Affordable skincare

Mario Badescu Face Mists

- Vicki Leave a comment
facial mists

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.

Mario Badescu Face Mist Set

mario badescu skincare

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.

mario badescu refreshing face mists

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.

mario badescu cult skincare

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.

Mario Badescu Mini Mist Gift Set

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

 

 

 

 

 

Skincare products I have used up 2025

- Vicki Leave a comment
skincare empties june 2025

*Samaya Ayurvedic Pitta Renewing Exfoliant

This creamy exfoliator is great if you have sensitive or redness prone skin, the lightweight formula combines natural fruit enzymes and Botanical actives to gently remove dirt, makeup and grease to promote cell renewal and even out skin tone without irritation. The Samaya exfoliant requires no scrubbing which is fantastic, simply apply, leave on for 20 minutes, and rinse off, so if you are prone to irritation this is the perfect non-abrasive exfoliator. There are such a wide range of wonderful, natural and effective ingredients in this exfoliator, this is well worth the price tag, think spa quality at home.

  • Jasmine flower extract – to soothe sensitive skin, reduce redness, and tone gently.
  • Gotu kola oil – boosts collagen, supports healing, and strengthens sensitive skin
  • Neem oil – purifies, calms irritation, and helps prevent breakouts.
  • Saffron extract – brightens skin tone, improves radiance, and supports even pigmentation.
  • Aloe vera leaf juice – soothes, cools, and replenishes moisture.
  • Vitamin E – softens skin, offers antioxidant protection, and supports repair.

The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum

This is the cool looking pink serum, if you haven’t seen it before it looks so fun and unusual (it gets its pink colour from vitamin B12). As with a lot of my skincare, I’m always looking for products that help calm redness and protect my skin, and I think this serum is one of the best I have found. It has so many ingredients which are all focused around being gentle, protecting, soothing, strengthening for your skins’ barrier whilst reducing irritation and redness. I really loved this serum and will be getting another bottle ASAP. I always forget how affordable The Ordinary products are.

  • Vitamin B12 – reduces visible redness and dryness.
  • Gallic acid derivatives – calms and soothes irritated skin.
  • Bisabolol – alleviates redness and discomfort.
  • Soothing complex – eases tightness and irritation.
  • Centella asiatica phytotechnologies – protects against external irritants and supports calms skin.

Super Facialist Vitamin C Brightening Polish Wash

This took me a while to use up, because you need so little product, a little bit is very effective. I would say this is a gentle exfoliator, with a lightweight gel texture, packed with biodegradable microbeads that exfoliate away dead skin and daily grime. I used it at least 2 times a week, it’s been perfect for keeping my skin smooth. It is enriched with ferulic acid plus vitamins C and E, it helps brighten dull skin and smooth rough patches, especially around the nose and chin. My complexion has looked fresher and more radiant, and my makeup goes on like a dream after using it – my skin feels soft, clean, and glowy. A great, affordable exfoliator, it doesn’t irritate or strip the skin. I highly recommend it.

Aveeno Nourishing Oat Cleanser

I thought this product was just OK, didn’t blow me away, and I really didn’t look forward to using it up. I wear SPF every day, and I felt like this cleanser left behind a residue and made my skin feel like it wasn’t properly cleansed. I know this is a gentle formula, but I think it is lacking in being able to clean your skin if you are wearing makeup or SPF. I am sure it would be better if you used it as a morning cleanser, but I like a deeper clean and this didn’t cut it.

Garnier Rose Toner

You can’t go wrong with Garnier toners. They’re affordable, effective, and there’s a version for every skin type. I’ve used loads over the years and liked them all. I get redness on my cheeks, especially in colder months, and this rose toner is always gentle and calming. It’s one I keep repurchasing – a forever favourite

We can see that I like gentle products that soothe and calm my skin, as well as brighten. If you have any recommendations of products you have been enjoying.

*this post contains affiliate links, If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. All products mentioned were purchased by me and not gifted or received as PR.

A Few More Skincare Empties Feb 2025

- Vicki Leave a comment
Miller harris peau santal perfume emptie

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

What an iconic product, I have been using it for over 15 years and have been through so many bottles.  The scent is beautiful, botanical and reminds me of Summer holidays, as I always take a mini bottle away with me for refreshing my skin on flights and after a day in the sun, I also really like to use it to freshen up my makeup. Caudalie always use the best natural ingredients in their skincare and this mist is jam packed with them. There is no better way to give your skin and mood an instant boost, this is a must-have product in your beauty routine and I love it, the blend of essential oils, plant extracts, and antioxidants, really work wonders.

Green grape: Hydrating and radiance boosting and protects from free radicals.
Rose essential oil: Hydrating and soothing.
Rosemary essential oil:Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial.
Orange Blossom: Calming and soothing

You can use it as a toner, a setting spray, or a refreshing spritz throughout the day. I think it’s one of those product you always have and always go back too, it is simple, but effective.

*Teoxane Eye Cream

If you haven’t heard of this brand, you have to go and read my more in depth review of them here. This eye cream is highly regarded in the skincare world for its innovative use of TEOXANE’s patented RHA (Resilient Hyaluronic Acid) technology, which is often found in injectable treatments but seamlessly integrated into this eye cream for at-home use. It is nothing short of fantastic, I am not exaggerating. Years of scientific research and innovation have gone into all their products. This product targets the early signs of ageing and works to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, reduce dark circles, and minimise puffiness. I like the cooling metal applicator which not only feels refreshing but also helps to de-puff the under-eye area, it is like a spa treatment.

RHA (Resilient Hyaluronic Acid): Provides long-lasting hydration, plumps the skin, and smooths fine lines.
Dermo-Restructuring Complex: Nourishes and protects with amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins & minerals.
NovHyal: Stimulates natural hyaluronic acid production for skin regeneration and repair.
Escin (from Horse Chestnut Extract): Reduces puffiness and improves micro-circulation.
Caffeine: Helps diminish dark circles and reduce under-eye swelling
Arnica Extract: Soothes and reduces inflammation, calming the eye area.

It has a fragrance-free formula that ensures even the most sensitive skin types can benefit from this eye cream without irritation. I also like that the formula is lightweight and silky in texture and I find it absorbs quickly, I used it morning and night. I am sad I have used it all up, but despite the high price tag, I will be repurchasing as I have seen great results.

UpCircle Night Cream with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide

This was such a lovely product to use, the scent is beautiful, and the cream has a rich texture which leaves your skin feeling velvety smooth. I had seen this brand a lot over the past few years but had never tried anything from them before, this was a great first product to try, and now I have a list of things I want to from their range.

Hyaluronic Acid: Deeply hydrates, plumps skin, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Balances oil production, evens skin tone, reduces redness, and minimises pores.
Upcycled Blueberry Extract: Rich in antioxidants, protects against free radicals & promotes skin repair.
Rosehip Oil: Nourishes, hydrates, and supports skin regeneration, reducing scars and fine lines.
Shea Butter: Provides intense hydration, soothes dry skin, and improves skin elasticity.
Aloe Vera: Calms irritation, hydrates, and helps heal and soothe sensitive or inflamed skin.

So if you are looking for a night cream that is fantastic for hydration, soothing and radiance, this is the one.

L’Oreal Age Perfect Toner

One of my favourite affordable skincare products, it is such a staple in my routine. It gently exfoliates and helps give your skin a healthy glow. I prefer to use it in the morning as it helps smooth skin, calms redness and combats fatigue, so your skin looks fresh, plump and radiant. I have been through countless bottles and always buy it for my mum too, she loves it. It contains some great ingredients,

Magnesium: Reduces inflammation and combats fatigue
Vitamin C:  Brightens skin and helps even out skin tone
Witch Hazel Extract: Soothes irritated skin

This toner is antioxidant-rich and helps protect against environmental stressors, it’s hydrating and helps refresh skin to give it that and healthy glow. It is just a great product.

*Jurlique Herbal Recovery Eye Serum

This cream is so luxurious and the scent of Jurlique’s rose products is so familiar and soothing to me that I just love them. This eye serum was so hydrating and nourishing around my eye area, it helped me to look refreshed and more awake. It is also great at reducing dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and dehydration, so quite the powerhouse product.

  • Glycerin and avocado oil: ensures that the skin around your eyes remains hydrated, moisturised and smooth.
  • Botanical extracts: such as viola tricolour, yarrow, and Japanese cedar bud provide antioxidant protection, promote elasticity, reduce signs of ageing.

I think the Herbal Recovery range from Jurlique has had a revamp, as I can’t find this specific product to link to. It appears they now offer two eye products in that range. I especially like the sound of the eye oil roll on. I can honestly say there is not a product from this brand that I have not enjoyed, they always put quality ingredients into their entire range.

*L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Le Duo Serum

This is quite a new release from L’Oreal and I love the concept & the clever formula – you get two serums in one, which means double the ingredients to help with wrinkles, firmness, and radiance. On one side, there’s a collagen peptide booster serum that really helps rebuild firmness and smooth out those wrinkles. On the other, it’s packed with Vitamin B3 and C to boost radiance and even out the skin tone. I took it with me on my recent trips to Amsterdam, London, and Manchester, and was so impressed with how my skin stayed glowing and hydrated, even with all the recycled plane air and hotel AC. The formula is rich but not heavy – it nourishes and hydrates from the first use. Loved it, I have repurchased it and haven’t stopped using it.

Have you tried this yet, or spotted it in stores? If you’re missing a targeted anti-wrinkle serum in your skincare routine, this is definitely a must-try.

Miller Harris Peau Santal

This is honestly a fragrance I can’t get enough of. I’ve been through countless (pretty pink) bottles of it, and it still remains my absolute favourite from the brand. I’ve tried quite a few of their other offerings, and while they’re all stunning, Peau Santal just has that something special. It is without a doubt my most worn scent, the one I feel the most confident wearing, and without fail, it’s always the fragrance I make sure to have in my collection. There’s something so comforting yet sophisticated about it, with that beautiful balance of warmth and elegance. It’s definitely a signature scent for me.

Head Notes: Bergamot, Pink Pepper, Saffron
Heart Notes: Sandalwood, Olibanum, Violet Leaf, Papyrus
Lasting Impressions: Sandalwood, Cashmere Woods, Crisp Amber, Vanilla

•this post contains PR samples and affiliate links, If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Five Current Skincare Favourites

- Vicki Leave a comment

Isle Of Paradise Sunny Serum Bronzer*

This was one of those products I kept seeing everywhere in 2024. Even the skincare queen herself, Caroline Hirons, called it a must-have! But I resisted until winter arrived when I didn’t always want to wear foundation, but I still wanted my skin to look healthy and radiant, so I finally gave in and bought a bottle. And let me tell you, I honestly don’t know what I did before this product. I mix it with my moisturiser I find that works for me, and it gives me a subtle, sun-kissed, fresh-faced glow.

It’s incredibly easy to apply, never looks heavy, and instantly makes you look radiant, like you’ve just had the best night’s sleep or cheeky Winter sun holiday. This is an absolute must-have for those lazy days when you don’t want to do a full face of makeup but still want to look put-together with minimal effort It 10000% lives up to the hype and for the price get it in your makeup bag, you will not regret it. LOVE IT. The price is incredible and the product just works.

Vieve Skin Nova Illuminating Primer

Some products get so much hype that you think, surely, it can’t be that good, well, this one really is. Skin Nova primer is simply beautiful, it is the glow you never knew you could get. The radiant luminous glow it gives is unlike anything else, like you’ve just had a facial, a holiday, and the best night’s sleep all in one. Whether you wear it under foundation as a primer or on its own for a fresh, dewy look, you’ll find yourself reaching for it every single day. It’s effortless, luminous, and absolutely stunning. It feels like primers fell out of favour in the beauty world, either people stopped using them or just stopped talking about them. But Skin Nova has changed that and has put primers back in my makeup bag. It is now a step I never skip. Everything Jamie touches turns to gold and I say good on her, her products are fantastic quality and the prices are reasonable and worth it.

Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Setting Spray

I had my makeup done at a Charlotte Tilbury makeup counter when I went in looking for a new foundation (which I bought), and the lady who did my makeup used this setting spray to finish the look. Normally, I like to think about my purchases, maybe hunt for a deal online, but this time, I bought everything on the spot, including the brush (who even am I). My brief to the makeup artist was, I wanted my makeup to look fresh, dewy, and seamless, without settling into fine lines, and WOW this setting spray delivered. Not only does it give your skin an instant glow, but it also locks your makeup in place for hours, literally all day long. Your skin looks radiant, hydrated, and flawless without needing touch ups. I have used quite a few setting sprays, and they have worked, but others have felt a little drying, heavy and tacky to the touch, but this one it gives hydration and glow. I have since bought the travel sized bottle so I can always have it in my bag! Well worth the money & the hype.

Votary Super Seed Serum

This is my go-to serum for calming my skin, I am prone to redness and this has been doing the trick. Votary have such a lovely range of skincare, and I am head over heels for this serum. It’s lightweight, silky smooth, and instantly soothing, perfect for calming my skin, especially during colder months or after sun exposure. The benefits of this serum are that it hydrates & plumps with hyaluronic acid, it strengthens & protects with natural peptides and boosts skin resilience with broccoli seed & rosehip oil. Perfect If, like me, you need gentle yet effective skincare, this serum is a must-have, sensitive skin will love it. It carries quite a big price tag, but I snapped it up in sale, so it is worth looking for a deal.

Kiehl’s Super Multi Corrective Cream*

I have been on a mission to even out my skin tone and combat dullness, and this cream is fantastic for that. I have used Kiehl’s products for years and always feel like they deliver on quality and results, this cream was something I had never tried before, but I’ve been using it every night for almost 2 months and really enjoying it. Not only does it help with skin tone, but it has so many other benefits, it helps, lift, smooth, and firm skin, whilst boosting radiance and enhancing elasticity. So it targets signs of ageing. The cream is just the right texture and feels comforting, rich and hydrating. It has become one of my favourite products in my evening skincare routine.

Let me know if you have tried any of the products I have mentioned, or if you also have them as favourite products. I would love to know what skincare you have discovered lately and that you would recommend I try. Leave me a comment.

*this post contains affiliate links, If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. All products mentioned were purchased by me and not gifted or received as PR.