ESPA Pro Serum

Travel Skincare Amsterdam Edit 2015

- Vicki 4 Comments

I spent last week in my favourite City – Amsterdam. I absolutely love it there & even though it was my 5th visit I fell in love with it all over again. I will be writing a few posts about my time there but I thought i’d share with you my travel skincare and talk you through the products I used the most and also what I could have lived without. I do love how a mini break is the perfect excuse to use up all those samples you’ve been hoarding and I think I packed quite light, do you?

My Travel Skincare - Amsterdam Edit

I always take my Dirty Works Hanging Washbag, its a really good size, has one big compartment which zips and two smaller compartments. It rolls up and is easy to pack, also when you get to your destination you can hang it up in your bathroom and have easy access to all your products. I have used it so many times over the past 3 years and its still as good as new.

Holiday Skincare

& Other Stories Sirocco Sands Body Lotion* – This is a new release and I was sent a couple of sachets to try & thought how handy they would be for this trip. I love the bath & body products from & Other Stories they have a lovely selection of scents and this is a new addition to their range. I thought the scent was quite intense and soothing. It smells sophisticated and has notes of rhubarb and gardenia which make it both fruity and floral, its a nice summery body lotion which left my skin soft, hydrated and not at all greasy.

My Amsterdam Travel Skincare

In the second pouch – my razor, vitamins, Kleenex Shine Sheets (which are amazing but sadly discontinued), Rodial Dragon’s Blood Eye Masks which are so good for tired dehydrated under eyes, they leave your eyes looking fresh and more awake. I always take eye masks with me because they’re so travel friendly and its always an excuse for a hotel room pamper session.

NUXE Bio Beauté Soothing 24hr Moisturising Mask – a nice calming hydrating face mask. Sanctuary Spa Salt Scrub – I was using a gradual tanner so I thought it best to take a scrub with me & this one came in a handy sachet so again easy to travel with & lastly in this section I took some Ole Henriksen Truth To Go Wipes – I have to say these are not ground breaking but as far as wipes go they were refreshing and didn’t make my skin feel tight or dehydrated.

Amsterdam Travel Skincare

Batiste Dry Shampoo – This is a travel must have, I only wash my hair a maximum of twice a week so dry shampoo is a staple for me & these mini cans last me a week so they’re the perfect size.

Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash – This is a 2 in 1 cleansing & exfoliator so ideal for travel. I wouldn’t use this on a daily basis but it worked well to keep my skin clean and looking bright. With it being a City break and using SPF daily I found this Bliss face wash helped keep my skin from getting congested and dull. I still have more than half this mini bottle left so will take t way with me next time.

Molton Brown Shower Gel – I have a few of these mini ones left over from a travel kit I received last Christmas, they smell incredible and luxurious and this was so nice to use every morning to get myself going and help me feel uplifted and ready for the day. Not a must have but certainly a little slice of luxury

Garnier Micellar Water 125ml – this is the new travel size which was released a month or so ago, yes its still too big to take on as hand luggage but its nice to have a small version to take away with you. I use this daily and still have almost 3/4 left so I’m keeping that for my next trip. I think a 100ml version would be a better size and it would still last ages.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Moisturiser – This is such a nice soothing lightweight hydrating day cream, it gave just enough hydration without making my skin greasy throughout the day. I really like this and I’m very tempted to purchase the full size.

Garnier Mineral Deodorant – I normally use a natural deodorant but I’ve ran out so picked this up last minute. It was awful, the lid didn’t say on & it felt like it scratched my armpits when I applied it. I left it in the hotel room and won’t be repurchasing it any time soon.

Dove Shampoo – This range leaves my hair feeling silky soft and very manageable. Nothing much to report other than I have repurchased this quite a few times and it never lets me down. Elemis Conditioner – again this is a solid favourite of mine, it doesn’t weigh my hair down and I get very few fly aways or frizz when I use this. I like the Shampoo that goes with this but I have used it all up.

Travel Skincare 2015

ESPA Optimal Skin ProCleanser – This is the perfect at home (or in hotel room) spa treatment,  It’s a Tri-Phase Cleanser which means it is a gel cleaner, exfoliator and a mask all in one. This is aimed at all ages and all skin types so if you love luxurious skincare then this is the product for you. I like to use this as a second cleanse and I apply a generous amount to my face and leave it on as a mask for about 15 minutes before using a hot cloth to buff it away. There are tiny gentle Jojoba spheres which exfoliate your skin and help remove any dirt and grime. It leaves my skin looking so radiant and feeling smooth. Its such a treat.

Origins Plantscription Serum – I blogged a little more about this in my recent June & July Empties post but it is a good serum and leaves my skin feeling hydrated but I wouldn’t rush out to repurchase it. I prefer the Mega Mushroom or GinZing range from Origins.

ESPA Optimal Pro Serum – I have a few of these mini bottles saved for when I go away, I love this serum so much & I think it is one of the products I recommended the most. I always notice how good it is for my skin when I have ran out. I always miss it in my routine and my skin never looks as good. This serum isn’t targeted at any specific age range or skin type, they have developed it to have so many skin benefits for all ages and skin concerns & it gives my skin alot of nourishment and helps to calm the redness in my cheeks and keep my skin looking healthy and bright. I Just had to take it away with me and I woke up every morning to fresh healthy looking skin (it was that good I only wore makeup one day).

Ponds Institute Contour Eye Cream – This is the first Ponds product I have used in years & I have been really enjoying it. Its hard to find an eye cream that is affordable & that I really like but this seems to fit the bill. Its quite a thin consistency and doesn’t just sit on the skin making it look and feel greasy. I massage the cream in around my eye and after a couple of minutes the area feels soft and looks hydrated, my eye makeup sits well on top and doesn’t sink into my (many) fine lines throughout the day. Its been a great discovery and I want to try more from Ponds now. Let me know if you have any recomendations.

Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF25* £26.00 – This is a great daily SPF and I used it for my entire trip everyday without fail & not once did I burn or feel like my face had caught the sun. It applies quite thick and does have a slight white cast to it but don’t worry that doesn’t stay, in fact after a few minutes it looks a ok & although you can feel it on your skin its not too heavy or tacky to the touch. I wrote a full review here if you want to read a little more about it —–> Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF25

Bath & Body Works Handi Bac – I know these have alcohol in them but they’re just too cute for words and smell just like cupcakes. Also I need to keep my hands germ free and these do the job.

Travel Skincare

Kiehl’s Créme de Corps Body Lotion – This is a very good body lotion and I get such dry legs especially when its hot so this had to come with me on my week away. Once my & Other Stories sachets were all gone I used this for the remaining days. Its very hydrating and if you use it after you shave your legs it leaves them so very smooth.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist – This is the cutest mini spray bottle, I keep it so I can refill it from a larger bottle I have. I enjoy using a face mist & like how multi use they are. Its a nice way to stay hydrated on the plane and keep your skin feeling refreshed. Its also a great way to cool down in the heat & keep your makeup looking dewy. This Jurlique one as many of you will know is my favourite and I have reviewed it here if you’d like to know more about it Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist 

Merumaya Overnight Recharge Night Cream* – One of my favourite night creams – this is a little overnight miracle worker. Its helps your skin look bright, firm and also prevents blemishes. Its an all round great cream. My skin was often looking a little dull from a day exploring this city & this recharged my skin overnight and stopped it looking dull and fatigued.

A Whole Lot of Empties June 2014

- Vicki 16 Comments

Empties

Origins Mega Bright Dark Circle Minimiser Eye Cream* This little pot of greatness lasted me almost 6 months, this is a thick creamy consistency and was just the most nourishing and hydrating eye cream. I used it everyday and loved it. I think it did help with my dark circles and it really helped with my dehydrated fine lines. This was a really lovely cream & I would repurchase.

balance Me Rose Otto Body Wash – For me this is a bit of a treat in the shower as it is quite pricey for a body wash, nothing ludicrous but at £9 for 200ml its still a little more than most people are willing to pay. It leaves your skin feeling soft & hydrated and it smells very pretty too. I do like having a shower gel / body wash that it slightly more luxurious to use when I’m having a pamper evening as it is a little treat & these balance Me ones are very nice.

dr. Organic Pomegranate Deodorant – I’ve used this brand of deodorants for about a year now & really like them. They are gentle & leave the skin under my arms feeling very soft and not irritated at all. I’d say a bottle lasts me just over a month. I have repurchased this over & over again.

The Bathory Soothe Bath Soak* – I loved sprinkling these salts in to my bath, they’re so relaxing and very nourishing for your skin too! They soothed my tired body, the scent was relaxing and the salts left my skin feeling so soft. What a fantastic brand and a wonderful fun concept. These are for people that are serious about baths! If you haven’t ventured on to their online shop you must go & check them out! I will be treating myself to more jars of these & I’m planning on reusing my jar as a vase.

Organic Surge Spiced Lily Foaming Bath –  If you’re after a bubble bath that gives you masses of bubbles then this isn’t for you, its more of a lovely bath foam. This is more of a winter festive scent & was so nice on the colder evenings, the scent was lovely and spicy. A very nice addition to my baths & come Christmas time I would repurchase it.

Bath & Body Works Vanilla Berry Sorbet Hand Sanitiser – I really like these for in my handbag, they’re great for keeping my hands germ free on the go & the fact this smells incredible is a massive plus. I have a stock pile of these in my stash so Im good for backups.

Organic Surge Sweet Blossom Body Lotion – This was so nice after a shower to moisturise my legs, its quite creamy but so nice to massage in to the skin to leave it silky smooth and very pampered. I enjoyed using this but not sure if it stacks up against my Soap & Glory ones.

Greenland Coconut Milk & Lime Body Scrub* – This scrub is so nice after a warm sunny day, it smells so fresh & zesty almost like a warm summer holiday. I love using a body scrub & try to use one everyday just to keep my skin looking fresh & glowing. This Greenland Scrub had the perfect combination of exfoliator & hydrating body wash. It left my skin smooth and feeling soft.

Organix Tea Tree & Mint Conditioner* – I have the shampoo to this too & really like them both. They smell fresh & minty and leave my hair feeling soft but not fly away. They tame my frizz and my hair seems glossier since using these. My husband really likes them & has been asking me to buy another set. So I will be replacing these ASAP.

ESPA Pro Serum*- All I have is love for this facial serum. It is the perfect overnight treatment, I wake up with glowing, plump and very fresh looking skin. I even like to put a few drops of this under face masks for an extra skin boost. Although it is an oil it isn’t greasy or too heavy, I have worn this during the day when my skin was really dehydrated & it worked wonders. Its a very versatile serum & I will always have this in my skincare routine & have another one waiting in the wings.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II – This serum makes my skin so happy – that translates to looking younger, fresher, brighter and all importantly well rested. I love the process of using the pipet to dispense the serum, warming it up between my hands and then patting it on my face and neck. It feels cooling on the skin and instantly hydrated. I convinced my mum to invest in this and she is converted and her skin is looking fabulous. This is an investment but one I’m thrilled I made and will treat myself to another bottle without a doubt.

Wow, that was quite a few empties, I was on a roll last month & I finished quite a few of my favourite products like the ESPA Pro Serum, Estee Lauder Serum and The Bathory Bath Soak – all luxurious by well worth the price tags. Let me know if you have used or using any of the products I’ve mentioned.

Products that are marked with an * have either been sent to me for my consideration or I’ve received at events. I’m under no obligation to review them on my blog. However if I do, the reviews are 100% my own.

 

Delving In To My Sample Stash #1

- Vicki 19 Comments

The lovely Amy over at SRSLYLOU did a post recently all about her mini sample products & It inspired me to have a look through my stash & look a few out to start using. I tend to keep them for short breaks & when I run out of a full size (before repurchasing), but I have no holidays planned for a while (cries) so I thought I would take her lead and start using a few of them. Its a great way of discovering new products and many of my HG products I discovered because of a sample. I also seem to have built up an unhealthy (bordering on hoarding) amount of minis. You seem to acquire quite a few samples these days from things like Subscription Boxes, Magazines & Gift With Purchases so they accumulate quickly.

When I got to routing through my stash I discovered I had quite a few exciting products hiding in there & here are the ones I have added to my routine over the past month.

Sample Sizes Skincare

NUXE Multi Use Dry Oil 10ml – I’m always at a loss on how to use this. So I have been using it on the ends of my hair at night to nourish them especially in this dry hot weather my dark locks have been feeling the brunt of it – I just massage a few drops on the ends and let it work its magic over night. I have also found this is a great for the dry patches on my legs so I have been using it after shaving for an intensive treatment. Let me know how you have found it works best for you. This little 10ml bottle is going to last me all year as a couple of drops seems to go very far.

Benefit It’s Potent Eye Cream 3g – This adorable sample pot was in the recent British Beauty Blogger ‘The Dream Box’. I like using an eye cream & think this is going to be a great day time one as it’s not too heavy or greasy. Its a brightening eye cream which is something I look for & I need all the brightening help I can get under there! I will let you know how I get on with this.

Benefit Some Kinda Gorgeous 1.8g  – This is a sample I have had for a few months but the shade was a little too dark for me until now (hello summer skin). I wouldn’t purchase the full size of this after a couple of hours it is very oily on my skin despite it being a cream to powder formula. If you have normal skin & need a light coverage then this might work for you. I like the light / natural coverage it gives it just doesn’t wear well on me at all.

ESPA Optimal Skin Pro Serum 4ml – All I have is love for this facial serum. I do have the full size which only has a few uses left in it & I’d totally forgot that I had a sample size in my stash. I’s so happy I found this as I’m going to Scotland for a couple of weeks soon & this will be coming with me. It is the perfect overnight treatment, I wake up with glowing, plump and very fresh looking skin. I even put a few drops of this under face masks for an extra skin boost. Although it is an oil it isn’t greasy or too heavy, I have worn this during the day when my skin was really dehydrated & it worked wonders. Its a very versatile serum.

REN Satin Perfection BB Cream 3ml – I love a light coverage & have a number of very well used & loved BB Creams in my collection & this mini sample of the REN one is right up there with the best of them. It gives my skin a dewy (not greasy) finish so looks healthy and natural. This is perfect for those days where I want a little coverage & to even out my complexion but still want my freckles to be visible. For a BB Cream this lasts all day on me without breaking down or oxidising, I wish it had a higher SPF as 15 isn’t that great for a product I tend to use in the Summer.

Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate 5ml – I suffer from fine lines on on forehead & around my eyes so I’m excited to really put this to the test. I have only used it a couple of times but even in that short space of time my skin looks & feels smoother. I hope that it continues & if so I think I’m going to like the results. This is also over time meant to improve skins radiance with the high concentration of Pure Vitamin C. In terms of texture this feels warm on my skin when I first apply it & the texture is quite silicony but once I massage it in it feels Matte and smooth. I’m excited to see how I get on with it & will let you know.

Merumaya Iconic Youth Serum – This was a Twitter sample giveaway that my friend Hayley nominated me for & you all know my love for the British Skincare brand Merumaya – unrivalled skincare at affordable prices (honestly they’re that good). I have the full size of this too & love how nourishing this is & it really smooths out my skin. I’m hoping that this will help with my dull looking complexion & give me a boost of radiance. Did anyone else get a sample of this? Are you liking it?

Elemental Herbology Cell Plumping Facial Hydrator SPF 8 15ml – If you have more mature skin you will enjoy this moisturiser, it plumps, hydrates and firms so thats great for skin thats looking for a little more than just a standard moisturiser. I like to use this when my skin is feeling quite dry & dehydrated as its lightweight but very nourishing. It smells very botanical and luxurious. I find it wears well under my makeup & helps my foundation go on smoothly. I’m not sure I would purchase the full size as that costs £44.00. I will finish this sample up and see if it really WOWS me enough to part with that amount of cash.

Bourjois Mini Blush in 04 1g- This is the sweetest blush, its tiny and very travel friendly. Its a cream blush so quite nice for the warmer months when you want to wear lightweight makeup & look all glowing & healthy. This is a peachy shade and has quite an iridescent finish to it so I like to wear it as more of a cheek highlighter & I just tap a little on to the high points of my cheek with my finger & blend it in. It reflects the light & gives you a pinch of colour. Its a sweet little product & I think I rescued it from my sample stash just in time for Summer!

By Terry Baume De Rose 3g – How was such a blooming lovely product sat unloved in my sample box? Its a crime I tell you. I have had this sat on my desk for the past couple of weeks & I love using it, maybe a little too much as its going down quite quickly. This leaves my lips so soft, it is hydrating too & working from home I get very dry lips & this has been soothing them back to their kissable glory (errr OK, so they’re just very soft). No need to reapply a hundred times a day, this is long lasting and once applied your lips will be smooth & feel lovely for hours. I know once this is finished I will be buying the full size pot.