Summer Beauty Empties 2025

September 21, 2025September 4, 2026 - Vicki

Now that we are in Autumn, I am sharing the beauty products I used up over the past few months. I discovered new products that have become firm favourites and that I will be repurchasing, and also a few items that were good but that I won’t rush to use again.

Garnier Intensive 7 Days Hydrating Lotion

I’ve gone through a few bottles of this over the years and while I think it’s a good, affordable body lotion, it is not my favourite. The texture is lightweight and hydrating, with a fresh, clean scent, and it does absorb quickly without feeling greasy, but sometimes, mostly in the colder months I just need a cream that is more rich and nourishing, so I still prefer the Dove Pro Age Body Lotion for the colder months. I will repurchase the Garnier on when it’s on offer (too good a deal not too) but I will be using the Dove one until the Spring comes round again.

Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Setting Spray

I have fallen hard for the Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Setting Spray, I can honestly say this is a product I’ll always repurchase. It not only keeps my makeup in place all day, but it also gives my skin a gorgeous, healthy glow. Unlike other setting sprays that can feel heavy, sticky, or drying, this one is hydrating and weightless on the skin. I get the travel-size bottle so I can keep it in my bag for top-ups (though I rarely need them). For me, it’s 100% worth the hype and an absolute must-have.

Batiste Volume Dry Shampoo

This can of Batiste lasted me ages, which I love because you only need to spray a little product, and it does the job. I go through phases of using dry shampoo all the time & then I forget about it for a while. I always keep a can of Batiste on hand as such a reliable product, I usually just grab whichever version is on offer, but the dark one is a favourite as it blends in with my hair so well. Definitely one of those everyday staples I’ll keep repurchasing. I just don’t think you need to spend a fortune on a dry shampoo.

*Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity Day SPF 30

This was such a lovely cream to use, I mainly saved it for makeup days because my foundation sat beautifully on top of it and looked really fresh all day. I also loved how plumping it felt on the skin, giving me that fresh, hydrated look. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid to help with fine lines, plus arctiin for elasticity, and the added SPF 30 is such a bonus for everyday protection. It also contains Thiamidol, which is a patented Eucerin ingredient, that’s clinically proven to reduce dark spots, prevent their return, and promote brighter, even-toned skin. A great day cream that I’d highly recommend, I’m looking forward to exploring more products from this range, which includes an eye cream, a serum, and even a refill pot for this moisturiser. The refill option is a great idea, as it allows you to top up your pot rather than discarding it entirely, making it a more eco-friendly choice.

Elemis Pro Collagen Green Fig Cleansing Balm

I’ve just finished my 4th pot of the Elemis Pro-Collagen Green Fig Cleansing Balm, and I can’t get enough of it because fig is one of my absolute favourite scents. It’s easy to see why the Elemis cleansing balms are such a cult favourite, I love the balm-to-oil texture it melts away even the most stubborn makeup, but it’s gentle on the skin. Using it is like having a little spa moment at home, it’s soothing, and it leaves my skin feeling soft, nourished, and completely clean and the fig scent is heavenly. Honestly, it’s a solid 10/10.

Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Moisturiser

I really liked this moisturiser, it’s lightweight, hydrating and absorbs quickly without leaving any greasiness. It’s an effective day cream that I’d happily repurchase. If you are looking for an affordable moisturiser, this is a great option.

Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Day Serum

I adore this serum and have used up many a bottle. It’s designed to boost radiance, and even-out, the 3.5% vitamin C concentration helps leave my skin looking fresh and glowing. It also has Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid, which gently exfoliate to smooth texture and reduce blemishes, plus Lemon Extract to brighten the skin. It’s such a great, product to have in your routine.

Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Night Serum 10%

Like the day serum, I love the night one too (this might just be my fave out of the two), It has 10% vitamin C which works overnight to brighten, even out skin tone, and give that fresh morning glow. I love that it also has Niacinamide to smooth and calm, Salicylic Acid to gently exfoliate and tackle blemishes, and Lemon Extract to boost brightness. My skin always looks well rested, nourished, and glowing by morning. Such a popular product in my house, as my husband also uses it.

L’Oréal Revitalift Plumping Toner

This toner is a constant in my skincare routine, I use it at least once a day, it is refreshing and hydrating and find it helps prep my face for the rest of my skincare routine. It contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to plump and hydrate my skin, making it feel soft and smooth, I like using it on days when my skin needs a little extra hydration boost. It’s such an effective, and affordable toner, and I always have a new bottle waiting and I buy it for my mum as well.

Sunday Riley 5 Stars Retinoid + Niacinamide Eye Serum

This eye serum was included in my Sunday Riley set and I can’t tell how much I enjoyed using all the products. I had never tried this brand before and thought a set was the perfect way to try a few of their key products. This eye serum is designed to target fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles and I felt it worked really well. It contains, 6% retinoid complex and centella asiatica to boost collagen and improve elasticity, plus niacinamide to brighten and calm. Ceramides, olive oil, red poppy seed extract and shea butter hydrate and soothe delicate skin. It is a fantastic for radiance, soothing and smoothing the under eye.

Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum

I honestly loved this serum, I used it at night, and the incredible ingredients that are packed into this product worked their magic. It’s got a 6.5% blend of retinoids which gets to work on fine lines, uneven texture, and sun damage, it’s also packed with CoQ10, ginger, honey, cactus extract, and shea butter which keeps your skin feeling calm, hydrated, and balanced. The texture is lovely, even though it is a retinoid based product I found it was gentle and didn’t irritate. I am buying this again, and think it’s made such a difference to how fresh and radiant my skin looks.

This post contains affiliate links, If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Products marked with an * were gifted PR.

Exploring Bath Photo Diary Day 1

September 7, 2025September 4, 2026 - Vicki

We drove up from Cornwall to Bristol to see a gig and thought, whist we were in the area, that visiting Bath was a great idea. I have always, always wanted to go to Bath, as I have heard only good things about this city, so many people told me it was charming and beautiful, so I had to see for myself. We booked a cheap & cheerful Premier Inn, right in the centre of Bath, I wouldn’t stay again (terrible night’s sleep) but it was very conveniently located. We parked out of Bath at the park & ride, we left our car there for 2 days, and it worked out to be such an affordable option, the bus only took 10 minutes and they run frequently. It was easier than trying to navigate Bath and find parking, the park and ride was less stressful, easy and cheap.

We arrived in Bath after a short drive from Bristol and wanted to waste no time, so we used early check in to drop off our bags and got straight out to explore. We landed lucky with the weather and had glorious sunshine, blue skies and temperatures of 20+ degrees in May, which made taking our time and meandering up and the streets so enjoyable. First, we explored the streets around the hotel, which were full of cafés and independent shops and restaurants, a little early for lunch, but we did stop in Colonna coffee, which is on Chapel Row in quite a quiet part of the city. If you like your coffee this is the spot for you, it is a speciality coffee shop, they roast their own beans and have won numerous awards. The staff are really friendly, and they were helpful in recommending which coffee to go for based on what you enjoy, the cakes were delicious too. We ended visiting here twice, it was that good.

After a coffee to set us up for lots of walking, we slowly made our way up the hill (I had no idea that Bath was so hilly), we just pottered about going up all the small side streets, soaking in all the history and architecture, we love to explore a new place with no agenda, just going where the day takes us. At the top of the hill, we found The Circus, which is a circle of incredible Grade I listed Georgian town houses around a central small park with 5 trees dating back to 1820. The Circus is one of the most charming streets I have ever seen, the houses are perfectly identical & you feel like you have stepped back in time.

I also loved Saville Row, which is a mews like street with independent shops and restaurants with pretty facades. This street is so well-kept and reminded me of a mini Diagon alley, In fact the whole of Bath was like a movie set and I hear that a lot of Bridgerton was filmed in this city.

There is so much history in this city and so much to appreciate, every building and street had something interesting, pretty or of historical interest. It is like a living museum, and I took so many photos, it was so visually interesting, everything from the coloured front doors, classic cars and perfectly preserved Georgian buildings and even a few cats that wanted to say hello.

We had a quick to go lunch from The Whole Bagel on Upper Borough Walls, delicious food (rude staff) but great for a quick pit stop. We did also try a cookie from Bakervee cookies, OMG these were incredible and the perfect afternoon sweet treat. They have a huge selection of Vegan and gluten-free options.

We did manage to see the famous Royal Crescent as the sun was setting we walked along the entire street on our way to dinner, and it was stunning, so majestic and all the photos I have seen over the years just do not do it justice, The scale of the street, the curve and the houses all in a row is just something you need to see in person. The Royal Crescent is a row of 30 town houses built in the 1760s, and they are said to be among the greatest examples of Georgian architecture in the UK. We also walked along this street on both days, as it is just too pretty to only see once.

Bath has so many independent shops, restaurants and galleries that have kept their old school charm and look, I photographed so many of them. I loved how colourful and unique they looked, they felt like a snapshot of a bygone time. Also, all the small side streets had an abundance of character, higgledy-piggledy cottages, vast town houses and shops that had long since gone and been turned into residence. We didn’t get a Sally Lunn Bun, but we did have a quick look in, and it smelt so good, and this area is quaint and a very historical part of the city, the streets are narrow and full of places to recharge & to have a drink and a sweet treat.

I love to photograph cars, especially colourful and unusual spec cars, Bath was full of nice cars and I have a camera roll full of Lamborghini’s, Ferrari’s, Porsche’s and so many cute bright Fiat 500s. What do you like to take pictures of? My favourite is always cars, but I am also partial to a colourful front door.

It seems that there is no shortage of great places to eat in Bath, we settled on a local Italian called Colosseo, and have to say it was incredible. The atmosphere was lively and friendly, and the food was authentic and delicious. After walking almost 25,000 steps I had earned a pudding and a few glasses of wine, 10/10, highly recommend booking here if you like Italian food.

We walked a little after dinner and ended up in a great little pub called The Raven, serving cask ales and its own beer. It was busy even on a Sunday night, we stayed for a couple of drinks and headed back to the hotel. Make sure to check back for day 2 exploring Bath where we head over to the Cathedral and the famous Pulteney Bridge.

Skin Cupid

August 31, 2025September 4, 2026 - Vicki

#gifted I have been trying out 2 cult Korean beauty skincare products over the past 2 months and wanted to let you know how I have been getting on with them. They were kindly sent out from online beauty retailer, Skin Cupid, who are a UK-based online shop who offer a carefully curated range of authentic Korean beauty products, perfect if you’re a K-beauty addict or just want to explore some new brands. They have everything you could possibly need! The site is very easy to use and full of helpful information on what to use at each step of your routine, along with which products work best for different skin concerns. They stock everything from skincare to haircare and body care to makeup so it can be your one-stop shop for all things K-beauty.

Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum

This eye serum has quickly become a daily staple in my skincare routine, and it’s easy to see why it’s so loved. With it having a serum texture, it is lightweight and does not feel heavy or greasy. The Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum combines traditional Korean botanicals with modern skincare science, giving you the best of both worlds. With its 10% ginseng root and 2% Retinal Liposome, it tackles everything from dark circles to fine lines, so for me, it’s the ultimate firming and lifting solution for tired-looking eyes.

Retinal Liposome – Gentle vitamin A, boosts collagen, smooths fine lines.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – Brightens dark circles, evens skin tone, strengthens skin barrier.
Hyaluronic Acid – Deeply hydrates and plumps the skin.
Ceramides – Maintain moisture balance and strengthen the delicate under-eye skin.

Traditional Korean Botanical Ingredients:

Ginseng Root Extract – Firms, reduces puffiness, revitalises under-eye skin.
Green Tea Extract – Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, soothes and protects.
Mugwort (Artemisia) Extract – Calms irritation and heals sensitive skin.
Rice Extract – Brightens, hydrates, improves texture.
Centella Asiatica – Repairs and soothes, strengthens barrier.
Licorice Root Extract – Brightens dark circles, evens tone.

I have really enjoyed using this eye serum, it has slotted into my skincare routine and I often use it morning and night. I have been using it for almost 2 months and have noticed my skin looks smoother and brighter, which means my concealer applies better, creases less throughout the day and on the days I don’t wear makeup my eyes don’t look as dark or tired. So I am thrilled with the results and the price is so affordable, which is always a bonus, I also like the tube packaging with the pump lid. If you’re looking to address under-eye concerns without breaking the bank, I highly recommend adding this to your skincare routine.

I will be having a browse through their other products to see what else I can try, I have heard very good reviews of the Dynasty Cream and their SPF.

Medicube Triple Collagen Cream 4.0

Formulated with a powerful blend of collagen, elastin, and brightening actives, this cream helps visibly firm, smooth, and revitalise your skin. This cream has a rich texture but surprisingly lightweight, it sinks effortlessly into the skin without leaving any greasy residue. It feels luxurious and nourishing, and my skin is hydrated, dewy and instantly smooth. It is a cream that not only feels fantastic on the skin, wears well under makeup, but it is also working hard for your skin too, it has so many incredible ingredients,

Triple Collagen Complex – Firms, plumps, and boosts elasticity.
Hydrolysed Elastin – Improves skin’s bounce and resilience.
Niacinamide – Brightens, fades dark spots, and refines pores.
Hyaluronic Acid – Deep hydration and smoother texture.
Adenosine: Encourages collagen and elastin production for firmer, smoother skin
Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract – Known for its skin-conditioning properties, this extract helps to maintain skin health and balance.
Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract – Traditionally used in Korean skincare for its soothing and healing properties, it helps calm and repair the skin.

I’ve been using the Medicube Triple Collagen Cream for a while now, and it has quickly become a staple in my skincare routine, I can 100% say that it lives up to the hype. I’ve noticed visible results, and with consistent use, I have less pigmentation, my skin is firmer and more radiant. Not only that, but I think my skin is looking healthier than ever. If you’re after a moisturiser that firms, hydrates, and brightens, this Korean beauty is an absolute must-have.

Let me know if you have tried any products from Medicube, and what you would recommend I try next from them

Let me know if you have shopped on Skin Cupid and what your Korean Beauty must have products are, especially for Winter, as I love to switch up my routine as the seasons change.

* These products were gifted to me as PR samples, but I was not asked to write about them. All opinions are my own

Notting Hill Pretty Houses

August 23, 2025September 4, 2026 - Vicki

I always knew Notting Hill was a pretty part of London, but I’d forgotten just how lovely it is to grab a takeaway coffee and explore this area. Walking up and down all the streets and little mews, seeing all the painted houses, they are so bright and cheerful.

We visited just as KURO Coffee were opening up their new café (right beside their eatery) & it was lovely. It’s a small space, but they have a bench outside for nicer days and a few seats upstairs too. The matcha, coffee and pastries were 10/10. I highly recommend, and you can spy on all the people queuing to get in Egg break which is just across the street. I do hear that it is not worth the wait, have you been?

I loved this building, it is Hillgate House which was built in 1851 by James Betts of St Pancras and was originally a chapel but is now used as offices. The building is so charming and looks impressive on the street with its iron railings, red brick and mosaic tiled entrance. There are so many incredible buildings in this area.

The streets of Notting Hill are so charming and inspiring to explore, you can just walk up and down, taking in all the colours and the fun front doors. I know it costs millions to purchase one, but you can dream and be inspired. It inspires me, that’s for sure. Even when the sky is typically British grey and the weather wet and damp, Notting Hill is a happy place.

We did visit in October, so a few houses had their Halloween decorations up, which were fun to see. Compared to where I live they go all out & make quite the effort, it was cool to spot the houses with the pumpkins, skeletons and spooky scenes. If you can visit during Halloween, you have to, it’s such a vibe.

I also really liked the old Dunhill pipe and tobacco factory (1916–1946) on Uxbridge street which has since been converted to beautiful flats. What a slice of history to live in, it is such a beautiful building. There’s so much rich history in this area if you look closely, a real mix of modern and traditional and so many green spaces and rich cultural history. You can spend days just exploring this area.

What is your favourite part of London to explore? Let me know if you have any café / restaurant recommendations for the Notting Hill area, as I can’t wait to head back in the warmer months. You can see part one of my London trip here.

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Author: Vicki