This is a brand new release from ESPA, I only had one sachet of each product but it was enough for me to tell I would love to use it again. Its suitable for all hair types and is jam packed full of beneficial ingredients like Coconut Oil, Honey, Jojoba, Olive Oils. They all help soften, hydrate and protect your luscious locks. The conditioner also contains a blend of plant protein which leaves hair looking rejuvenated and lustrous. This duo feels lightweight but adds volume, shine and hydration to my hair.
ESPA products are well know for their luxurious scent and their haircare doesn’t disappoint, they smell so good. They contain a blend of essential oils including Bergamot, Jasmine and Cedarwood which smell rich, relaxing and so pampering. They are 99% natural and free from Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) and silicones.
Merumaya is one of my favourite skincare brands, they’re affordable, great quality, British and its founded by Meleka who is an advocate for #beautyhasnoage, she is positive, dedicated and ambitious. I’ve tried almost all their products & I can say I have loved, repurchased and recommended them all.
I have a few samples which I take with me on my travels and this mini Overnight Cream is a great one to help keep your skin looking plump, radiant and nourished. Its a gentle, lightweight cream and it has quite a distinctive scent.
This is a thick cream exfoliator with tiny rice starch particles which dissolve when massaged into your skin and they gently help remove dead skin and dirt to promote healthy skin bright skin. Its not at all abrasive or irritating, lemon oil starts the process of illumination, all while aloe soothes and prevents irritation, redness, or flaking. The exfoliator is scented with the perk-up aromas of bergamot and peppermint. It leaves my skin smooth, supple and feeling clean.
This is a luxury skincare product and if a primer is a step you never miss out or that is vital to your makeup routine then you might consider splashing out on this, but otherwise I would say its not a necessity in your makeup bag. This gives your skin a blurring effect and smooths out fine lines and reduces the appearance of pores. What I do like about it is that it reduces shine and doesn’t have a greasy finish. It leaves my skin feeling velvety soft and yes it did act as a lovely base for my foundation but there is no way I could afford to spend £43.50 on a makeup item. I would splurge on a skincare product but I would class this as a makeup product. Its luxurious and it does work but not for my budget (sadly).
Because I only had a very small sample of this I tried to make it last as long as possible and so I mixed a small pea sized amount with my foundation to add a luminous glow to my skin. It worked really well and I am a little sad to say I’ve fell in love with it. Its an essential part of my routine but I do love the dewy luminous glow it gives and it helps make my skin look healthy. The price tag I am not so in love with so sadly I think I am going to have to find a good dupe.
What is it about Burberry makeup that just makes it feel instantly luxurious and beautiful?
This is one very full coverage concealer – not one to use under the eye just because its pretty heavy duty and prone to crease. This is a concealer for blemishes and any other imperfections you wish to cover. A little goes a long way and it is buildable. This is waterproof and very pigmented, I do have a shade thats slightly too dark but I am hoping come the warmer months that its a better match.
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?
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.
& 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I finished four Bath & Body Works antibacterial hand gels. I love these and they have so many scents to pick from. All four of these were really nice, my least favourite was the Crisp Golden Pear and my favourite was the Merry Cookie. Let me know what your favourite scents are as I want to try some more.
Soap & Glory Butter Yourself – this is a lovely thick sweet smelling body lotion. It was so good over the Winter and kept my skin smooth and moisturised. These huge tubs last ages.
St Ives Face Wipes – I bought these in the Poundshop & use them to remove lipstick & eye makeup. Always handy to have in the stash.
Bodhi & Birch Neroli Luce Revitalising Face Oil – This is the perfect boost for your skin. It hydrates, keeps skin supple and helps smooth fine lines. This is an oil that has so many skin benefits and I like to use it as a night treatment & by morning my skin looks plump, fresh and glowing. A little goes a very long way. I’m sad that this has run out but I will be treating myself to another bottle.
The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist – I really like using face mists & use them to refresh my makeup, hydrate my skin and to sooth my skin. This one has been really nice and calming for my skin & its a great product to have in your handbag or on your desk so you can use it throughout the day.
Mio Quickstart Exhilarating Shower Gel – This has a minty scent that is perfect for using in the morning it kick starts your day and wakes you up. It makes my skin feel soft and is so invigorating. From the same brand I also used up the Mio The A Cream Firming Body Cream – I LOVED this & used it every morning, it was so nice to massage in. I focused this cream on my legs and stomach, its infused with Hyluronic Acid to retain moisture, loaded with Aloe Vera to sooth and smooth and also contains omega-rich Organic Shea Butter to repair & rebuild cells. So it is packed full of skin benefits, I have loved using this & would highly recommend it.
Urban Veda Radiance Body Scrub* – This is the first product I have tried from this brand & now I am wanting to try everything. I try to use a body scrub everyday, especially on my thighs. They’re a great way of not only removing dead skin, giving you smooth skin but also great at getting the circulation and blood flowing. This Urban Veda scrub contains Pomegranate Seed Powder and Pumice to buff away the skin, Liquorice to give luminosity, Arjuna to boost collagen. Its not abrasive but it will give you a great scrub. It also smells botanical and fresh.
e.l.f Eye Primer – This is the best budget eye primer & I have used up so many of these. It does a good job of keeping my eye makeup in place for hours.
Apivita Pomegranate & Olive Oil Lip balm* – This is so nice to use, its smooth and hydrating on the lips. It has a slight sweet scent and gives your lips just a hint of glossy colour. It feels like it is caring for your lips (if that makes any sense). It has a very light rose tint to it on the lips. It contains pomegranate oil and vitamins E, F and C and is 98% Natural. Apivita is sold in select Marks & Spencer shops now so keep your eyes peeled. These Lip balms come in 6 varieties.
Nip & Fab Bee Venom Eye Cream* – I was quite skeptical of this when it first arrived but after a few weeks of use I noticed my eyes looked less tired and fine lines appeared smoother. The formula is quite creamy and works well under makeup. I like to use this in the morning as it plumps the skin and hydrates the under eye area. Although the cream is quite thick it isn’t greasy which is why I like to use it in the morning. Nip & Fab have a whole Bee Venom range which I have been trying & so far everything is working well. Look out for reviews of the rest of the range soon.
U Little Beauty Dream Time Enriching Night Cream – is an Australian company who pride themselves on being Cruelty Free, Vegan, Natural and Organic. There are no nasties in their products. This cream is made in Byron Bay, Australia and contains the Australian Kakadu Plum Extract, which has the worlds richest source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for collagen which is a key structural protein of the skin. The Kaduka Plum is also rich in antioxidants which help reduce skin damage caused by free radicals and exposure to harsh environmental elements which can make your skin congested and dull. Also excellent at combating the signs of ageing. So this cream combats signs of dullness and keeps your skin looking its best. So its an ultra rich nigh cream that really protects and cares for your skin. I have loved being introduced to this brand & highly recommend it.
Merumaya Overnight Recharge Night Cream* – If you want a night cream that transforms your skin this is for you. It smooths lines, reduces the signs of fatigue and delivers a boost of hydration. All whilst you sleep. It is a rich cream but it feels lightweight on your skin, not at all heavy or greasy. It also has that signature Merumaya scent which I find calming. This a night cream that would work for all ages as it doesn’t just target one skin concern but instead focuses on boosting hydration and combating skin fatigue whilst lifting and firming skin. Its an all rounder thats for sure. Merumaya is also created and manufactured in Britain.
Vaseline Essential Moisture Lotion – I used this as a hand cream over the Winter when my hands were so dry and looking terrible. It worked well to hydrate them and help them look smooth and younger. I always had it with me in my handbag & thought it did a good job.
Origins GinZing Mascara* – This mascara is great at separating your lashes & it keeps a curl like no other! I like my lashes to look fluttery and this works well at achieving that. You can build it up on your lashes so they look thick without being crispy. I also like the chunky packaging & I’ve grown to love the big oversized wand. Its a very good all round mascara & I think its quite an unsung hero.
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.
