Wedding Guest Beauty Essentials From Very

February 28, 2026March 2, 2026 - Vicki Leave a comment

I’m here to share how I keep special occasion prep simple and as stress-free as possible. I have a system, glowing, well-prepped skin, effortless hairstyling, and a vibrant pop of colour that pulls everything together. Whether it’s a wedding, summer party, special event or an evening celebration, I love a look that that make me feel fresh, polished, and confident without ever feeling overdone.

Honestly, skincare prep changes everything when you’re doing your makeup, especially for a special occasion & it takes the stress out of your makeup not looking good by the end of the night. If your base is smooth, hydrated, and primed, everything on top just applies easier and sits better. Taking the time to do your skincare prep means your foundation & concealer goes on evenly without settling into fine lines or looking patchy, and your healthy radiant skin will help you look fresh & put together. As a bonus your makeup will last longer too.

Lately, I’ve been using a trio of products from Korean brand Beauty of Joseon, who do skincare so well. Their Ginseng Essence Water deeply hydrates, calms and refreshes your skin, the Snail Serum fades blemishes, hydrates and smooths texture, and the Dynasty Cream locks in moisture which gives you that healthy, plump, fresh-skin glow even before makeup. If I skip prepping my skin, I notice my makeup settling into fine lines or looking flat by the end of the night. Taking the time to do your skincare properly means your complexion stays dewy and polished, and I find I barely need to touch up.

I’ve found the ghd rise volumising hot brush surprisingly good at creating gentle waves & the 32mm heated barrel is a great size for natural effortless waves. It’s like a cross between a heated brush and a curling wand, so you get that relaxed, beachy wave rather than stiff ringlets, which makes my shorter hair look more textured and fun. So with a couple of passes in the direction, I get that slight curve / wave effect that looks polished but not overly done.

The softer waves add body and dimension without looking overly styled, which I think really suits a shorter cut. Creating this style doesn’t take long or feel fussy, it is my go to when I’m short on time and don’t want to spend ages in front of the mirror. I also have to say the 32mm barrel works brilliantly on my short fringe, adding shape and volume.

The styler is lightweight and very easy to use, you don’t just have to do loose waves you can, add bounce and volume or create a smooth sleek look. It is a great tool to have if, like me, you do not like to overcomplicate your hair routine.

Not only do I love how light and easy the ghd hot brush is to use, but it also gets top marks from me because the brush temperature is controlled to 185°C. It’s hot enough to create beautiful volume, bounce and body, yet gentle enough to help minimise excessive heat damage. You never feel like you’re scorching your hair, but you still achieve salon-worthy lift, soft curls and long-lasting shape with a glossy, healthy-looking finish.

I always feel like a pop of colour instantly lifts my mood – it’s like a little dose of dopamine! This gorgeous floor length pink dress does exactly that. The silhouette is beautifully flattering, skimming in all the right places you could throw on a light blazer, cardigan, or scarf if it’s a bit chilly. It’s honestly the perfect dress for a spring or summer wedding – easy, effortless, but still stylish and put together. Very have a great selection of occasion wear dresses to pick from.

All set and ready to go! What truly makes me feel confident is knowing my skin prep has paid off. My complexion looks radiant, fresh and prepped, which means I can keep my makeup minimal while still feeling polished, and I know it will stay put and look good throughout the entire evening, with just a few lipstick touch ups!

Styling my hair was just as effortless, the ghd hot brush completely took the stress out of the process, adding smooth volume and shape to my fringe and cute natural bouncy waves to my hair. So I have a sleek, put-together finish without the usual fuss.

For every step of your routine from statement occasion dresses to beauty essentials and hair tools, Very.co.uk is my go-to destination.

*Sponsored post with gifted product, but the review is 100% my own.

Shark Glam Sleek Straight Waves & Curls Pink Exclusive

November 9, 2025November 10, 2025 - Vicki Leave a comment

It’s fair to say that hair tools have truly evolved in recent years. Gone are the days of relying on a basic hairdryer that leaves your hair frizzy, blasts out excessive heat, and limits your styling options to a simple blow-dry while claiming to work on all hair types. We can now be kinder to our hair and achieve salon-quality results at home, thanks to innovative all-in-one multi stylers like the Shark Glam Sleek Straight Waves & Curls, which is a game changer if, like me, you’ve accumulated one too many hair tools over the years. The Shark all-in-one styler replaces your hairdryer, straightener, curling tong, and glossing brush. It is designed to smooth, curl, volumise, and dry without excessive heat damage & this all in one tool combines professional performance with everyday convenience.

I’ve been putting the Shark it to the test over the past month and honestly, I’m loving the results. The first thing I noticed was how sleek the hairdryer is, it’s slim, easy to use, and actually looks pretty on my dresser. I’d been using an ancient travel hairdryer before (which I have had for years!) and didn’t realise just how much better a hairdryer could be. My hair after drying now looks glossy, smooth, and super sleek, and I like that the settings let me choose exactly how hot or forceful I want the airflow to be.

I have been just roughly drying my hair with the hair dryer, then adding the Styling Concentrator accessory to make it look more sleek and glossy. This accessory makes it much easier to be precise, directing the airflow exactly where you need it, which helps smooth the hair cuticle and gives a sleek, glossy finish. It’s great for taming flyaways and making your hair look polished without extra effort

Now one of the best tools in this kit is the Silki Straightener which can be used on wet / damp hair, which is a great for saving time, and you will be shocked by how effective (and fast) it is at drying and straightening your hair. I’ve mostly been the Silki Straighteners for refreshing second or third-day hair. They’re such an innovative tool, using smart heat control, so it is gentler on your hair than most straighteners. The combination of heated ceramic plates and airflow smooths the hair cuticle, tames frizz, and adds shine without relying on extreme heat. I also love that they’re easy to use, gentle on my hair and leave my hair looking sleek, glossy and refreshed. If, like me, you are used to your straighteners drying out your hair, you will be surprised by how effective and gentle the Shark Silki Straightener is. Say goodbye to dry, heat‑frazzled hair and hello to sleek, glossy, perfectly smooth locks.

When I’m just at home, I usually give my hair a quick blow-dry and leave it, but when I’m heading out, I like it to look polished without spending ages on it. For me, that usually means adding a soft wave or a loose curl to give it that effortless, styled look, and the Auto-Wrap Curlers are 10/10 for this look. Even with my short hair, they worked brilliantly and made styling so quick and easy.

The Coanda air‑flow technology gently pulls the hair toward the barrel while blowing warm air, creating a wrapping motion so it automatically wraps, sets, and curls your hair in minutes. The barrel is the ideal size to create soft, defined curls or waves and the heat‑controlled surfaces reduce exposure to extreme heat, so your hair is never damaged, and you get that glossy shine and minimal frizz.

The Glossi Brush is the attachment I think I will get more use from as my hair grows, it will be great for taming my fringe or adding a nice flick to the bottom of my bob. I’m excited to use it more and see what new hairstyles I can create.

It has been so nice incorporating the Shark Multi Styler into my haircare routine (especially in this exclusive pink colour), it has become part of my daily routine and my hair has never felt so healthy and looked so glossy. It makes styling my hair so effortless, and the tool is so versatile that you are able to create so many looks with ease. I am impressed with the quality and the way it makes me want to experiment with my hair. Doing my hair has become part of my self-care routine, I no longer dread it or rush it and as a result of using this multi tool my hair looks healthier which makes me feel more confident.

*Sponsored post with gifted product, but the review is 100% my own.

The Cornish Seaweed Bath Co

August 20, 2025 - Vicki Leave a comment

I have lived in Cornwall for 10 years now, and I am always impressed with how many incredible businesses are founded here. The Cornish Seaweed Bath Co is my latest discovery. Founded in Cornwall in 2013, they’re a natural beauty brand that harness the natural power of organic seaweed, Cornish seaweed and if I know anything from living here it is that there is no shortage of seaweed or coastline.

It’s so refreshing to find a local brand producing high-quality products in small batches, using fantastic ingredients to deliver the very best results, Cornwall has outdone itself again & I am very grateful to have been sent me two products from their collection to try out and get to know the brand.

Revitalising Eye Gel

The first thing I noticed was the scent, which is a coastal ocean scent like you are by the sea. I like it a lot, it is refreshing and very calming. It comes with a lovely roller ball applicator – which makes it so cooling and soothing to apply, helping reduce puffiness around the eye. It is a product that helps refresh, hydrate, and brighten tired eyes, which I have to say is everything I want, and it is all thanks to the naturally powerful blend of seaweed and botanicals,

100% Natural & Gentle – Formulated with seaweed, flowers, and plant-based ingredients.
Kind to Delicate Skin – Calms, hydrates, and supports the sensitive eye area.
No Harsh Additives – Free from silicones, parabens, and synthetic fragrance.
Flower-Powered Formula – With Organic Seaweed, Buddleia, Chrysanthemum, Skullcap, Cypress & Aloe.
Cooling Texture – Lightweight and refreshing, never heavy or greasy.

The silicone-free formula means it absorbs beautifully, it is lightweight, non-greasy, and perfect for hydrating the under-eye area. If you want to refresh, brighten and smooth fine lines, this eye gel is the answer. Light enough for daytime, soothing enough for evening, and its natural formula makes it suitable for every skin type.

Nutri-Therm Hair Serum

This lightweight serum blends seaweed with nourishing botanicals to protect hair from heat, whilst smoothing, strengthening and giving it a healthy glossy finish, all without a trace of silicones. Not having silicones helps prevent that greasy feel and look, and my hair feels fresher and cleaner for longer.

Organic Seaweed – Packed with vitamins and minerals to deeply nourish, fortify, and strengthen hair from root to tip.
Bamboo Leaf – Boosts hair strength, encourages growth, and adds a healthy natural shine.
Eclipta – Celebrated for supporting hair growth while helping to reduce hair fall.
Broccoli Seed Oil (Brassica Oleracea Italica) – Loaded with vitamins and fatty acids to hydrate, smooth cuticles, and enhance softness.
Essential Oils of Clary Sage, Lavender, Ho Wood & Rose Geranium – A soothing, aromatic blend that calms the senses while leaving hair lightly fragranced and refreshed.

This lightweight serum absorbs beautifully, protecting your hair while leaving it smooth, shiny, and full of life. A true multitasker, it delivers protection, strength, and nourishment in every drop. It protects against,

Heat damage from styling tools
Environmental stressors like UV and pollution
Moisture loss, dryness, and brittleness
Cuticle damage, split ends, and frizz

It also helps with,

Strengthen & Repair – Reinforces hair fibres, repairs bonds, and restores resilience
Smooth & Shine – Seals the cuticle for softness, shine, and frizz control
Hydrate & Nourish – Seaweed and botanicals deeply moisturise and protect
Body & Volume – Adds lightweight lift and fullness without heaviness
Fresh for Longer – Non-greasy, silicone-free formula keeps hair looking cleaner

Even their packaging is aesthetically pleasing, it is beautifully minimal with a fresh, coastal-inspired blue and white stripe. It is also environmentally friendly and completely recyclable. They have bundles and sets available which make lovely gifts or are a great way to try the brand whilst making a saving.

I am looking forward to trying more of their skincare, top of my list is their Super-Nutrient Facial Oil and Renewal Facial Cleanser. The Cornish Seaweed Bath Co have a wide range of haircare, body and skincare products to pick from. So be sure to visit their website and have a browse.

The Cornish Seaweed Bath Co.

All products are formulated and crafted in Cornwall utilising only natural, organic, and sustainably sourced ingredients centred around wild-harvested Cornish seaweed.

Klorane Cupuacu Butter Haircare Collection

May 16, 2022 - Vicki Leave a comment

*Gifted. Like many other people, I am on the constant quest for the perfect shampoo and conditioner, and I have been putting the Klorane Cupuacu Haircare Collection to the test. I have 3 products from the range, which claims to help tame frizzy, wavy hair and strengthen from root to tip. How have I never tried Klorane when it has been ‘Named the no.1 haircare brand by European pharmacies, Klorane marries science and natural ingredients to create innovative formulas that also respect the environment. And, with 50 years of expertise in botanical hair care, you can trust that your hair is in safe hands.’

The Cupuaçu used in this collection has been sustainably grown in the Amazon, following the rules of organic farming, and the Cupuaçu butter is certified as organic. So Klorane are paying particular attention to the ethical sourcing of ingredients and being more environmentally conscious, which is always fantastic to see.

‘Klorane are committed to respecting the biodiversity of the Amazon through sustainable planting of Cupuacu trees. The organically-sourced formula is biodegradable, vegan, and cruelty-free and the eco-friendly packaging has been created using 100% recycled and recyclable plastic.’

Cupuaçu Butter is rich in fatty acids (Omega-6 and Omega-9), molecules with ultra-nutritive properties, and is very effective at intensively repairing and nourishing the hair fibre, which makes it a wonderful ingredient for looking after your luscious locks. It’s also 1.5x more nutritious than shea butter, which is great news for your hair

Klorane Cupuacu Butter Shampoo £9.00

The creamy, lightweight formula of the shampoo leaves my hair feeling clean, without stripping away moisture. I have used the shampoo on it’s own without following with either of the conditioning products and my hair still looked glossy & frizz free. If you are pushed for time then this shampoo is nourishing enough and your hair will still get all the benefits of the lovely ingredients, like the, Cupuaçu Butter, Coconut Oil and Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, which help it to be silkier, stronger, smoother, flexible, shiny, and easy to comb.

I would say be conservative with how much product you use, I have a short bob (jaw length) and I use about a 50p sized amount any more and my hair looks greasy, so less is more with this shampoo.

The conditioner is creamy, luxurious and instantly feels lovely in your hair, and that is before you even wash it off. I have been using this twice a week and find it helps my curls look defined, healthy and more bouncy. If you struggle with knotting or tangling after you wash your hair, then this is the conditioner for you. Your brush will glide through your hair when it is wet, which means you get less breakage and damage.

Apply to the length and ends of your hair, and leave on or up to 10 minutes. The scent of this entire collection is very nice, it is creamy and very much like a rich buttery cocoa aroma, which I like a lot.

Klorane Cupuacu Repairing Mask £15.00

The repairing hair mask is such a treat, ideal for those pamper days or to use before a special even, so your hair is looking and feeling its absolute best! It has a very thick formula and a buttery texture, but once on your hair it doesn’t leave it feeling weighed down.

This mask is a 3 in 1, it can be used in 3 ways, in the shower as nourishing conditioner (left on for up to 10 mins then rinse off), as an overnight hair mask or left on as an intense treatment mask. This mask gives your hair a real boost of nourishment from root to tip, leaving it stronger, more supple and frizz free. I like to use it 2-3 times a month.

If you have quite thick wavy/naturally curly hair, this entire Capuacu Butter Collection will hydrate, smooth and strengthen your hair. As well as giving it that glossy, healthy finish.

This range is vegan and free from, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Silicones, Parabens.

Klorane Capuacu Collection exclusive to Escentual and it is currently 1/3 off, so if you want to switch up your haircare regime now is the time.

*this post contains PR Samples.

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