Facial SPF

Tropic Skincare Summer Releases

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Tropic Sun Skincare

Tropic Sun Skincare

Tropic Skin Care has released some fantastic products for the Summer and I have been putting two of them to the test. Their Summer essentials include Mineral Sunscreens, a Self Tanning range, Shimmer Treats and a soothing Aftersun Lotion. So Tropic have everything you need to see you through the Summer.

Tropic Tinted Skin Shade

This is a tinted facial sunscreen and is available in two shades, Light to Medium and Medium to dark. This is a water-resistant SPF50 mineral sunscreen, it provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection whilst also giving your skin a healthy natural tint.

As we are all aware sun exposure can be dangerous and sunscreen is an essential part of preventing premature ageing, reducing sun spots and skin discolouration and of reducing your risk of skin cancer. So when I can find a sunscreen that also provides a little coverage I’m all over it. I like products that are a 2 in 1 and I love that this Tropic Tinted Skin Shade gives me a natural healthy tint of colour whilst not compromising on the quality of the SPF protection.

As I said I have the Light / Medium shade and have been enjoying using this alone as my base for a couple of weeks. It gives my skin a beautiful touch of colour and a healthy glow. It also evens out my skintone but still lets my freckles show through which I like. It feels comfortable on my skin, is very easy to apply, blend (I use my fingers) and to top up throughout the day. It is the perfect product for creating a lightweight, fresh Summer look and perfect for taking with you on holiday. I have been using a facial SPF daily for a couple of years now and having one that gives you the benefits of high SPF protection, is tinted and contains lovely skincare ingredients to just ticks all the boxes.

• Extracts of passion flower oil, high in omega 6, retain your skin’s natural moisture

• Australian aniseed myrtle and wild hibiscus flower extract actively eliminate free radicals and promote younger looking skin

  • –  100% mineral sun protection
  • –  Free from toxic chemicals
  • –  Broad spectrum (UVA/UVB protection)
  • –  Kinder to the environment
  • –  Gentle on sensitive skin
  • –  Water resistant

I’m so impressed with how lovely this looks on my skin and how nice it feels. It is one of those products you look forward to using every day.

Tropic Suncare Products 2017

Tropic Summer Goddess Shimmering Body Oil

This shimmering body oil is 100% Summer in a bottle, it looks so pretty and smells beautiful too. It makes me wish I was heading to IBIZA on holiday but sadly that is not happening, although I do live in Cornwall so I have been slathering this all over my limbs to get that radiant holiday glow.

• With organic virgin coconut and golden jojoba oils to hydrate and nourish skin

• Scents from Tahitian and bourbon vanilla keep you smelling delicious

This won’t make you look like you have covered your body in glitter but instead makes your skin glisten with a subtly shimmery, golden glow and the gorgeous oil hydrates and nourishes the skin keeping it looking and feeling its best. I give it a quick shake to disperse the shimmer particles then I  massage a good amount on my arms, legs and décolletage. It instantly makes them look golden and gives them that sexy holiday glow and the

This is a limited edition product so if you want it you best be quick.

Tropic Skincare New Summer Releases

Tropic Skin Care are a Vegan and Cruelty-Free brand and their products are free from,

Parabens • SLS/ALS (sodium/ammonium lauryl sulphate) • unsustainable palm oils • formaldehydes • phthalates • alcohol • MI (methylisothiazolinone) • petrochemicals • mineral oils • gluten • lanolin • triclosan • beeswax/honey • harsh preservatives • toxic chemicals • microbeads

Tropic Skincare is available online at www.tropicskincare.co.uk

*This post contains PR samples

Limited Edition Balance Basket from BalanceMe

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limited edition balanceMe basket

limited edition balanceMe basket

Limited Edition Balance Basket £30

This Summer BalanceMe have been inspired by British Summertime and created this beautiful Balance embroidered straw basket with leather straps, which would make a lovely holiday bag, whether you’re having a staycation or a vacation! It is incredible quality and is large enough to fit all your poolside / beach essentials.

Living in Cornwall I tend to spend many a day at the beach and this Balance Basket will be perfect for carrying everything I need from my SPF to a good book, oh and not forgetting a few snacks and a cheeky bottle of wine. The leather straps are long enough so you can carry this comfortably over your shoulder and nothing says Summer quite like a cute straw basket!

balanceMe Skincare

BalanceMe Summer Basket

BalanceMe also kindly sent me a few of their Summer essentials to try out and I was very excited to see one of my favourite products amongst them, that being their:-

Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF25

This is a very lightweight daily moisturiser with SPF25, it gives you broad spectrum protection using Titanium Dioxide (this filter physically reflects the sun’s rays) based natural mineral filter to shield skin from UVA & UVB rays. As well as being a very effective SPF it is also really good moisturiser and contains Hyluronic Acid to help keep skin hydrated, smooth and plump as well as Kukui Seed Oil which contains vitamins A, C, and E, which are antioxidants known to protect the skin and prevent free-radical damage. So you skin is in really good hands. I’m so pleased to have a new tube ready to use and it is going to stay in my beach basket so I never forget it!

BalanceMe Pure Skin Face Wash

I have never tried this cleanser but it is sulphate free and formulated for sensitive skin so that means it will be a nice gentle cleanser for washing off my SPF after long days at the beach. Its key ingredients include, Spruce Knot which is a purifying anti oxidant, rich in Vitamin E and renowned for its balancing skin regulating properties. Rice Brand Oil this botanical oil helps to balance the skins natural protective barrier and Moringa Oil is great at rejuvenating your complexion and soothing redness and inflammation. So a really good cleanser to use after being outside all day, it will nourish, sooth and give your skin a natural radiance.

Holiday Skincare from BalanceMe

BalanceMe Super Moisturising Body Oil and Body Wash

I have tried the Rose Otto versions of these and they were so luxurious. This Super Moisturising duo have the most beautiful scent, I can pick out the patchouli which is one of my absolute favourite notes. Both of these products are gentle and perfect for both dry and normal skin. I use the body wash as hand wash because it doesn’t strip my hands and the scent lingers for such a long time, the fact that it has a pump dispenser also makes it very practical as a handwash.

    • Dry skin: Softening Benzoin, calming Yarrow and Patchouli, plus hydrating Shea Butter work together to gently soften and repair flaky, dry skin and dry patches
    • Normal skin: Sulphate-free formula doesn’t strip skin of its natural oils and is so hydrating that skin will not need moisturising after showering!

The body oil is such a pampering product and lovely for keeping your skin looking its best and feeling so soft. If you have dry skin it is going to help keep that dry skin at bay

  • Healing Neroli, rejuvenating Rosehip and Jojoba this oil will help to maintain hydration levels and reduce outbreaks of dry, flaky skin that can be prone to irritation
  • Packed full of essential fatty acids, anti-oxidants and vitamins, this body oil is perfect for increasing skins elasticity and the high percentage of Coconut Oil used in this hi-tech formulation allows this body oil to naturally tackle, prevent and reduce stretch marks.

The beautiful limited edition Balance Baskets are all handmade and available now for £30. Please note that the products do not come with the basket. The basket is available online at balanceme.co.uk for a limited time only.

BalanceMe are a Cruelty Free brand and Balance Meproducts are free from parabens, dea, mineral oils, sulphates, pegs, petroleum, silicones, propylene glycol, microbeads, artificial fragrances and colours.

  • This post contains PR Samples

 

Favourite Summer Products 2016

- Vicki 1 Comment
Summer Favourite Products 2016

Summer Beauty Favourites 2016

Roger Gallet Fleur de Figuier Ultra Nourishing Oil

This is a beautiful body oil and its perfect for keeping your skin soft, and nourished during the warmer months. I like to use it either in the evening after a bath / shower, to lock in moisture and too soothe my legs after shaving. Or alternatively its nice to apply to your skin if you have your legs / arms out, it gives them an added healthy radiance without looking greasy. It is also really good at hydrating those more stubborn areas like elbows / knees. Oh and how could I not mention that it has a gorgeous fresh juicy fig scent – yes we all know fig is my favourite scent and its the perfect sweet Summer scent. This body oil is enriched with fruit oils (grape, pomegranate, blackcurrant, apricot, passionfruit and sweet almond oil)

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue

This is one of my favourite makeup bases but I especially like to using it when the weather is warm because it has broad spectrum SPF30, it feels light on the skin whilst giving you just the perfect amount of coverage and it makes my skin look radiant. I also like that it’s not only a great makeup item but it’s also full of skin loving ingredients too, including

  • Marine botanicals – help refuel thirsty skin and enhance skins appearance
  • Water loving humectants,Tehalsose and glycerine- which locks in moisture
  • Heart leaf globe daisy – an antioxidant, defends skin from from environmental aggressors
  • Calcium and Magnesium – help replenish the skin and promote the skins moisture balance

I really enjoy wearing this and find it easy to apply (I use my RT sponge), it gives a nice, even, & very natural coverage and it lasts well even on warm days. Even my lovely Mum who is in her 50’s bought it and uses it as her everyday foundation.

essence Blush Up Powder Blush in Heat Wave

Everything about this blush screams SUMMER – look at that beautiful peachy / pink / orange ombre colour. I like to use this by swirling my brush through all the pretty shades getting a little of each colour and then applying it to my cheeks, with a very light hand. This is very pigmented and a little product goes a long way so bare that in mind.

Kiko Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

I always wear SPF on a daily basis, no excuses. I like to (where I can) have it in my moisturiser or foundation (like the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue). That being said I like to be prepared when I am out an about and I like to carry a facial SPF in my handbag. This solid Kiko Sunscreen Stick is very convenient and travel friendly. Just twist it up and swipe it across your face where needed. Its fuss free, mess free and super quick. This is quite creamy but blends in well without leaving your skin looking white and its perfect for keeping your nose from getting burnt when out & about. It also helps that the packaging is cute and pink.Summer Favourite Products 2016

eos Lemon Drop Lip Balm

This smells of Lemons which just makes me feels so Summery. I know these spherical lip balms are a little gimmicky but this one has SPF15 in and it does make my lips feel hydrated and soft. Its not the best lip balm out there but its pretty decent and these eos ones are quite readily available in the UK now. If I was going to recommend my all time favourite Summer Lip Balm  it would 100% be the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant SPF15 – the stick one though not the pot, its incredible but I don’t currently have one so this eos one is my backup option.

TonyMoly I’m Real Sheet Mask

I have used all of the masks in this I’m Real Collection, there are 11 in total and to be honest they are all pretty good. I like how instantly cooling and nourishing they feel on the skin. They are literally dripping with essence and I try to keep them on as long as I can – well for as long as I can sit still and relax. These fit perfectly on my small face, the eye and mouth holes are in the right place which doesn’t often happen with these sheet masks. This lemon one is targeted at brightening the skin which is a really nice one for the warmer months, when you want most of your days to be makeup free.

These TonyMoly masks are very affordable and I buy mine as a set of 11 masks from Amazon, they arrive quickly and they come in the most adorable bright packaging.

December 2015 Empties

- Vicki 2 Comments
December Empties 2015

December Empties 2015

Ponds Contour Eye Cream

This was a really great eye cream & I wasn’t expecting it to be at all. It was very gentle and hydrating not too heavy or greasy. It was easy to massage in without leaving the area feeling like I had piled on the product. I have been using it morning and night and It worked a treat to keep my skin hydrated and smooth. It contains some great ingredients,

  • Vitamin E: helps improve the skins hydration.
  • Pro-Vitamin B5: helps restore and soften the eye contour skin.
  • Essential Nutrients: Jojoba Oil and She Butter help protect, nourish and calm the skin.

I wear an eye cream daily and I was very sad when this ran out (although it seemed to last forever) I can’t seem to find it in Superdrug and I am hoping it hasn’t been discontinued. If I can find it I will 100% repurchase. It’s a great affordable eye cream

MUA Eye Define Lengthening Mascara

This £3 mascara is so good if you like your lashes to look fluttery and long. I seriously love it, plus it lasts ALL day without flaking or transferring. This is a very intense black so if you like your mascara to be jet black this is a great option. I do like many products from the MUA range but this mascara is one of the best products I have tried from then and its well worth adding to your makeup stash. When I next need a mascara I will be repurchasing this one.

Bee Good Honey & Wild Water Mint 3-in-1 Cleansing Water

This is a lovely cleanser for removing your eye makeup or for doing a pre cleanse. Its gentle and great at dissolving makeup. It feels soothing and instantly cooling on the skin so if you use this in the morning its a nice way to sooth tired eyes. It contains some really good natural ingredients.

  • Moisturising British wild flower honey
  • Brightening red algae
  • Refreshing wild water mint and propolis.

I have tried a couple of products from this British brand & I have only good things to say about them. Bee Good skincare is bursting with the finest blend of ethically sourced bee based ingredients, naturally active botanicals and plant oils. They harness the very best from nature to create hard working, luxurious and dependable skincare. Their whole range is free from parabens, synthetic colour, mineral oil, silicone, SLS/SLES – so no nasties here. They are also the only British premium skincare brand to exclusively use British honey, propolis and beeswax in all of their products.

Its skincare that is getting back to nature & I am totally on board.

Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara

This mascara is good at preventing clumping and I liked that it was jet black that said it wasn’t the best at staying put and quite often it ended up on my upper lids or under my eyes. Not a cute look! I’m not in a rush to repurchase. With this being an American release it’s not easy to get hold of so I am quite glad I didn’t love it, also the MUA Mascara I mentioned above is so much better and more affordable.

Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF25

I really liked this moisturiser and the fact that is was an effective SPF ticked all the boxes for me. I even wore it to a wedding that was outside on one of the hottest days of the year & my face didn’t burn at all. I was very impressed,

Balance Me say ‘Our rich yet easily absorbed SPF 25 face cream is specially designed to care and protect skin in everyday life. To support your skin’s own defence system, our SPF 25 moisturiser contains an innovative natural titanium dioxide-based sun filter to block out both UVA and UVB rays. A blend of super hydrating hyaluronic acid and powerful anti-oxidant blackberry leaf extract with essential fatty acid-rich rosehip, camellia, kukui nut and jojoba oils work gently yet effectively to soothe, firm and shield your precious skin as well as enhancing the activity of the sun filter.

It didn’t leave a white cast on my skin or break me out, I thought this was a great way of protecting my skin from the harmful UVA & UVB rays. Although it is slightly heavier on the skin than your average daily moisturiser you’re getting so many more benefits and after a week or so I really didn’t notice it. I made sure to massage it into my skin thoroughly before applying my foundation and it never left me feeling greasy or shiny. I would 100% repurchase this.

Vichy Purete Thermale Beautifying Cleansing Micellar Oil

I think I used this almost daily since I got it & these past few days I have really missed not having it in my skincare routine. I massaged two pumps in to dry skin to dissolve makeup and the dirt from the day, using a warm face cloth I wipe it all away. The fact that it is an oil really made it easy to massage in to the skin and it doesn’t leave your skin feeling dry or tight. People that enjoy doing a double cleanse will find this so good as the first step. At the heart of the formula are,

micelles (Micelles are attracted to dirt, grime, and oil, and they draw out impurities without drying out your skin), which gently remove waterproof make-up, impurities, sebum excess and dead cells with no need for rubbing. Also it contains Vitamin E which provides antioxidant protection and Camellia Oil which moisturises and soothes the skin. This can be used on even sensitive skin and the formula contains no parabens.

I will be repurchasing this ASAP, I loved using it.