My Summer to Autumn Beauty Refresh

August 31, 2026September 4, 2026 - Vicki

I love nothing more than refreshing my beauty bits for a new season. As we say goodbye to what has been a very, very hot and dry summer, I’m actually looking forward to autumn, especially putting some moisture back into my skin and being able to wear makeup without it sliding off my face in the 30-degree heat. (We are just not built for those temperatures in Britain.)

Bring on the plumping, hydrating and soothing skincare, along with makeup that will keep me looking bronzed and hold onto that summer glow for a little longer. For my autumn beauty refresh this year, I’ve added in some products from Medicube and Estée Lauder. For me, it all starts with prepping my skin. That’s where I spend the most time, getting my skin feeling good first, because when it’s properly hydrated, I find my makeup applies, lasts and looks so much better.

I know I’m not alone in loving Korean beauty brand Medicube. They always seem to have quality products at prices that don’t make your eyes water. I’ve tried quite a few products from their range, but with my autumn skincare goal being all about hydration, I really wanted to see if the Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream lived up to all the hype.

The first product I’ve been loving is the Medicube Triple Collagen Toner 4.0. It’s a lightweight, essence-like toner containing 10,000ppm Triple Collagen, and it sinks into the skin really quickly. This toner helps replenish moisture and leave skin feeling plumper, smoother and more hydrated, exactly what I want as we head into autumn. I do love a toner step and think it’s something lots of people overlook, but it can make such a difference. I definitely notice my skin feels smoother when I use one.

Next up is the Medicube Age-R Vita C Pro Ampoule. I always forget just how much my skin loves a good Vit C product, especially after that long hot summer, and my skin is looking dull and tired. This serum is designed to boost radiance and help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, and I love anything that gives my skin that fresh, healthy-looking glow before I even start applying makeup.

Then there’s the Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream, which has to have one of the weirdest textures I’ve come across. When I first opened it, I genuinely thought, hmmmmmm, what am I meant to do with this? It has a clever capsule texture where you mix the pink capsuals and clear gel together before applying it to your skin. I use it both morning and evening. It does feel a little tacky on the skin, but the way it smooths and hydrates is incredible. I also think my makeup sits really well on top of it, and when I use it overnight, I wake up with plump, fresh-looking skin.

This is definitely going to be a staple in my autumn skincare routine; you can already see how much I’ve used just by looking at the pot!

So skin prepped & time for my makeup.

Just like my skincare routine, my makeup is getting a little refresh too. I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to that summer glow just yet, so for autumn I’m keeping things fresh, lightweight and glowy. I’ve been trying a few new-to-me products from Estée Lauder, and if there’s one thing they know how to do, it’s glow, especially with their iconic Bronze Goddess goodies.

I’ve been using the Estée Lauder Futurist SkinTint Serum Foundation SPF20 in 2C3 Fresco, and it’s exactly the sort of foundation I reach for when I don’t want to feel like I’m wearing loads of makeup. It’s lightweight, gives a natural-looking coverage, and leaves my skin looking fresh and radiant. I apply a couple of drops and blend it out, adding a little more where I need it. The result is skin that still looks like skin, just a little more even and perfected.

The Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Bronzing Powder in Medium has been adding some much-needed warmth to my skin, and giving the illusion that I still have a little bit of a summer tan. It’s finely milled, buildable and gives a lovely sun-kissed glow without feeling heavy. I love that you can keep it light and subtle for a natural, healthy-looking finish, or build it up for a warmer evening look. Also, how beautiful is the tortoiseshell packaging? It’s one of my favourite things about it, it feels luxurious, and the large mirror makes it perfect for makeup touch-ups on the go. Never underestimate the importance of a big mirror!

And because I can never resist a bit of glow, the Bronze Goddess Highlighting Powder Gelée in Solar Crush is like an instant complexion wake-up. It gives my skin a gorgeous, silky, light-reflecting finish that can be subtle or built up on the cheekbones for a more intense glow. And how stunning is this product? Much like the bronzer, the tortoiseshell packaging is beautiful, and the highlighter itself is pretty. It feels like a real little treat every time I use it. Oh, and this powder has a scent, I get coconut and subtle floral notes. It’s giving summer in a compact, which I am loving. I think the scent is quite iconic for this Bronze Goddess range, and I believe it’s the same as the perfume.

For me, mascara can completely change a makeup look. The Estée Lauder Lash Drama Mascara Gift Set adds plenty of definition without needing a complicated eye look, and you can build it up if you want a more dramatic, fluttery lash. And their eyeliner is seriously budge-proof. Once it’s on, it stays put all day (and night). The precise nib makes it easy to create a neat but slightly smoky eye for the evening, or run it along your lash line for a little extra definition.

And finally, the lipstick I’ve been wearing on repeat is the Estée Lauder Pure Colour Explicit Slick Shine Lipstick in Wrong Number. It has a gorgeous glossy finish and is the perfect everyday shade for me. I’m not one for a bold lip, so I love how subtle and wearable it is, but adding a lip liner instantly makes it feel a little more evening-appropriate. I think it’s a lovely shade for autumn, too, and it feels smooth and hydrating on the lips, perfect as the weather starts to get colder. It feels like you get the hydration of a lip balm with the colour payoff of lipstick, and the slim, gold packaging looks so luxurious and pretty.

It’s just nice to head into Autumn with a lightweight but glowy foundation that makes my skin feel nourished but gives a nice amount of coverage, and that I can warm up with a bronzer, to keep the illusion I still have a nice Summer tan. The highlighter just adds that pop of radiance that always makes you feel confident. I am chuffed with my refreshed Summer to Autumn routine, and I just have to say, I can’t get enough of the Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream, it is top tier, and I think it will be a moisturiser that I use well into winter (that’s how hydrating it is).

So, if you’re ready to give your Autumn skincare and makeup routine a little refresh, Very.co.uk has you covered, from nourishing skin prep to radiant makeup essentials that are perfect for transitioning into the colder months.

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

Mario Badescu Face Mists

March 8, 2026September 4, 2026 - Vicki

I’m a big fan of the face mist, I use one almost every day and when I spotted this Mario Badescu set in TK Maxx I knew I had to have it. This set bundles four of Mario Badescu’s face mists together in 59 ml bottles, so you can explore the range without splashing out on full sizes, and the travel-friendly bottles make them perfect for popping in your bag or taking on holiday.

This collection gives you four different facial mists, each with a slightly different focus, from calming and hydrating to refreshing and brightening.

Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea

This spray is great for cooling, calming and soothing skin, it also feels lovely and refreshing after a warm day. It is infused with cucumber and green tea and aloe vera, designed to instantly refresh and hydrate the skin while helping to revive a dull, tired-looking complexion. It also soothes redness and calms irritation. This face mist is lovely and perfect to keep chilled in the fridge for that extra skin pick me up / refresh on a hot day.

Aloe Vera – Soothes and hydrates skin, calming irritation.
Cucumber Extract & Water – Refreshes, softens, and cools tired skin.
Green Tea Extract – Antioxidant protection, soothes and supports a healthy complexion.
Peppermint Leaf Water – Delivers a cooling, invigorating sensation.
Bladderwrack (Seaweed) Extract – Mineral-rich, nourishes and softens skin.

Facial Spray with Aloe, Chamomile and Lavender

Infused with vitamin C and a blend of botanical extracts to help hydrate, refresh and brighten the appearance of the skin. Formulated with soothing aloe vera, calming chamomile and lavender, it works to replenish moisture while helping the complexion look dewy and radiant. This mist is lovely to apply before your moisturiser.

Lavender oil and chamomile extract help calm and comfort the skin.
Lavender essential water provides lightweight hydration and a soothing feel.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) offers antioxidant protection while helping brighten the complexion.
Thyme extract helps clarify and refresh the skin.
Bladderwrack (seaweed) extract, rich in minerals, helps soften and nourish the skin.
Aloe vera delivers soothing hydration and helps keep the skin feeling calm and moisturised.

Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater

infused with rosewater and aloe vera, designed to hydrate and revive dehydrated skin. It helps reveal a healthy, dewy glow, leaving your skin feeling refreshed, radiant, and re-energised. Enhanced with clarifying thyme extract, which is great for clearer, balanced-looking skin. I love to use this spray over my makeup though out the day as a refresh to stop it looking dull or powdery.

Rosewater – Rejuvenates and refreshes the skin.
Gardenia Extract – Antioxidant-rich, helps protect and nourish.
Thyme Extract – Clarifies and supports a clearer complexion.
Bladderwrack (Seaweed) Extract – Mineral-rich, softens and nourishes skin.
Aloe Vera – Soothes, hydrates, and calms the skin.

Facial Spray with Aloe, Sage and Orange Blossom

Oil-free, multi-purpose facial mist that hydrates, tones, and refreshes the skin. Infused with orange blossom, sage, thyme, aloe vera, and mineral-rich bladderwrack (seaweed) extract, it delivers instant hydration while helping to soothe, rebalance, and clarify the complexion. Ideal for blemish-prone or combination skin, this mist leaves skin feeling fresh, dewy, and revitalised. For a nice glowing dewy look, I like to, spritz my brush before applying my foundation or concealer, then mist over the face once I have applied my powder.

Orange Blossom Essential Water – Hydrates and tones for a refreshed feel.
Sage Essential Water – Re-balances and energises the skin.
Thyme Extract – Clarifies and supports a clearer complexion.
Bladderwrack (Seaweed) Extract – Mineral-rich, softens and nourishes.
Aloe Vera – Soothes, calms, and hydrates skin.

All the facial mists in this set are fantastic and filled with skin-loving ingredients designed to hydrate, soothe, refresh, and rebalance your skin. They’re incredibly versatile and can be used in several ways throughout the day, making them a really handy addition to your skincare routine. I especially enjoy using them to revive my makeup, giving my skin a fresh, dewy finish, or keeping one nearby on my desk for a quick hydration boost whenever my skin starts to feel a little dry or tired during the day.

Have you tried any products from Mario Badescu before? If you use a facial mist as part of your skincare routine, I’d love to know which brand you use and how you like to incorporate it into your day

Wedding Guest Beauty Essentials From Very

February 28, 2026September 4, 2026 - Vicki

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.

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.

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