UVA rays that cause the premature ageing of our skin so finding an SPF with a 5* UVA rating is super important! This purse-friendly range from ASDA are all 5* UVA rated and also provides UVB filters too so that is fantastic.

UVA causes the premature ageing of our skin, whilst UVB rays cause sunburn and lead to skin cancer.

As the school holidays are underway and many of us are heading off on our Summer Holiday’s be it in Britain or abroad make sure you stock up on SPF before you go. This ASDA Protect range is fantastic for all the family and you can pick it up whilst you’re in the supermarket, which is most convenient.

ASDA Protect SPF30 Moisturising Sun Lotion

This is your typical SPF for the body, it is quite thick and feels like a body lotion. It is easy to apply and massage in. It gives the skin a white cast when you first apply it but that fades after a few minutes and although your skin feels like you’ve applied SPF it isn’t greasy or heavy and it has quite a matte finish.

ASDA Protect SPF15 Moisturising Sun Lotion Spray

This is the one my husband prefers to use, I think it’s because it comes in a handy pump bottle which makes it easier to apply. This is a slightly thinner consistency but is just as easy to massage in and it dries down very quickly. Again it doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy or tacky.

ASDA Protect SPF30 Mattifying Facial Sun Cream

You should use a dedicated facial SPF if you can and one that offers a high sun protection. I only ever use SPF30 or above on my face. This is a great sized tube for travel and I often take it with me in my handbag so I can reapply on the go! It has a lightweight matte finish so your face won’t look shiny or greasy and it offers SPF30.

All the products in this range contain Vitamin E to help protect against skin cell damage and leave the skin feeling hydrated.

After a long day in the sunshine it is important to hydrate & soothe your skin and applying a nice cooling aftersun lotion is the perfect way to do this.

ASDA Protect After Sun Gel With Aloe Vera

My husband prefers to use the gel as it is really refreshing and sinks into the skin faster than a lotion and leaves no greasy residue. After a day in the sun, it’s exactly what your skin needs. It feels so refreshing and cooling, it replenishes the skin, stops it feeling dry and tight and it also helps prevent skin from peeling. It contains Aloe Vera which is great for calming and I like to keep this in the fridge so it is extra cooling.

ASDA Protect After Sun Lotion With Tan Enhancer

This has the consistency of a body lotion and it helps deepen and prolong your tan. I love applying this to my arms & legs just so my golden tan stays looking fab for longer. This is so easy to apply and although it isn’t as soothing as the gel I really like that it helps enhance my tan, as I am not someone that likes to be out in the sun too long so anything that helps me get a bit more colour without having to actually be in the sun gets a thumbs up from me. It has a nice fresh scent and the cream is quite lightweight and easy to apply.

If you’re heading away on holiday or have some fun day’s out planned in the UK make sure you check out the ASDA Protect Sun Care Range next time you’re in a store. It is affordable and offers 5* UVA protection, so your skin is in good hands!

*This Post Contains PR Samples

Best Exfoliators for Summer

July 9, 2018September 4, 2026 - Vicki 1 Comment

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.

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.

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

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Author: Vicki