Beauty Product Empties July 2018

August 1, 2018 - Vicki 1 Comment

You can tell from my empties that July was a HOT month. I used up so many hydrating products – mostly for my face. I was trying so hard to stay cool and keep my skin hydrated. So there are quite a few products to talk about, let’s jump right into it.

Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion

LOVED this. It is a very affordable body lotion, not heavy or greasy and sinks right into the skin. The lightweight lotion has a thin almost serum-like consistency which was really good especially in the Summer heat. It meant my skin didn’t feel sticky or like the lotion was too thick under my clothes. I would repurchase this 100%.

VICHY Idéalia Peeling

This toner is incredible for radiant skin – it is as if it just wipes away all the dullness and you wake up with a fresh, glowing complexion. I used this at least 2-3 times a week and this bottle lasted me months! This formula has a combination of 4% glycolic acid and 5% hepes, to provide an exfoliating effect whilst boosting cell turnover. So it is a great product if you find your skin is looking a little flat. This Idéalia is great and I really want to try more from it.

Superdrug Vitamin E Hydrating Face Mist

This is another warm weather must have skincare product! I have been misting it over my skin throughout the day in a bid to keep cool. You can mist on to cleansed skin before you apply makeup or you can spritz it on your skin to refresh your makeup and keep skin hydrated and refreshed. This Vitamin E Range from Superdrug is incredible value for money and I can’t recommend it enough. I love the Hot Cloth Cleanser, Oat Exfoliator and the Eye Cream – you can’t go wrong! This hydrating face mist contains soothing Aloe Vera as well as a skin conditioning multivitamin complex, comprising vitamins A, B, F and H, which, combined with horse chestnut extract, helps to care for dry skin.

Faith In Nature Deodorant

I have been using this Natural Deodorant for about 2 years now. It doesn’t stop me sweating but it neutralises the smell and contains no nasty ingredients. I hate the thought of applying a deoderant that is full of chemicals and metals right on my armpits where they’re easily absorbed into my body. This deodorant doesn’t block the sweat ducts but fights the odour & leaves my armpits feeling fresh & comfortable.

100% Natural Fragrance
With Essential Oils
Free from Parabens and SLS

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic

How adorable is this mini bottle, I am gutted that it has run out. Over the past few (very warm) weeks I have been keeping this in my fridge so it is cool and refreshing on my skin, I have been using it in the evenings after I’ve cleansed just to refresh and calm my skin. This is the perfect refreshing Summer toner & I am going to have to purchase the full size – especially if this crazy heatwave continues.

Naturally, active ingredients include aloe vera to hydrate, calendula, chamomile and cucumber to soothe and refresh, plus antioxidant vitamin E. This revitalising toner is fragranced with an uplifting blend of pure essential oils, including rose-scented geranium, lavender and sweet orange.

Miller Harris Rose Silence (travel size) and Lumière Dorée

Over the past 3 years, Miller Harris has become my favourite luxury fragrance brand, their scents are simply stunning. no matter which of their fragrances I am wearing I always get compliments. In terms of staying power, they’re second to none – I very rarely have to spritz again throughout the day because the scent doesn’t fade. My absolute fave is Rose Silence and I have gone through so many bottles – including this travel size. I love this small size for my handbag or weekend breaks. The Lumière Dorée is a great unisex fragrance and I think it has a zesty, quite sweet scent but the musk makes it a little sensual and warm. If you are ever near a counter you must test out their range.

TOP NOTES: BERGAMOT, PETITGRAIN BIGARADIER EO, ORANGE BIGARADE
HEART NOTES: NEROLI BIGARADE MOROCCO EO, SAMBAC JASMINE, ORANGE BLOSSOM WATER
BASE NOTES: CASHMERE WOOD, VETIVER, CRISP AMBER, WHITE MUSK

Jurlique Activating Water Essence

This is that product you think you don’t need or think you don’t want to add another step to your skincare routine. Well, let me just say, you really do need it & it has become an essential step in my routine. So an Essence is not a toner, nope its used after both cleansing and toning, it can replenish moisture, balance skins PH levels and help skin look glowing. For me, it has 3 main benefits & I love to use it all year round. It is refreshing in the Summer & very hydrating in the Winter.

Hydrates – Delivers continuous hydration and lasting moisture
Conditions – Smooths skin to provide a soft, supple complexion
Revitalise – Revitalises and re-energises for healthy-looking skin

Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Mascara

This is a forever repurchase for me, it’s very affordable and I love the way it gives volume and makes my lashes look thick. You can either apply one coat for a more everyday look or really build it up, giving you more intense, bold lashes and the mascara doesn’t flake throughout the day which is epic! So many mascaras give me panda eyes.

*This post contains PR Samples

NEW Beauticology Unicorn Candy Collection

July 30, 2018July 30, 2018 - Vicki 1 Comment

Well, I think Baylis and Harding have knocked it out of the park again with their new Beauticology Unicorn Candy Collection. How adorable is the kitsch pastel packaging and like all Baylis & Harding releases you get a lot of product for your money. These bottles are huge and they range in price from £2.15 – £3, so very affordable indeed & don’t forget this collection is exclusive to Boots.

This is such a fun collection and Unicorns have become extremely popular over the past few years, this trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon (and I am OK with that). This magical collection brings me more joy than it probably should but It just looks so cute in my bathroom and it makes me smile every time I use it.

I’m such a big fan of the huge Baylis & Harding Hand Washes and have used so many over the years, they’re so good because you get a whopping 500ml of product and they just last forever. Perfect for popping in your guest bathroom or keeping next to the kitchen sink.

Unicorn Candy Hand Wash

Unicorn Candy Shower Créme

Unicorn Candy Bath Foam

All 3 products in this collection contain Shea Butter to help keep your skin soft and smooth! They also share the same sweet candy scent (I think it smells like candyfloss) – let’s just say if you don’t like sugary sweet scents then this isn’t going to be for you, but the Tropical Cocktail Range which is more fruity might be perfect.

At the time of publishing Beauticology Unicorn Candy is on offer for 1/3 OFF

Available in Boots from 23rd July (so right now), the hand wash is priced £2.15 and the bath foam and shower crème are both £3.00.

*This post contains PR Samples

Exploring St Ives Cornwall 2018

July 27, 2018April 1, 2026 - Vicki Leave a comment

We are lucky enough to only live an hours drive from St Ives and love to pop over for a day trip – although we 100% don’t visit enough. So we thought with the Summer holiday’s looming (St Ives gets so busy over the Summer) we’d go for a whilst it was still quite quiet. We picked a glorious day, although I do still enjoy St Ives when it’s overcast it feels super romantic on days like those and it gives you an excuse to hide from the rain and explore all the galleries and coffee shops.

We park at the top of the hill opposite the St Ives Brewery, it isn’t the cheapest parking but it is easy to find and the view across the bay is stunning. The walk down is quite steep but easier on the way down and it brings you right into the centre. If you have trouble with inclines you can get on the car park bus for a small fee.

I have shared photos of my previous visits on my blog and I never grow tired of taking photos and wandering through all the beautiful back streets that are lined with tiny whitewashed cottages. I also really like how people decorate their fronts with pretty flowers & plants, it reminds me of Amsterdam.

Fore Street, which is the main shopping street is always busy but I do like having a peek into all the shops and the smell of the bakeries (Cornish pasty) always tempts me in. This time we arrived at lunchtime and couldn’t resist a Wholemeal Vegan Pasty from The St Ives Bakery – which was just heaven, you need to try it if you visit St Ives.

Then we just enjoyed the sunshine and explored all the little side streets snapping photos along the way. There are so many cafes and places to grab Ice Cream so if you need to take a break you can. We always stop at The Pier Coffee Bar for a cuppa, it is right by the harbour but tucked away enough that you can always get a seat.

Now our main reason for visiting St Ives this time was so we could eat at Blas Burgerworks which is located in the Warren. I have walked past it so many times but we tend to be in St Ives too early as it only opens at 5 pm. On this occasion, we were there later & ready for burgers. They have so many Vegan options available which made me so excited so I opted for the Blackbean Burger & my husband picked the Sunflower Burger.

The decor is very basic and you mostly have to share a table as it is small and gets very busy. Even at 5.30, we were lucky to get a seat. Now on to the burgers, well let me just say that I was so disappointed. I wanted to love it but both of us elt our burgers just were not up to scratch. They came beautifully presented and the chips, OMG the ships were so yummy but the actual burgers turned into a soft paste, they lost all structure and you had to admit defeat and eat them with a knife and fork and I don’t know if you feel the same but I think burgers are meant to be eaten with your hands!

The burger was unrecognisable as a burger and was so soft that I felt I’d been robbed of my burger experience. I have had Vegan Burgers that didn’t have great structure but these took it to a new level. I am sad to say we won’t be going back. Let me know if you have been & tried the Vegan Burgers and if you had the same experience. I told our server that they were a little too moist but she just said Thank You like I’d given her a compliment?!

If you have any recommendations of things to see or do in St Ives leave me a comment & I am always looking for suggestions of places to eat!

Antipodes Evening Skincare Review

July 23, 2018 - Vicki Leave a comment

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.

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