Discovering New Beauty Brands in 2016

January 1, 2017January 1, 2017 - Vicki 3 Comments

For me 2016 was the year of trying out brands and products I’d never used before. I was not only introduced to brands I had never heard of before but also given the chance to test out products that had been on my wish list for a while.

A few didn’t live up to expectations but I’m pleased to say most of them have become firm favourites. I thought I would share some of the ones that stood out to me. I am very much looking forward to trying more new brands this year and have a few on my radar already.

Pureology Haircare

I had wanted to try this brand for the longest time as I’d only heard positive reviews from bloggers whose opinions I really trust. I was thrilled that the FULFYL haircare system that I tried out lived up to my expectations and my Mum even went out and purchased it for herself too. This particular range is formulated for colour treated hair and it protects your colour from fading whilst keeping your hair strong, nourished and looking super glossy. I am obsessed with it and the hair colour I used on my hair this year stayed vibrant for the longest time, I 100% put it down to using this trio.

NIOD

Again I was excited to try this brand and I have to say its one of my favourite skincare discoveries of 2016. NIOD are a relatively new brand to the market but don’t overlook them on that count, they’re a brand that are pushing the envelope of ingredients and producing products that are fuss free, effective and pretty damn cool. Everything from their production & packaging right down to the products themselves are progressive. I have tried out a couple of their offerings this year but this Mud Mask has changed my life – well my skin. It has restored my skins radiance and I’ve certainly had fewer blemishes which pleases me greatly. I will be purchasing a lot more from them in 2017 and also trying a few products from their sister company The Ordinary.

W7 Summer Nights Eyeshadow Palette

This is a budget brand that has always intrigued me, they are quite renowned for producing dupes and when I saw this MAC Burgundy Times Nine Palette dupe on MissMakeupMagpie blog I knew I had to try it. I love neutral palettes and this 9 pan palette has become a firm favourite. I’ve used it so much these past few months and if you are able to track it down (its like gold dust) then I urge you to snap it up. Its super pigmented, wearable and affordable, what more do you want!?

BRYT Skincare

This was a new British skincare company that I was introduced to this year but they mainly cater for younger skin and I’m certainly not in that bracket anymore. Nevertheless their skincare is gentle and although rich its not greasy or too heavy. I did enjoy trying out these three products, but I need something that offers more lift, tightening and hydration. BRYT seem to be ticking all the boxes when is comes to delivering affordable, ethical and botanical premium skincare. So if you’re under 25 then make sure you check them out. How cute and bright is their packaging too!

skinChemists Skincare

This is quite a luxury brand which has a very modern minimal feel to its branding and packaging. I have enjoyed the products I have tried from them, especially the snail eye cream which I thought was very gentle and nourishing. It was very lightweight and felt cooling around my eye area, also my concealer applied so well over this. I have been using a few products from their Caviar range too but It’s still early days, so keep an eye out for a full review soon.

Ooh! Oils of Heaven

I adore using facial oils and love how versatile they are, these two from Ooh! have been a pleasure to use. The Cacay Oil was my favourite of the two and I mostly use this as part of my evening skincare routine but I do mix a little with my serum during the day of my skin is looking lacklustre. It helps to keep my skin looking radiant and hydrated and is great at reducing scaring and uneven skint one. This particular Oil has a high content of vitamin A, vitamin E and Linoleic Acid (omega-6) which have effective results in skincare.

Blank Canvas Cosmetics

Another brand I had never heard of before trying this palette but I have learnt that they have a huge following, especially in Ireland which is where this brand is from. They produce high quality makeup brushes and also a range of makeup products. The eyeshadow palette didn’t completely WOW me but I did like quite a few of the shades and think they are a brand to keep an eye on. The double ended brush that came with the palette was incredible quality and Its made me want to try a few more from their huge range.

What brands did you try for the first time in 2016, any firm favourites that you would recommend?

Michael Bublé By Invitation Gift Set

December 22, 2016August 25, 2025 - Vicki Leave a comment

Some of you may remember I declared my love for Michael Bublé’s debut fragrance back in October, and It is still very much a go-to scent, in fact I would go so far as to say it is my favourite beauty discovery of 2016. So I thought I would let you know they’ve added quite a few new products to this range.

I like so many things about this scent, but I think what’s really nice to learn is that Mr Michael Bublé himself played such a big part in the development of this perfume. Unlike most celebrity endorsed products he was actually an integral part of every aspect of this release, his aim is to create a whole new category in fragrance with his debut scent, bridging the gap between luxury and affordable and I think he has more than succeed.

Right from the get-go, this is a really romantic, luxury purchase. The bottle is just beautiful and has been designed to be just as lovely as the scent itself, it feels very weighty and it’s HUGE. I love the way the bottle is suspended in the centre of a gold circle, and it looks sophisticated and very elegant. I like that the bottle isn’t aimed at a teen / younger market, but it’s more classy and the details are subtle but pretty. You immediately get the impression that a lot of thought and time has gone into this product.

This is a very sexy scent and I think that is what most people would expect from Michael Bublé, but it has a real sophistication to the mix of notes and I like that it has a sweetness that once settled turns into a more musky scent. It has notes of,

Top Notes: Bergamot, Lemon and Red Fruits delight you with a sparkling and tempting introduction for what is to come.
Heart Notes: Lily of the Valley, Rose, Peony and Wild Jasmine rejoice in a fresh and elegant blend of noble owers.
Base Notes: Patchouli Indonesia, Cedar Wood, Vanilla & Praline and White Amber & Musk wrap you in an addictive warm and comfortable feeling.

Although it may be too late for Christmas delivery, many of us still have people to see in between Christmas and New Year or a birthday to buy for at this time of year and anything from the ‘By Invitation’ range would make the most lovely gift. Or even a post-Christmas treat to yourself!

The By invitation limited edition set, which includes a 100ml fragrance and body lotion for the special price of £55.00 – essentially the body lotion is free.

£55.00 for 100ml Eau de Parfum

£39.00 for 50ml and £29.00 for 30ml

Other available products in the collection are,

Luxury Body Lotion150ml £14.00

Shower Gel 150ml £12.00

Purse Spray £25.00

Candle £25.00

•This is a Sponsored Post, but all the views and content is 100% my own.

skinChemists Advanced Caviar Skincare

December 21, 2016 - Vicki Leave a comment

I wanted to give you the heads up about a fantastic offer from skinChemists, who are known for their 100% organic and cruelty free luxury skincare. I’ve been testing out three products from their Advanced Caviar range and I have to say I’m impressed so far. Caviar has become quite a popular ingredient in skincare over the past couple of years and skinChemists have been working with leading pharmacists, chemists, scientists and beauticians worldwide, to develop their caviar range.

So why is Caviar becoming such a sort after ingredient? This marine-based ingredient is very rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are two nutrients that promote luminous, balanced skin and its also known to be intensely moisturising and has anti inflamatory benefits. So your skin is in good hands.

skinChemists Advanced Caviar Facial Serum*

I think serum is my favourite product to use as I love the added hydration they give and its a step I never miss in my routine. This one from skinChemists is extremely hydrating, soothing and protecting.

The main active ingredients in the formulation are:-

Caviar Extract, a highly nutritious marine complex, aims to protect the skin against harmful rays and environmental stresses.
Seaweed Extract, thought to have anti-oxidising properties, aims to deeply hydrate the skin.
Aloe Vera aims to stimulate the skin’s healing process, whilst working to soothe and regenerate the skin.

It has a lovely fluid formula which sinks in quickly and helps boost hydration which is exactly what my skin needs right now, these cold days dry out my skin and make my fine lines look more prominent.

skinChemists Advanced Caviar Day Cream*

The day / night creams come packaged in the most beautiful mirrored sphere, it looks and feels futuristic and luxurious. The cream itself is pretty cool too, much like the serum it provides long lasting hydration and nourishment whilst protecting skin from harmful environmental aggressors.

The main active ingredients in the formulation are

Caviar Extract, a highly nutritious marine complex, aims to protect the skin against harmful rays and environmental stresses.
Alpine Rose Stem Cells aim to improve the skin’s barrier function to reduce loss of essential moisture and nutrients.
Powdered Pearl aims to smooth and regenerate the skin, evening the skin tone and improving skin health.

Although this is a rich formula the cream doesn’t feel heavy on the skin or go greasy throughout the day. It gives the skin an instant smooth appearance and when I use this cream I love how well my makeup applies and also wears throughout the day.

Advanced Caviar Night Cream*

We all want to wake up to skin that looks well rested, radiant and youthful and although miracles can’t be achieved this night cream has helped my skin to look brighter, more refreshed and certainly less dry. The night cream is formulated to hydrate, repair and revive your skin whilst you sleep, which sounds good to me!

The main active ingredients in the formulation are

1. Caviar Extract, a highly nutritious marine complex, aims to repair and revive the skin after its daily exposure to environmental stresses.
2. Protease aims to break down dead skin cells and balance natural pH levels.
3. Shea Butter is rich in Vitamins A and E, it aims to deeply hydrate and improve skin health.

All three products I have tried from this range are great for protecting your skin from the environmental aggressors of everyday life like pollution and sun damage. They also help to keep the skin nourished and hydrated so your skin looks plump, radiant and fine lines are reduced. I have loved all three products but especially the night cream, it was so nice to apply each night and I really felt I saw a difference in my skin by morning, it was a lot more healthy.

Let me know if you have tried anything from this brand or if you’re planning on making use of the incredible 70% saving skinChemists currently have on this Advanced Caviar range. Why not start the New Year with a new skincare regime!

*PR Sample

Hospital Care Package

December 19, 2016June 1, 2017 - Vicki Leave a comment

As some of you know my Mum had to go into hospital last week (thank you for all your well wishes & thoughtful messages). I wanted to put together care package of products that would help her feel like herself so I took to Twitter to ask your advice and so many of you responded with suggestions for things I could include, you are a very clever bunch.

A great suggestion was face masks – so I included one of the new Garnier Moisture Bomb Sheet Masks and a set of the DHC Eye Masks. I thought when she felt up to it she could have a little pamper session and luck had it she was in a room to herself so she wouldn’t frighten the other patients in a sheet mask. I really like these Garnier Masks and they are very hydrating which is always good when you’re in quite a dry environment like a hospital.

A flannel is a must and I also thought this could be used as a cooling towel if she had a headache. Just a simple thing but if she was unable to fully shower for a few days at least she could refresh her skin.

Simple Cleansing Wipes – again just a handy thing to include and these ones are quite gentle and moist. Useful for a quick freshen up & I like to use them on my hands too.

Pureology Fullfyl Shampoo & Conditioner – my Mum has colour treated hair so I knew these would be perfect for her and if she wasn’t up to using both steps, the shampoo alone is still hydrating and leaves hair feeling soft and clean. I love these minis from pureology and I knew they would come in useful.

Being one of my favourite products I couldn’t give my Mum a pamper bag without including the Jurlique Rose Water Balancing Mist. This is a lovely product to keep your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated and I love the subtle rose scent and find it quite up lifting. This cute bottle will be perfect for my Mum to spritz throughout the day.

Aveda Hand Relief Hand Cream – This is a lovely, non greasy hand cream and it keeps skin feeling supple and soft for hours. It contains hydrating plant emollients, humectants, exfoliating fruit acids and anti-oxidants-including vitamins A and E-help diminish signs of ageing and provide optimal relief. Increases moisture levels and elasticity in skin with continued use

ESPA Skin Rescue Wonderbalm – This is quite a new release from ESPA and its a fantastic multi use product. It unites some of nature’s most renowned calming and antioxidant-rich actives including Blackcurrant Seed Oil, Manuka Oil and Balloon Vine Extract to intensely soothe, replenish and strengthen dry or sensitive skin. As I said it is a multi taking product and can be use on dry skin, lips, cuticles, knees, elbows or feet as often as required. A great product to include and I know my Mum will get so much use from this.

ESPA Instant Facial – sounds ideal for someone that isn’t feeling their best. This is a Tri Active product and gives you the benefits of a serum, protection of a treatment oil and revitalising effects of an essence in a single product. This is jam packed with skin loving ingredients and ones that will help your skin to glow and look its best including Combining antioxidant Macroalgae Cell and Winged Kelp Extracts with White Truffle Extract, stabilised Vitamin-C and encapsulated oils. This is lightweight but very nourishing.

One thing my Mum will be doing in hospital is sleeping so I had to include a good overnight cream and the ESPA Overnight Hydration Therapy is one of the best. A Tri-Active blend of replenishing plant extracts, restorative marine actives and soothing essential oils that feeds your skin with the essential vitamins, nutrients and minerals it needs to look and feel smooth, supple and energised.

To help my Mum to relax and feel calm I have included two of my favourite products one being the Origins On The Spot Relief. This has a lovely peppermint scent and you apply it to your wrists, back of the neck, earlobes and sit back and relax. Also the This Works Deep Sleep Stress Less this is a roll-on rescue remedy to aid calm days and restful nights.

Finally I have included a Dr Bronner Lipbalm and this one is super hydrating and smells minty, and a Hand Sanitiser.

I am hoping my Mum enjoys the products and that they help her feel more comfortable, refreshed and a little pampered.

Which skincare / personal care products would you take in with you?

*This post contains PR Samples

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