Skincare For Radiant Skin

May 14, 2019September 4, 2026 - Vicki 2 Comments

Alex Steinherr Plump and Glow Moisturiser

I have been waiting for the best part of 6 months to try the Alex Steinherr X Primark skincare collection. My local Primark doesn’t stock it so when I was up in Manchester recently I bought 3 products and I love them all. This Plump and Glow moisturiser is lightweight and leaves the skin looking fresh, plump and radiant. I can’t believe this only costs £5. It contains Hyaluronic Acid which is great for helping your skin retain moisture, Centella Asiatica which is a natural anti-inflammatory (great for reducing redness and soothing skin) and Pink pomelo (which is a citrus fruit) which is antioxidant rich and protects the skin against the damaging effects of free radicals.

This is a great moisturiser to add to your skincare regime, especially if you’re looking for products that keep your skin looking refreshed, smooth and hydrated.

La Roche Posay Pure Vitamin C10*

I was lucky enough to win this in a recent giveaway on Twitter and let me just say It is one of those skincare products that instantly makes your skin look and feel a hundred times better. If like me, you like to use products that keep your skin looking youthful (radiant, fresh and smooth) then you need this serum in your life. It tackles/addresses so many skincare concerns, including

Anti-Wrinkle
Boost Skins Radiance
Improves skin texture
Reduces Wrinkles & Fine Lines
Smooths Imperfections / reveals Skin’s full radiance

This pure vitamin C10 serum contains some wonderful skin loving ingredients which help combat, improve and prevent some of our most pressing skin concerns.

KEY INGREDIENTS – [10% vitamin C + salicylic acid + neurosensine] in a nutshell these ingredients help exfoliate away dead skin cells, brighten and even out skin tone, stimulate collagen production and reduce the damage of free radicals and help reduce redness and skin irritation. So it is quite an all-rounder really. I am already very impressed with the improvements in my skin tone and I can’t wait to see the benefits of using it over a longer period.

B.Soft Multi-Acid Retexturising Pads

I love these retexturising pads, I use them in the evening after cleansing and before I apply my evening skincare. These pads use a blend of Fruit Acids and Glycolic Acids, which gently removes the top layer of skin along with the grime and dirt from the day. Including pollution, dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, this helps to help keep your skin glowing and stop your pores getting clogged. You get 60 pads and I use them every other day, really quick and easy and a great step for preventing blemishes and keeping your skin looking its best.

Stri Vectin Multi-Action R&R Eye Cream*

I have been using this eye cream since Christmas and yes It is very expensive but Stri Vectin is a premium skincare brand & I do rate and really love their products. This Multi-Action R&R eye cream is lovely and creamy it is formulated to target the five major signs of ageing which includes lines & wrinkles, dark circles, sagging, puffiness and dehydration. It really hydrates my under eye really well, and I have noticed my concealer sits well and doesn’t crease as badly when I apply this first. My dark circles are always quite bad, and I don’t think any eye cream would make a big difference to them, but I will say it reduces puffiness, smooths and helps me look more awake. If this cream is within your budget, then I highly recommend adding it to your routine.

Super Facialist vitamin C Brightening Face Polish

This is my second tube of this incredible face polish, I repurchased it as soon as it had run out as I never want to be without it. This face scrub smells like summer – it has such a fresh, zesty citrus scent which I love and which reminds me of holidays! It’s gentle enough that you can use it daily, but I have been using it every 2 days and that’s been working well for me. It has a lightweight gel texture which is infused with biodegradable microbeads to softly remove dead skin cells & daily impurities and dirt. It is boosted with antioxidant ferulic acid and vitamins C & E to promote brighter looking skin. So if you have quite dull skin and get a little texture where dead skin forms around your nose, chin area then this is perfect for addressing that! Packed with vitamin C and natural skin brighteners, it encourages skin’s renewal and energises the complexion to keep it looking fit, radiant and youthful. I also like how well my makeup applies after using this and that my skin is smoother and super soft!

*This post contains 2 PR samples, but all opinions are my own.

Tropic Skincare Sun Care Discovery Kit

August 3, 2018September 4, 2026 - Vicki

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.

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 After sun 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 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 After sun Lotion – so it is ideal for taking with you on your upcoming travels.

Tropic 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

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 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 TLC

Tropic mineral sun care 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

You can browse all Tropics fantastic sun care on their website

Beauty Product Empties July 2018

August 1, 2018September 4, 2026 - Vicki 1 Comment

You can tell from my empties that July was a HOT month. I used up so many hydrating products – mostly for my face. I was trying so hard to stay cool and keep my skin hydrated. So there are quite a few products to talk about, let’s jump right into it.

Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion

LOVED this. It is a very affordable body lotion, not heavy or greasy and sinks right into the skin. The lightweight lotion has a thin almost serum-like consistency which was really good especially in the Summer heat. It meant my skin didn’t feel sticky or like the lotion was too thick under my clothes. I would repurchase this 100%.

VICHY Idéalia Peeling

This toner is incredible for radiant skin – it is as if it just wipes away all the dullness and you wake up with a fresh, glowing complexion. I used this at least 2-3 times a week and this bottle lasted me months! This formula has a combination of 4% glycolic acid and 5% hepes, to provide an exfoliating effect whilst boosting cell turnover. So it is a great product if you find your skin is looking a little flat. This Idéalia is great and I really want to try more from it.

Superdrug Vitamin E Hydrating Face Mist

This is another warm weather must have skincare product! I have been misting it over my skin throughout the day in a bid to keep cool. You can mist on to cleansed skin before you apply makeup or you can spritz it on your skin to refresh your makeup and keep skin hydrated and refreshed. This Vitamin E Range from Superdrug is incredible value for money and I can’t recommend it enough. I love the Hot Cloth Cleanser, Oat Exfoliator and the Eye Cream – you can’t go wrong! This hydrating face mist contains soothing Aloe Vera as well as a skin conditioning multivitamin complex, comprising vitamins A, B, F and H, which, combined with horse chestnut extract, helps to care for dry skin.

Faith In Nature Deodorant

I have been using this Natural Deodorant for about 2 years now. It doesn’t stop me sweating but it neutralises the smell and contains no nasty ingredients. I hate the thought of applying a deoderant that is full of chemicals and metals right on my armpits where they’re easily absorbed into my body. This deodorant doesn’t block the sweat ducts but fights the odour & leaves my armpits feeling fresh & comfortable.

100% Natural Fragrance
With Essential Oils
Free from Parabens and SLS

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic

How adorable is this mini bottle, I am gutted that it has run out. Over the past few (very warm) weeks I have been keeping this in my fridge so it is cool and refreshing on my skin, I have been using it in the evenings after I’ve cleansed just to refresh and calm my skin. This is the perfect refreshing Summer toner & I am going to have to purchase the full size – especially if this crazy heatwave continues.

Naturally, active ingredients include aloe vera to hydrate, calendula, chamomile and cucumber to soothe and refresh, plus antioxidant vitamin E. This revitalising toner is fragranced with an uplifting blend of pure essential oils, including rose-scented geranium, lavender and sweet orange.

Miller Harris Rose Silence (travel size) and Lumière Dorée

Over the past 3 years, Miller Harris has become my favourite luxury fragrance brand, their scents are simply stunning. no matter which of their fragrances I am wearing I always get compliments. In terms of staying power, they’re second to none – I very rarely have to spritz again throughout the day because the scent doesn’t fade. My absolute fave is Rose Silence and I have gone through so many bottles – including this travel size. I love this small size for my handbag or weekend breaks. The Lumière Dorée is a great unisex fragrance and I think it has a zesty, quite sweet scent but the musk makes it a little sensual and warm. If you are ever near a counter you must test out their range.

TOP NOTES: BERGAMOT, PETITGRAIN BIGARADIER EO, ORANGE BIGARADE
HEART NOTES: NEROLI BIGARADE MOROCCO EO, SAMBAC JASMINE, ORANGE BLOSSOM WATER
BASE NOTES: CASHMERE WOOD, VETIVER, CRISP AMBER, WHITE MUSK

Jurlique Activating Water Essence

This is that product you think you don’t need or think you don’t want to add another step to your skincare routine. Well, let me just say, you really do need it & it has become an essential step in my routine. So an Essence is not a toner, nope its used after both cleansing and toning, it can replenish moisture, balance skins PH levels and help skin look glowing. For me, it has 3 main benefits & I love to use it all year round. It is refreshing in the Summer & very hydrating in the Winter.

Hydrates – Delivers continuous hydration and lasting moisture
Conditions – Smooths skin to provide a soft, supple complexion
Revitalise – Revitalises and re-energises for healthy-looking skin

Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Mascara

This is a forever repurchase for me, it’s very affordable and I love the way it gives volume and makes my lashes look thick. You can either apply one coat for a more everyday look or really build it up, giving you more intense, bold lashes and the mascara doesn’t flake throughout the day which is epic! So many mascaras give me panda eyes.

*This post contains PR Samples

Best Exfoliators for Summer

July 9, 2018September 4, 2026 - Vicki 1 Comment

I do love a good exfoliator, and I’ve gathered my favourites, so I can tell you all about them. I recently went to a family wedding & so I wanted my skin to look its best – on my face, hands, and body, so I have been exfoliating like a maniac these past few weeks. Not to mention the fact the UK is experiencing a sustained period of gloriously warm weather which means my legs & arms are out a lot more than usual, so having a good exfoliator helps remove all that SPF and keep them looking their best.

Previse Marine Granules Skin Brightening Botanical Scrub

I reviewed this facial exfoliator recently so I won’t go on about it too much, it is a great Vegan, Green and Cruelty-Free option if that ticks boxes for you! It is also mineral oil, synthetic fragrance-free and contains no parabens or petroleum.

This gentle exfoliator blends fossilised algae with jojoba and botanical extracts to gently buff the skin. This has a gel-like texture with lots of very fine scrubbies which exfoliate away all the dirt and grime your skin clings on to from the day. It works wonders on my blackheads & leaves skin feeling smooth without being abrasive. I love using this in the morning as it leaves my skin so smooth and my makeup sits so well after using this. It also stimulates cell renewal and gives your skin a healthy, fresh glow.

Superdrug vitamin E Gentle Oatmeal Exfoliator

This is one of my absolute favourite affordable skincare ranges, the Vitamin E range from Superdrug is incredible for hydrating, nourishing and preventing premature ageing. I have used up so many bottles of this Oatmeal Exfoliator, and it is so good at keeping skin smooth and looking radiant. It is a great gentle option and oats are renowned for being calming and soothing too, so your skin is in good hands with this product. I always stock up when Superdrug have it on offer. All Superdrug own branded products are Cruelty Free and Leaping Bunny approved!

Merumaya Skin Brightening Exfoliating Peel

This peel doesn’t have any exfoliating scrubbies instead it smooths, brightens and removes dead skin with glycolic acid and pomegranate enzymes. I apply a generous layer once or twice a week as part of my morning skincare routine and leave it on for 15 minutes to work its magic (or should I say science).

Aloe Vera and humectants help maintain the right moisture balance, Allantoin and a high strength calming complex soothe the skin during and after the peel. This peel is amazing at refreshing and rejuvenating your skin and is a good product to use in the lead up to a special event.

• Reduce blemishes, congestion, and blockages.
• Refine and reduce the appearance of pores.
• Re-texturise all skin types so it is smoother
• Soften signs of skin-ageing.
• Prevent ingrown hairs for men.

Tropic Body Smooth Refreshing Polish

Not all exfoliators are created equal and let me just tell you that this Tropic Body Polish is out of this world – it is a pot of utter luxury for your skin. My body has never felt so smooth. I’m in love with this stuff. I use it a couple of times a week and as you can see from the photo I have used over half and I will be repurchasing it without question! Oh, Tropic products are all Vegan, Cruelty-Free & are Leaping Bunny approved so that is amazing, their range is also manufactured right here in the UK in their Surrey Beauty Kitchen.

It’s packaged in this lovely glass jar and comes with the cutest little bamboo spoon so you can scoop just enough product out without having to dip your fingers in (love the attention to detail). The first thing you notice is the uplifting zesty scent, which is incredible and such a lovely Summer fragrance. It has a blend of invigorating, zesty essential oils, mineral-rich sea salts and exotic pure plant extracts. Enriched with vitamin E and lemon myrtlet.

It exfoliates away dead skin with ease and the blend of oils helps nourish skin so it doesn’t dry out, and it leaves it feeling unbelievably soft. If you like to treat yourself to nice skincare then this product has to be top of your list to try! Its ingredient list is short but jam-packed full of wonderful skin beneficial

Mineral Rich Organic Sea Salts, Organic Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Macadamia Oil, Rosehip Oil, Vitamin E, Essential Oils of Australian Lemon Myrtle, Eucalyptus, Lime, Lemon, Bergamot and Peppermint

Jurlique Exfoliating Hand Treatment

One of my resolutions this year was to take better care of my hands. I mean I do a whole skincare routine for my face and always use body lotions and oils but my hands more often than not get overlooked, and it has been nice really taking the time to look after them. I do an entire hand care routine when I am doing my at home manicure, and this Jurlique Exfoliating Hand Treatment has a creamy texture with tiny exfoliating Jojoba beads which provide just enough scrub without being abrasive.

I like that this is a multi-benefit 2 in 1 treatment mask and scrub. Apply a generous amount to the backs of your hands, fingers and forearms, relax for 5 minutes then with a little warm water massage off making use of the Jojoba beads. It leaves your hands velvety soft, smooth and nourished. It includes,

Red & White Clay – to absorb impurities
Jojoba Beads – to gently exfoliate
Shea Butter – to soften and hydrate
Calendula Extract – to nourish and protect

A great product if you find your hands are taking the brunt of this warm weather, it is nice and luxurious to take the time to apply a mask to your hands, and it leaves your hands feeling amazing once you’ve washed it off exfoliating away all the dead skin.

*This post contains PR samples

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