Introducing ARK Skincare

{gifted} ARK is a British Skincare company that has a refreshing, modern approach to skincare. They acknowledge that age plays a big roll in how our skin changes and so our skin concerns change alongside. They have  developed what they call ageintelligent skincare, which focuses on treating skin by age as well as concern.

You start by picking your ageintelligent range, then if you need any targeted treatments you select their skinperfectors for effective treatment (like redness, hydration and de-stress) and then their core skinessentials collection which is daily skincare to enhance your regime.

All their products are easy to understand and incorporate into your regime. They are clear, specific and fuss free.

The three ageintelligent ranges are,

  • ageprotect – for teens and 20’s
  • agedefend – for 30’s and 40’s
  • agedefy – for 50’s and over

I have been trying 2 products from the agedefend collection and 1 from the skinessentials

ARK Skincare Product Review

ARK agedefend Replenishing Moisturiser

This collection aims to boost skins collagen production, protect skin from free radicals and nourish skin to reduce the signs of ageing.  The key ingredients in this collection are,

  • Kiwi and Passion Fruit lipids – packed with Omega 3 fatty acids to boost skin’s moisture
  • Blue Lotus – a powerful antioxidant which boosts firmness and elasticity
  • Vitamin A – keeps skin strong, plump and increases collagen production

This replenishing moisturiser contains natural moisturising agents Shea Butter and Olive Oil which are rich and hydrating, leaving your skin feeling soft and velvety smooth to the touch. It is also helps skin look plump and toned, which reduces those fine lines and wrinkles.

I have been using this cream as part of my morning skincare routine and love the way it feels on my skin, not too heavy but very moisturising and my skin looks fresh and healthy after using it. I think it’s a fantastic cream to add to your routine for Autumn/Winter to keep your skin hydrated, boost elasticity and keep skin looking radiant whilst targeting the early signs of ageing with all its fantastic skin loving ingredients. Your skin is in good hands with this in your skincare arsenal.

The packaging is hygienic and feels very luxurious. The product is dispensed by pushing the lid down, I find that two pumps is enough product for your face and neck. It is a slick and easy to use, I like that you get the right amount of product, which means no waster and you don’t have to scoop out product which keeps everything clean and germ free. 

ARK Skincare Age-Defend Conditioning Cleanser

 ARK agedefend Conditioning Cleanser

This lightweight cleanser is great at keeping skin not only clean and washing away the build up of dirt, grime and impurities from the day. It also nourishes skin, protects against moisture loss and gently exfoliates helping remove dead skin cells to keep your complexion looking rejuvenated and blemish free.

  • Moringa Oil – rich in Vitamin A and C and helps skin retain essential moisture.
  • Kiwi and Passion Fruit lipids – packed with Omega 3 fatty acids to boost skin’s moisture levels
  • Blue Lotus – a powerful antioxidant which helps skin firmness and elasticity.

I use this in the morning and night, I find the botanical scent uplifting very fresh. The cleanser leaves my skin looking energised and although I do not typically remove my makeup with it, I have used it to remove a light face of makeup and found that it did it with ease. I have been very impressed with both products I have used from the agedefend range and if like me you’re in your 40’s, I think your skin would benefit from the extra boost of antioxidants, lipids, and vitamins that this collection provides. This collection helps you achieve beautiful, healthy, radiant skin.

ARK Skincare Skin Protector SPF30 Primer

Ark skin essential Skin Protector SPF30 Primer

I never leave my house without wearing a facial SPF as we are all fully aware by now, the best way to protect your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays (the primary cause of premature ageing) is to wear a good quality broad spectrum UVA & UVB SPF.  So when my primer contains SPF30 this makes me very excited. This lovely product has taken pride of place in my skincare line-up, I have been using it religiously for a couple of months now and LOVE it.

  • Vitamin E – antioxidant and provides photo protection
  • Shea Butter – nourishes skin and protects from free radicals
  • Sunflower – packed with vitamins and minerals
  • Hyaluronic Acid – helps skin retain moisture keeping your complexion plump, smooth and radiant

Its not as heavy as a cream but is more like a thicker serum, I like the consistency and it instantly feels refreshing on the skin.  The fact that it is lightweight is important to me especially when layering quite a few products, quite often a primer can feel slippery or tacky on the skin. I like them to be almost weightless, like they’re not even there. This is quite hard to find in skincare products that contains a high level of SPF protection, but ARK have managed to pull it off.  This primer is for me a multi tasking product, you can use it not only as a primer, your SPF too and I find it to be hydrating enough to use as my moisturiser. I do this on really warm days, where you do not want to wear a heavy cream under foundation and that works well to keep everything in place without becoming greasy. This primer can also be worn alone, it helps my skin looking very fresh, that classic healthy, natural glow. Its wonderful.

 

I have enjoyed using all three products over the past few months and although I would say the Primer is my stand out product I think they all have enhanced my skincare regime. My skin looks healthy and feels hydrated. The agedefend collection is perfect for me in my 40’s. I have my eye on a few of the oils from the skinperfector range to see how they help tackle a few more targeted skin concerns, like pigmentation and redness. Let me know if you have tried anything from ARK and if so what products would you recommend.

ARK Skincare is proudly developed & manufactured in Britain. Cruelty Free, with many of their products being Vegan friendly. They use Bioactive, natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin but give effective results.  You can browse their entire range on their website www.arkskincare.com  and tailor your skincare for your specific skin concerns and age.

*This post contains PR Samples

RosehipPlus Organic Cold Pressed Rosehip Oil

Until about 5 years ago I had never explored the world of skincare oils, I had a very basic skincare routine and I thought I was doing pretty well in that department. It is safe to say I have learnt A LOT in a short space of time and I have upped my skincare routine which now involves at least 6 steps, one of which is always a facial/body oil. I couldn’t be without at least one in my morning and evening routine, they make such a difference to how my skin looks and feels.

If you’re a skincare addict like me then I’m sure you have heard about the incredible benefits of Rosehip Oil, which include,

  • Reducing the appearance of stretch marks and scars
  • Promotes skins elasticity and texture
  • Minimises the appearance of fine lines
  • Helps improve skins moisture
  • Soothes redness
  • Helps brighten complexion
  • Fades dark spots

Rosehipplus Rosehip Oil

I have been putting the RosehipPlus to the test over the past couple of months and using it on my body, face as well as mixed with some of my favourite moisturisers for an added boost of hydration. I just love how versatile it is and my skin is looking fresh, smooth and glowing. I really, really like it as a face oil and use it either after my toner or mix a few drops with my daily moisturiser and that gives my skin all day hydration.

This RosehipPlus Rosehip Oil is pretty amazing because not only is it affordable but it is Organic and Cold Pressed. This is important due to the fact Rosehip Oil is rich in linoleic acid, linolenic acid and pro-vitamin A, all of which degrade when the oil extraction process involves heat. So this Australian Certified Rosehip Oil is jam-packed full of vitamins and nutrients for healthy, glowing skin.

The oil is extracted from the seeds without heat, solvents or chemicals, guaranteeing the oil’s purity and quality. RosehipPLUS only use the seeds from the rosehip berry, but some other oils can have a dark reddish hue, this is mainly due to the flesh from the berry being used. RosehipPLUS are the ONLY range to remove the flesh from the berry before pressing, hence it’s warm golden colour. This one-of-a-kind technique means that the maximum levels of nutrients are retained, ensuring that skin gets all the goodness from Rosehip Oil.

Rosehip Plus Rosehip Oil

Cold Pressed Rosehip Oil Skincare

Let me know what oils you include in your skincare regime & if you have tried Rosehip Oil? I think it is a fantastic oil to use on both your body and face, as there are so many benefits. My stretch marks are not as prominent on my thighs and when I use this in my evening facial routine I wake up to glowing, hydrated skin and my fine lines around my eyes are less visible and makeup has been less prone to creasing around my eyes.

Certified Vegan, Organic & Cruelty-Free

RosehipPLUS Australian Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, 50 ml – £ 19.87

This post contains PR Samples & affiliate links.

Tropic Skincare Sun Care Discovery Kit

Tropic Sun Care Products

I am sure so many of you are already aware of Tropic Skincare as a brand but just in case it has passed some of you by I just wanted to say a little about their ethics and values. Tropic is a 100% Natural, Cruelty-Free & Vegan company who base themselves out of their Surrey beauty kitchen & warehouse. They endeavour to keep as much of their processes in-house as possible, from development to manufacturing and marketing to dispatch. They produce effective products at such a reasonable price and they never, ever compromise on the quality of ingredients they use.

Tropic Sun Care Discovery Kit

I’m excited to introduce you to the Tropic Skincare 4 piece Sun Care Kit. This kit includes their mineral suncare saviours in handy travel-friendly sizes.

I was very excited to put it to the test and the UK certainly came through with the warm sunny weather!  The Sun Care Discovery Kit Includes,

Sun Soothe Cooling Aftersun Lotion 

Skin Shade Mineral Sun Protection SPF 30

Skin Shade Mineral Sun Protection SPF 50

Sun Balm SPF 50

Why is mineral sunscreen best I hear you cry! I think Tropic can explain it better than I can so here is their scientific take on mineral sunscreen:-

There are currently two types of sunscreens on the market, ‘chemical’ and ‘mineral’. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat energy on the skin. Mineral sunscreens use natural actives to act as a physical barrier to UV rays. Tropic’s no-negotiations ban on harmful chemicals paved the way to developing a game-changing range of 100% mineral sun protection heroes your summer wouldn’t be complete without. Harnessing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect your skin against UVA and UVB rays, as well as an abundance of skin-boosting tropical ingredients, these luxury sunscreens are summer essentials. 

Tropic Skincare Mineral Sunscreen

Tropic sunscreen is gentle on your skin as well as protecting you from the harmful UV rays (which are linked to skin cancers) so your skin is in good hands! I live in (sunny) Cornwall and spend a lot of time outside so this kit is perfect to take with us in the car & the ideal size to keep one of the sunscreens in my bag for reapplying throughout the day.

Included in this Sun Care Kit are cabin-friendly 100ml versions of Skin Shade Mineral Sun Protection in SPF 30 and 50, as well as Sun Soothe Cooling Aftersun Lotion – so it is ideal for taking with you on your upcoming travels.

Tropic Skin Shade SPF 50Tropic Skin Shade SPF 30 & 50

These smell just like the summer holidays and I love it. Despite them being mineral sunscreens and quite high factors they’re not too thick and once massaged into your skin feel smooth and lightweight on the skin. The SPF50 is a touch thicker and when applied has a slight white cast but after a couple of minutes that completely goes away. These are both broad spectrum and water-resistant so if you’re off on a beach holiday you will be set!

You can use these on both your face & body and I found them gentle on my skin, and they didn’t break me out. They also wear well under makeup. Although if you’re looking for a tinted SPF for your face then you need to try the tinted version, The Tropic Tinted Skin Shade SPF 50 – this is fantastic and a great makeup/skincare product.

• 100% mineral protection from zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
• Exotic kahai and roucou oils, rich in omega fatty acids, keep skin soft and hydrated
• Extracts of antioxidant-rich Australian kakadu and illawarra plum protect the skin

Tropic Skincare Sun Balm SPF 50

Tropic Skincare Sun Balm

Sun Balm SPF 50

This is such a versatile, handy little product. I have been popping this into my handbag and taking it everywhere. It is a balm which can be applied pretty much anywhere including the ears, lips, face, feet or even your hairline. All those places that are exposed to the sun all day and are more prone to burning. I like to apply this throughout the day, or even if I’m just popping out for lunch or a quick walk I will apply this to those exposed areas. I always worry about my lips and ears burning so have been slapping this on at every opportunity.

It is a fantastic product to have to help protect against sun damage and contains natural ingredients which help soothe, heal and shield the skin from UVA, UVB and free radicals.

  • With nourishing extracts of tamanu oil, vitamin E and rosemary leaf oil
  • Zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum protection

Because this comes in a balm it won’t leak in your bag and is fuss-free and very easy to apply. It isn’t thick or tacky and you can reapply it super easily.

Tropic Skincare SPF Products

Tropic Skincare Sun Soothe

Apart from a cold shower, what feels better on the skin after a long day in the sun than a nice soothing after sun lotion!? Replenishing your skin after being out in the sunshine is almost as important as protecting yourself whilst in the sunshine.

This Sun Soothe not only relieves redness it hydrates and nourishes sun-parched skin whilst also prolonging your natural tan. It instantly cools and feels comfortable and lightweight on the skin. This is one post-sun skin saviour that will keep your skin in tip-top condition.

• Aloe vera juice and menthol help to cool skin and relieve redness
• Argan oil and vitamin E deeply nourish
• Bisabolol and eucalyptus repair and calm skin in need of TLCTropic Skincare Suncare- Kit

Tropic mineral suncare is not only kind to your skin but is also kinder to the environment too,

A recent statistic shows that 4,000 – 6,000 metric tons of sunscreen washes off swimmers into the ocean every single year*. It’s also no secret that ingredients found in some chemical sunscreens have been linked to the bleaching of up to 10% of coral reefs across the globe, while also inhibiting the growth of baby corals*. These same ingredients have also been identified as hormone disruptors when absorbed into our bodies**, which of course, isn’t ideal when these products are applied regularly throughout the sunnier months. Tropic’s range of mineral sunscreens keeps skin protected with formulations that are truly good for you, and the environment, without compromise on efficacy.

Tropic Sun Care Discovery Kit is available online from tropicskincare.com and retails at £40 or £50 with the Sun Balm added.

New nspa Beauty Rituals Face Masks

Coffee bean and jojoba exfoliating face mask

nspa beauty rituals face masks

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.

nspa Beauty Rituals Multi Masking

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 and Menthol nspa face mask

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 multimask 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.

nspa Pomegranate & Blackberry Moisturising and Hydrating Clay Face Mask

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-aging 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 and jojoba exfoliating face mask

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 anyway 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 and hops nspa beauty face mask

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.

new nspa beauty rituals face masks

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 its 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 airconditioned 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.

nspa muli masking face masks

With 8 new masks in this range, there is a mask or two to suit most skin types & skin concerns and there’s even a couple of vegan options which is great to see. With all of 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