Indulge Beauty : What is #yourindulgence

April 9, 2018 - Vicki Leave a comment

If you’re like me you have been waiting patiently for years for Sephora to open in the UK. I’ve always felt disappointed that there isn’t a shop that caters to ALL of my beauty & makeup needs. Well, now there is. Let me introduce you to Indulge Beauty. Indulge Beauty is beauty heaven and they not only have an incredible beauty shop in Westfield Stratford City, they also have an online store too so you can shop till your heart’s content.

At Indulge Beauty, our mission is to empower you when it comes to beauty and grooming – leaving it all in your hands. We aim to redefine the industry so you feel good about how you shop, feel and look – confidence to show the world the real you. We recognise that so much of the beauty out there seems prescriptive, encouraged by sales targets and commission schemes. Instead, everything from our products, services and expertise is informed by you. We’re here to revolutionise the industry and the way you shop for your beauty.

With over 120 brands to pick from Indulge Beauty cater for both men and women and stock a carefully curated selection of the world’s best beauty, makeup, fragrance and grooming brands. These brands include Make Up Forever, The Ordinary, NIOD, Beauty Blender and Sachajuan. So get excited because there is a new beauty destination and they are very customer focused rather than sales or target lead. So you can shop without being harassed, which is bliss.

The lovely people at Indulge Beauty kindly sent me a small selection of the products they sell. I was so excited to see some very sought after brands and quite a few products I’ve wanted to try for ages, It is always fun when a new beauty store opens its doors, especially when they stock such exciting products.

Indulge Beauty stock a number of brands that I had heard of but up till now not had the chance to try and these include, Beauty Blender, Sachajuan, Verso and Skin Laundry. So I had to give them a whirl first.

Beauty Blender

The award-winning, non-disposable, high-definition cosmetic sponge in pink (cute colour), I can’t believe I have never tried it especially as it’s has a six-time Allure Best of Beauty award winner. This applies makeup with ease and so evenly. I hardly used any product as it blended it out so effortlessly giving my skin a lovely natural, soft-focus finish. I am completely sold on a makeup sponge now, there is no easier way to get such a flawless finish. Love it!

Sachajuan Ocean Mist

I have heard a lot of positive reviews about this brand and this salt spray couldn’t have been a more perfect introduction to the brand. I’m that girl that longs to have salty beachy looking hair but you will never get me in the sea in the UK – it is FREEZING! So a salt spray will have to help me fake that effortless beach look. It is lightweight and doesn’t give your hair that crispy feeling nor does it look greasy – it adds both texture and volume and holds your beach tousled hair in place. This is going to be great for Summer in Cornwall!

Lord & Berry Crayon Lipstick

This crayon style lipstick is a gorgeous bold orange toned red, the formula is creamy and very pigmented. I have tried a few Lord & Berry lip products over the years and always think just how overlooked this brand is. Their products are amazing quality and last really well on the lips. Red isn’t my go-to colour but it is always handy to have a good red in your collection and this fits the bill perfectly.

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

This makeup setting spray from Urban Decay is such a cult product. From makeup artists to beauty editors this product gets a lot of love. I have been through a few bottles over the years and have to say I like the packaging update, the black and purple design looks a lot more swish compared to the old white bottles which got so dirty with makeup. This product is a foolproof way of ensuring your makeup looks amazing and stays put throughout the night. This mini bottle is adorable and will fit perfectly in my travel makeup bag.

Skin Laundry Neck & Chest Mask

Well now I am a pro at using sheet masks for my face (and love them) but I have never used a neck & chest mask, have you? It felt a little odd at first and was tricky to apply but once I had figured it out it felt relaxing and it made me realise I don’t pay this area enough attention. I need to make sure I apply my skincare right down my neck and chest and I would use this mask again, it was a nice addition to my pamper routine. This mask is Enriched with natural nutrients and 19 skin conditioning extracts. Leaves skin noticeably refreshed and restored. Improves skin smoothness, and firmness.

I’m going to work my way through trying and testing all the products in this box, make sure you check out Indulge Beauty either in their store at Westfield Stratford City or online at www.indulgebeauty.com and let me know what you think, or if you do a cheeky order let me know what products you treated yourself to.

*This post contains PR samples

Skincare Empties March 2018

April 4, 2018 - Vicki Leave a comment

You know some months you seem to run out of all your favourite products at once? Well, that’s what happened to me in March. Almost every product I use in my daily skincare routine came to the end of its life and it made me so sad. I will be repurchasing every single one of these products and I don’t think I have ever said that in an empties post before, there is usually at least one product that was a somewhat underwhelming but not this time, I have a lot of love for all 5 of these and I need them back in my routine ASAP.

Tropic Vitamin Toner Pore Refining Mist

If you’re looking for a toner that feels instantly refreshing and energising on your skin then this is 100% for you. It not only helps keep skin hydrated, feeling fresh and drenched in vitamins but it’s also infused with vitamins and amino acids that help to balance pH and reduce pore size. This is so easy to spritz on cleansed skin in the morning to kick off your skincare routine or I’ve even sprayed it on top of makeup throughout the day to refresh my skin. It is bursting with so many skin loving ingredients such as organic rose water, aloe vera and cucumber juices which are nourishing, soothing and deliver a boost of hydration. I used this religiously both morning and night,

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

I have used this cleansing oil for years and nothing removes my makeup quite as effectively. It melts away even stubborn mascara and removes lip-stains with ease. With it being an oil it is easy to use when giving your skin a mini facial, I like to spend time really massaging it into my skin which wakes my skin up and helps it glow. It is a good cleanser for protecting skin against environmental aggressors, is extremely gentle and leaves no greasy residue behind (which a lot of oil based cleansers do).

Olive oil – Rich in antioxidants, it helps fight damage caused by free radicals without clogging pores
Rosemary leaf oil – Extracted from the leaves of the plant, it contains invigorating properties and imparts a refreshing scent.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish

This has to be one of my most repurchased skincare products EVER, I mean are you even a skincare addict if you don’t have one of these in your stash? Even if I don’t use it daily, or try other products and overlook it for a spell, I always find my way back to the Liz Earle C&P. It just never lets me down.

It removes makeup with ease without leaving skin feeling dry and the hot cloth helps dislodge dead skin to keep it looking radiant. Its a ritual I look forward too in the evening and the distinctive botanical scent is also calming. This cream cleanser contains so many skin-loving ingredients which include, Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Cocoa Butter, Rosemary Essential Oil/Extract and Chamomile Essential Oil/Extract so it is very gentle, soothing and antioxidant-rich.

Liz Earle Superskin Face Serum

I received this for Christmas as part of a gift set and fell in love with it after a couple of uses. It is a serum which is perfect for my skin type and my age, turning 40 this year I’ve been more focused on using products that are nourishing, firming and target those early signs of ageing and this serum is ideal for that. Enriched with some of nature’s most powerful naturally active ingredients, including Persian silk tree to even skin tone, pomegranate flower to lift and firm, and rhubarb to plump and smooth. This deluxe sample size lasted me a surprisingly long time but I am looking forward to getting the full 30ml size.

Tropic Super Greens Nutrient Boost Serum

I have spoken about this green miracle worker so often on my blog over the past 6 months but it is just that good. I used the last of this serum a little over 2 weeks ago & I have missed it so much in my evening routine. This is what I use when I’ve been burning the candle at both ends, or if I haven’t been eating as well as I should, because it just helps your skin look refreshed, glowing and plump in the morning like you’ve had 10 hours sleep and have drunk a green juice. The visual results and incredible.

The key ingredients are Super Greens (which you might be more familiar seeing on your plate rather than in your skincare) such as Kale, chlorophyll and maca root extracts which help rejuvenate dull skin and organic tamanu oil helps to repair inflammation and heal blemishes. Green coffee extract not only stimulates skin cell renewal, it protects against pollution which is a major factor in premature ageing and dull skin.

If I had to recommend only one of these products for you to add to your skincare regime it would be this Super Greens Serum, I think everyone would benefit from the wonderful ingredients and see visual results in the skin.

New nspa Beauty Rituals Face Masks

April 1, 2018February 16, 2026 - Vicki Leave a comment

I do love a good face mask mostly because they can help with so many skin concerns but also because they’re a great excuse to have a pamper session. I’m very excited to tell you about some fab new masks from nspa beauty, who if you’re not aware are an affordable, indulgent beauty brand with 25 years experience in creating quality skincare. They’re also exclusive to ASDA. So you can pick up your favourite skincare treats whilst doing your weekly shop (perfect right!). I have used lots of nspa beauty products over the years and always been very impressed with the quality of their products, even skincare goddess Caroline Hirons has sung their praises so you know they must be good (her word is gospel in my house).

Face masks have always been a popular step in most people skincare regime but over the past year or so multi-masking has become the new craze, and I am 100% onboard. So this trend has been a beauty insider secret for a while and it has been catching on fast, so the trick is to apply several, different masks at a time depending on your skin type or skin concern then sit back and let them work their magic. For instance, you might have an oily forehead, breakouts on your nose and dehydrated skin on your cheeks and you can get a face mask to address all of these concerns individually. SO why not apply the specific mask to the area you need it the most, creating a bespoke skincare regime that is perfect for you.

Within the nspa rituals range, they have released 8 masks each one targeting a specific skin concern. They have clay, moisturising and hydrating masks which includes a sheet mask. With all 8 masks costing only £1.50 each, this is such an affordable way to multi-mask and get the most of your skincare. Let’s talk masks,

Charcoal & Menthol Clay Mask

This balancing Mask helps to deeply cleanse with anti-pollution properties. Kaolin Clay is enriched with detoxifying Charcoal and refreshing Menthol to draw out impurities and excess oil to leave skin looking and feeling calm and clear.

Clay masks are a great way to help keep skin looking clear. Clay purifies skin drawing out dirt, sebum and also protects against the effects of pollution which is such a growing skin concern. The Kaolin clay in this mask helps absorb excess oils and impurities so It’s a good mask for balancing skin and reducing oils, which if like me you suffer from an oily t-zone this mask is perfect for combating that. Whilst the charcoal is drawing out impurities the menthol clay is soothing the skin and helping to calm redness and angry blemishes.

I do enjoy using a good clay mask, I use them at least once a week, although I try not to leave them on too long as they can be quite drying on the skin, but I like to apply them to my forehead and chin which is where my skin is most oily and where I get a lot of blackheads and clogged pores.

Kaolin & Ginger Warming Detox Clay Mask

This self-warming Mask helps to open pores ensuring a really deep cleanse. Kaolin Clay is enriched with Ginger Oil to draw out impurities and leave skin looking and feeling clear and refreshed.

This is the second clay mask in this beauty rituals range, but this one is self-warming and gives the skin a very deep cleanse, I know these warming masks are not to everyone’s taste, but I think they feel quite soothing. This is another mask for fellow oily skin sufferers and a great mask to multi mask with. As with the previous clay mask, it’s for applying to specific oily areas like forehead and chin just to clear out pores and balance skin reducing the excess oils, thanks to the Kaolin Clay which draws out impurities. The Ginger Oil acts as an anti-irritant and is an effective ingredient for protecting and soothing the skin. This is a very gentle clay mask, so if you tend to shy away from them, this might be a good one to try.

Kaolin & Seaweed Deep Cleansing Clay Mask

This replenishing Mask helps to deeply cleanse skin. Kaolin Clay is enriched with Seaweed and Aloe Vera to help detoxify, draw out impurities and balance skin leaving it feeling revitalised and refreshed.

This soothing, cleansing antioxidant-rich mask is going to detox your skin without drying it out or stripping it of moisture. It is a gentle clay mask with added aloe vera to ensure skin is left calm and rejuvenated. I really liked this mask and my skin felt so soft and glowing after I’d used it. Seaweed seems to be a popular ingredient in this new beauty rituals range and my skin is loving its rejuvenating, balancing qualities.

Pomegranate & Blackberry Moisturising and Hydrating Clay Mask

This replenishing Mask helps to moisturise and refresh skin. Kaolin Clay is enriched with Pomegranate and Blackberry to help even skin tone, draw out impurities and hydrate skin, leaving it feeling moisturised and nourished.

This clay mask is rich in fruity antioxidants, and both Pomegranate and Blackberry are great for anti-ageing and act as an anti-inflammatory. So this Kaolin Clay mask will hydrate, protect and help promote cell rejuvenation. It is a great refreshing clay mask to have in your routine.

Coffee Bean & Jojoba Exfoliating and Smoothing Face Mask

This exfoliating Mask helps to smooth and brighten. Exfoliation is essential to buff away dead skin cells for softer, clearer skin. With Coffee Bean and Jojoba to help reveal a radiant, clear and nourished complexion.

Exfoliating masks are a quick and easy way to buff away dead skin and the build-up of grime from the day, especially if you live in a city. This mask contains ground coffee beans which make a great natural exfoliant (coffee beans are so on trend in the skincare world right now), the granules in this mask that are small but very effective and not in any way abrasive. Whilst Jojoba is a very popular ingredient in skincare as it helps smooth, sooth and soften skin, it’s also great for calming redness too. Oh, & this mask smells SO damn good, almost good enough to eat (no, don’t eat it).

Papaya & Hops Brightening & Radiance Peeling Mask

This exfoliating, peeling mask helps to soften and brighten skin. Exfoliation is essential to remove dead skin cells for smoother, clearer skin. Enriched with Papaya and Hops to help reveal a brighter, more radiant complexion.

This was one sticky mask but once applied it felt cooling and fresh on my skin, I actually applied the sweet almond and Shea Butter Mask on top of this just for some added hydration and that worked out well. This is an exfoliating mask and the fruit enzymes in the papaya help remove the dead skin cells leaving the skin radiant, and smooth. Peel off masks are so satisfying and one of my favourite kind of masks to use, you feel like you’re peeling away all the grease, grime and dead skin revealing a fresh, bright complexion. So this mask is sticky, and a brush is a must to apply it evenly, but it is well worth the extra effort.

Sweet Almond & Shea Butter Nourishing and Moisturising Mask

This moisturising Mask helps to revitalise dry skin. Enriched with nourishing Sweet Almond Oil and Shea Butter to help soften, pamper and smooth skin.

I think it’s widely known how good both Almond and Shea Butter are for combating dry, irritated skin. They’re such effective ingredients for keeping your skin supple, hydrated and nourished. This mask is so gentle and creamy on the skin and I used it a couple of days in a row, and it left my skin feeling so supple and soft. This is a great mask if you work in an air-conditioned office or travel a lot.

Vitamin E & Seaweed Soothing & Rejuvenating Sheet Mask

This rejuvenating Sheet Mask helps to revitalise skin. Enriched with vitamin E and Seaweed Extract naturally rich in anti-oxidants, to help replenish, moisturise and soothe skin.

This sheet mask is amazing. It is the first one I tried and unlike the others, I used it alone, no multi-masking with this one. I just apply it to clean skin and leave it on as long as possible (scaring my husband). It is so cooling and soothing on my skin, the seaweed helps balance skin, acts as an anti-inflammatory and is antioxidant rich, so your skin is in good hands with this mask. The vitamin E protects against free radicals, is antioxidant rich, and is great for replenishing and protecting dry skin.

It is a great one to use before a night out or big event as it hydrates and replenishes skin making it look and feel soft, smooth and fresh. My makeup blends out and looks great well after using this. This is a mask to stock up on.

With 8 new masks in this range, there is a mask or two to suit most skin types & skin concerns and there are even a couple of vegan options which is great to see. With all the products in this range, I would say that each sachet has enough product for at least 2 if you 3 applications, so make sure you store it well after opening or use it on a pamper evening with friends. The nspa range is cruelty-free & available exclusively in ASDA. Let me know if you have tried any of the masks or if you’re going to get a few next time you are in ASDA, at only £1.50 each they are well worth trying.

*This post contains PR samples

Books I’ve Read Lately 2018

March 27, 2018February 9, 2019 - Vicki 1 Comment

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

This is based on the life of Lale Sokolov and I think the fact it is an account of real events makes it even more gripping. Books about this time in history are always harrowing and quite difficult to wrap your mind around but what I found different about this account of Auschwitz was the beautiful glimmers of courage, hope and ultimately love that can blossom even in the darkest moments. I read this book in a couple of days, I wanted to know what was to happen to Lale so couldn’t put it down. If you need a quick but thought-provoking read then I highly recommend adding this to your reading list.

A River in Darkness: One Man’s Escape from North Korea

I haven’t finished this, I often have a few books that I leave and come back to, for many reasons but the fact I haven’t been able to get to the end of this particular book is because it is just so heartbreaking. This is how Amazon summarise it, ‘The harrowing true story of one man’s life in—and subsequent escape from—North Korea, one of the world’s most brutal totalitarian regimes’

It really is harrowing, the humiliation, suffering and loss that this man endures during his life in North Korea are unimaginable at times. I found it was so dark and sad in parts that it was hard to read. I feel guilty that I am unable to finish it and can put it down because this is someone’s account of real-life events and they had to live them. I almost feel I have to finish it because Masaji Ishikawa was brave enough not only to survive this ordeal but commit his story to paper.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

Yes, yes. I know everyone (literally everyone) is reading this at the moment and I jumped on the bandwagon. It is a slow burner, in the beginning, I was worried that maybe I just wasn’t going to get the hype but about a quarter of the way in the story steps up and you get to know Eleanor a little more and start to will her character on. It is an easy, quick read but the story and characters are endearing, kind and it makes you want to be more friendly and compassionate. If you’re on the fence about reading this, I say buy it & read it. I guarantee you will enjoy it.

The House at Bishopsgate

The funny thing about this book is I read it without realising that it is, in fact, the last book in a trilogy. Looking back now I have finished this book I think it is important that you read the first two books because they introduce the characters and you’re invested in the story and its history. I am tempted to go back and read them just so I can add some background to the story. Amazon summarises this as ‘Vividly evoking Jacobean society, The House at Bishopsgate is a sumptuous, richly woven story of marital secrets and sexual jealousy, from a master of historical fiction’.

I liked the story but didn’t connect with the main character, I found her a little annoying and meek. I wanted her to act more like the lady of the house. That being said I did like how descriptive it was about the house and London, I often felt like I could hear the comings and goings of the maids and the busy London street. I wouldn’t say this is a page turner, more of a slow read, the final few chapters were a little more lively. Let me know if you have read this trilogy and if I should read the first two.

The Lightkeeper’s Daughters

I have literally just finished this book, I found myself racing through it just so I could find out what happens. It is a page-turner and the story reminded me of the Light Between The Oceans. I think it’s because both books are set at a lighthouse on quite a remote Island. This book has so many twists that keep you guessing right up until the very last page. I was completely gripped. I don’t want to give anything away but it is set at a lighthouse station on the Ontario side of Lake Superior and you follow the life of the family who controls the light. It is heartbreaking and heartwarming, a real rollercoaster of life and emotion. I loved it and thought there was something quite magical about the remoteness of the lighthouse and how isolated they were out there.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

I saw the film over Christmas and was blown away by the story and the way it was filmed, I didn’t even know it was based on a book, or how beautiful the book was. This is a lovely story but the book has these incredibly detailed drawings & illustrations that bring the characters to life. It is like a graphic novel and it made the book even more special. The book is about an Orphan clock keeper and thief, twelve-year-old Hugo who lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. I urge you to read the book and watch the film, both are fantastic in their own way. Thank you Hayley (hayleyfromhome) for lending this to me, I may have to buy my own copy just to look at the pictures all over again.

If you have read any of the books I’ve mentioned let me know if you enjoyed them & also if you have any book recommendations I would love to hear them.

*This post contains affiliate links

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