Luxe Beauty Brand

Antipodes Evening Skincare Review

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Antipodes Skincare Products

Although I’d never tried anything from this brand, I had heard of Antipodes Skincare and read so many positive reviews about the quality of their products and the ingredients they use. So I was so excited to finally try 2 products from their evening skincare range and not to let the cat out of the bag right away but I this duo has really given my skin its glow back!

Antipodes are a brand that is very focused on the environment and harnessing the power of organic plants and natural ingredients. The entire product range which hails from New Zealand uses sustainably sourced, fresh ingredients and combines these with extensive scientific research to create effective results orientated skincare. Let me know if you have tried & loved any other products from their range and I will add them to my basket!

Evening Skincare From Antipodes

Antipodes Avocado Pear Night Cream

Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream

I think this night cream might just be the answer to plump, hydrated, blemish-free skin. It works wonders whilst you’re sleeping and I think that when used after the Joyous Serum you have the perfect duo not only for combating the signs of ageing but for boosting your skins natural healthy glow! I can’t believe it has taken me this long to discover the benefits of Antipodes skincare.

If you have dull, dry, mature skin then this rich cream is going to fit well into your routine. This Avocado Pear cream has a thick texture and a distinctive bold scent (ylang-ylang, jasmine and sandalwood). It isn’t greasy but the cream is very rich and has a slight oiliness to it which will help replenish dehydrated skin.

• Avocado oil – is high in antioxidants, works as a natural sun filter and gives a super-hydrating boost for your skin.
• Manuka honey – helps to promote youthful, fresh, blemish-free skin & is antibacterial too.
• Vinanza® Grape extract – This is a revolutionary antioxidant extract from sauvignon blanc grape seeds grown on Marlborough vineyards, scientists have identified as having double the levels of polyphenolic antioxidants, helps neutralise free-radical damage.

The ingredients list is pretty impressive:-

Ingredients: shea butter vegetable extract avocado oil Active 20+ manuka honey macadamia nut oil calendula oil coconut oil vegetable extract Vinanza Grape® grapeseed extract Vitamin E Aqua butyrospermum parkii squalane persea gratissima leptospermum mel macadamia ternifolia calendula officinalis cocos nucifera cetearyl olivate sorbitan olivate lecithin gluconolactone sodium benzoate calcium gluconate vitis vinifera tocopherol essential oil fragrances of sandalwood ylang ylang and patchouli

  • Hydrates and protects skin while you sleep
  • Scientifically shown* to stimulate synthesis of collagen production in human cells by up to 92 per cent
  • Suited to most skin conditions, especially mature and dry
  • Certified vegetarian by the UK Vegetarian Society
  • Recyclable glass bottle. 100 per cent biodegradable cardboard from sustainable forests

Antipodes Avocado Pear Night Cream

Antipodes Joyous Night Replenishing Serum 

This is one serum you are going to want to add to your evening routine, especially if, like me, your skin often looks dull and lacklustre. This oil-based serum has a lovely rich silky texture and a subtle botanical scent it applies like a dream and boy does my skin drink it up. It is absolutely packed full of wonderful premium organic ingredients, no hidden nasties and their packaging is environmentally friendly.

Showcasing some incredible skin-loving ingredients including a trio of superfood oils that will rejuvenate, hydrate and refresh your skin. You can rely on this serum to keep your skin looking incredible night after night! I am in love with it and the results I have already seen in my skin – my skin feels supple, smooth and looks so much more healthy and glowing. This serum has become a staple in my skincare routine.

  • Himalayan goji berry – protein-rich, containing up to 19 naturally occurring amino acids.
  • Red raspberry seed & blackcurrant oil – provide a rich natural source of essential fatty acids to hydrate
  • Hibiscus flower helps exfoliate and freshen your complexion.

The ingredients list again is impressive:-

Blackcurrant Oil, Goji Berry Extract, Raspberry Seed Oil, Hibiscus Flower Extract, Reishi Mushroom Extract, Ribes Nigrum, Lycium Barbarum, Rubus Idaeus, Hibiscus Sabdarifa, Gandoderma Lucidum, Essential Oil Fragrances Of Blackcurrant, D-Limonene*, Geraniol*, Linalool*, Citronellal*. 

  • Helps repair damaged and ultra-dry skin
  • Help improve skin elasticity and suppleness
  • Suited to normal, dry and mature skin conditions
  • Certified vegetarian by the UK Vegetarian Society
  • Recyclable glass bottle. 100% biodegradable cardboard from sustainable forests

Green Skincare from Antipodes

People are becoming more aware of how they impact the environment (I know I am) and we are seeing more brands becoming vegan, sustainable and organic. I think It is such a positive step & Antipodes are a world leader in this, with over 10 years experience.

Antipodes is one of the few fully certified organic skincare producers in the world, making them a green beauty brand you can genuinely trust.

Real Techniques PowderBleu Makeup Brushes

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Real Techniques Powder Bleu Collection

Real Techniques Powder Bleu Collection

Real Techniques have really expanded their brush range over the past couple of years and they cater for all of your makeup brush needs (and wants). Everything from mini travel brushes & makeup sponges to more luxurious, pretty brushes. I’ve never tried a brush from Real Techniques that I didn’t like, their products are always fantastic quality and I love that they release limited edition and fun collections throughout the year. I’m a sucker for a limited collection.

I’ve been trying a selection of brushes from the recent Powderbleu Collection made with FauxBleu synthetic bristles which are meant to perform as well as the infamous Blue Squirrel haired brushes which were so prestigious within the makeup industry. All of the brushes are incredibly soft but I have to mention how nice the handles are. They are a blue ombre and I just love the blue hues in this collection, the colour looks incredibly luxurious and gives me those old Hollywood vibes. I think it is the mix of deep blue and gold touches. Very glamorous! The handles are long, quite slim and taper to a point which makes them very ergonomic to hold and use.

Beautiful Real Techniques Makeup Brushes

B01 Soft Powder Brush £22.00

This is a huge soft but dense powder brush that tapers at the top. It is like a much bigger version of the Soft Finishing brush. I like to use this to apply my finishing powder on top of my foundation. This picks up powder so well and is so light to sweep across my skin without disturbing my base. It feels so soft against my skin and my powder has such a flawless finish when I use this. It is a lovely brush to have in my collection and I’ve used it every time I’ve worn makeup for the past 5 weeks.

B02 Soft Finishing Brush £22.00

Out of the four brushes that I have been testing this is the only one that shed any bristles and I was a little annoyed because it continued to shed even after I had washed it. This brush is domed and dense in shape and is designed to blend + buff powder foundation onto skin for buildable, shine-free coverage but I haven’t been using it for this purpose. I have instead found it really good at applying powder blusher and bronzer, it picks up a good amount of product and places it nicely on my cheekbones. Because it is slightly tapered at the end it means you get a higher degree of accuracy when placing the product. I also use this brush to blend out the blush/bronzer so it looks subtle and seamless.

Powderbleu Makeup Brushes

B03 Soft Complexion Brush £22.00

This is a wonderful brush for applying powder foundation, I have really been getting into mineral foundations this past 18 months, and I’ve almost always applied them with a standard kabuki brush which works well. This Soft Complexion Brush has a smaller, denser head which makes buffing in the powder so much more effective. I also find having the long handle of a brush over the stubbiness of the kabuki brush easier to use and it’s easier to lightly apply my foundation and really buff it in giving me a soft focus finish.

B04 Soft Shadow Brush £15.00

The tapered, precision head of the Soft Shadow Brush makes it the perfect shape to layer and blend powder shadows for a naturally diffused look. It is incredibly soft and it blends out your eyeshadow with ease. I would say out of the four brushes I have tried from this collection this is one I have used the most. Not only for creating beautiful soft eye looks but also for applying touches of highlighter to the areas you only want to place a subtle glow, like down the nose, brow bone and cupids bow. It is a lovely multi-use brush and I always say you can never have too many blending brushes in your collection, they always see so much use.

All brushes in this PowderBleu Collection are

  • Synthetic  FauxBleu™ Technology Bristles
  • Easy Clean
  • Long Lasting

I received the PowderBleu Brushes complimentary from Influenster for review purposes. All opinions are my own and completely honest.

CULT51 Night Cream Review

- Vicki 1 Comment
Cult51 Skincare

Cult51 Skincare

CULT51 Night Cream £125* is a product with bold claims – claiming to have over 51 anti-ageing benefits with long-term, lasting results and clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by up to 52% in just 28 days. I have to say these claims intrigued me & made me sceptical in equal measures. CULT51 also carries a hefty price tag of £125 & one that even after 3 months of using I’m not 100% sure is worth it. I’m someone that isn’t put off a product because its cheap or expensive, I like a product that I think is worth it no matter what end of the price scale it sits.

I think this is one of the hardest reviews I have written because It is so expensive & if you go out & buy it I want you to be 100% happy with it. CULT51 say,

‘CULT51 produces unprecedented results; fine lines, wrinkles and age spots are reduced, skin tone is brightened to create a more flawless and radiant appearance whilst naturally and dramatically slowing the ageing process.’.

I’ve been using this cream almost every night for 3 months and I’ve seen some visible results not sure if all the 51 signs of ageing are being tackled but almost immediately after the first few uses my skin felt smooth and hydrated.

In the long term, this cream also promises to,

• Reduce Wrinkles – Immediately fills wrinkles and fine lines for a smoother, more youthful complexion. With continued use, wrinkle depth is permanently reduced.
• Boost Hydration – Hyaluronic acid helps lock in moisture, plumping and softening the skin.
• Firm Skin –  Adds visible firmness and lift to even the most tired complexion.
• Brightens the Complexion – Fades dark spots and evens skin tone for a glowing, unified complexion.

I would say that my fine lines aren’t as prominent and my skin is looking brighter and rejuvenated. I wake up looking less like death warmed up. My skin feels and looks hydrated and it has brightened my complexion. But my skin doesn’t feel or look firmer. So 3 out of 4 points I would agree with but is that worth the £125 price tag?

The cream has a rich luxurious feel, it’s quite thick but not at all greasy on the skin and once massaged in its absorbed quickly leaving the skin velvety soft and nourished. The cream has a subtle fresh scent with notes of gardenia, jasmine and rose. A jar I would say will last about 6 months so you do get a good amount of product for your money.

Cult51 Moisturiser

I’m so torn by this cream, I like it and have enjoyed using it and as I said I have seen improvements in my skin. I’ve been thinking about when it runs out & would I repurchase it, and I have to be honest and say I wouldn’t I’ve tried some wonderful products that have done a similar if not better job and cost a little less than this one. I will be sad when it runs out but I won’t be in a rush to replace it. If it was more £70 I might be tempted.

CULT51 Night Cream

That’s just my opinion and I know that this cream has a big following and works very well for a lot of people, you might very well be one of them. If so I would love to know what visible results you saw from using this cream.

CULT51* £125 for 50ml

Products that are marked with a * 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.