Tuesday 30 July 2019

All about the glow...Beached Rays for Days*



I’d been stalking Beached for a while before they contacted me, a few of my fellow IG mates had been raving about their products so I jumped at the chance to try this Bronzing Serum.

Beached are a UK ‘earth-friendly’ brand founded by Meg who wanted to bottle the laid back Aussie vibe/glow she discovered whilst there in 2017. She wanted to create products that were unfussy and natural, bringing out beach beauty wherever you are! Whether you are sat in a gloomy office or sat on a beach lapping up the waves (I wish) gorgeous glowing skin can be yours!

What is it?

Rays for Days is a bronzing serum that can cleverly be used on its own or mixed into whatever you fancy. Moisturiser, foundation or as a stand-alone base/highlighter. Light-reflecting particles make even the dullest of skin look alive again. 

What is in it?

This is no bog-standard bronzing product. It is most definitely skincare with a bang. It’s all about the plums... Kakadu Plum is the highest known natural source of Vitamin C while Illawarra and Burdekin plums help protect the skin from free radicals.
Evodia fruit whilst sounding exotic has a job to do, it improves skin texture and brightens the skin. Grape juice is included to help fight wrinkles and is a great ingredient for aging skin. 

Full Ingredients
This product is 99% organic, natural or naturally-derived
Aqua (Water), Polyglyceryl-4 Oleyl Ether Olivate, Glycerin, Soybean Glycerides, C15-19 Alkane, Caramel, Mica, Propanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Unsaponifiables, Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum), Pleigynium Timorense (Burdekin Plum) Fruit Extract, Podocarpus Elatus (Illawara Plum), Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract, Buddleja Davidii Meristem Cell Culture, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe vera) Leaf Juice, Benzyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Sorbitan Olivate, Xanthan Gum, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxides)

My thoughts

This product from the moment I got it has been a daily staple. I primarily mix it into my foundation or I use as a highlighter (or both!)

The molten bronze lava appearance is quite scary and I was concerned my Casper like appearance would transform into someone who looked like I’d spent too long on the sunbed. Luckily I couldn’t have been more wrong. This highly pigmented serum is rather deceiving. I mix 2 drops into my foundation and boom glowy skin is guaranteed. No dodgy tan over here.

It does the most wonderful thing of brightening up your skin and giving it a flush of bronze without completely changing the colour of it. It leaves your face looking juicy and dewy like you’ve had a restful health break somewhere tropical. Here you can see how it looks on the skin... I also dabbed a little bit on the tops of my cheekbones to give extra va va voom. I like to use a stippling brush to get the best finish. 



The texture isn’t too runny and has the perfect consistency for blending in. It doesn’t take much effort at all which is exactly what the brand stands for. Easy and effortless beauty. 

It feels kind of cooling on the skin and I like that I feel I’m not just covering myself in makeup. This is a product that not only makes you look better but feeds your skin some goodness at the same time.



Would I purchase this with my own moola, absolutely! I want this glow in my life for the foreseeable! You can buy this super versatile multitasker here for £22.95.

*PR/Gifted

Thanks for reading xx
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Saturday 27 July 2019

Do you need a skin detox?...Indeed Labs Mineral Booster Review



Who loves their sweets, chocolate, wine? (the list goes on...) then this serum might be something you want in your arsenal.

I’ve only recently started to take notice of Indeed labs and their serum boosters, Caroline Hirons helped spread the word and like many, I jumped straight on the bandwagon. Apart from this I have only tried Resistance but didn't enjoy it. But this one is an entirely different ball game...

What is it?

I’m not a massive fan of the word ‘detox’ in skincare but this Indeed Labs Mineral Booster is marketed as a Skin Detoxifying Serum. Which sounds good right? 

Designed to de-stress and re-energise skin using Zinc, Magnesium, and Copper. These minerals work to improve circulation, drain and detoxify skin tissue. Free radicals can damage our skin so this also protects against environmental stress. 

This powerhouse of a serum increases collagen production and protects against glycation which is a process that damages elastin and collagen. I’m nearing the big 30 next year so I’m totally up for protecting my skin from going saggy baggy.

What is in it?

As mentioned above this is jam-packed with minerals, the key ingredient being ‘Septonic M3’ which is a multi-mineral energiser which includes the big 3 listed above (Zinc, Copper, and Magnesium). You won’t find any added fragrance, mineral oil, drying alcohols or dyes in this formula. Which I imagine makes it perfect for even sensitised skin.

Ingredients List:

WATER ­(AQUA/EAU), PROPYLENE GLYCOL, ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, DIMETHICONE, GLYCERIN, C14-22 ALCOHOLS, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, PHOSPHOLIPIDS, C12-20 ALKYL GLUCOSIDE, POLYACRYLATE CROSS POLMER 6, ISOHEXADECANE, DISODIUM EDTA, GLYCINE SOJA ­SOYBEAN‑EXTRACT, POLYSILICONE-11, TRIETHANOLAMINE, MAGNESIUM ASPARTATE, POLYSORBATE 60, ZINC GLUCONATE, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, COPPER GLUCONATE, t-BUTYL ALCOHOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, PHENOXYETHANOL

My thoughts?

This. Is. A. Game. Changer. 

I just love how this silky serum applies and BAM my skin looks brighter already. It is a dream. It makes my face feel alive and I enjoy the whole process of applying it. Non-sticky, absorbs beautifully and works well with other products. I just wish the bottle was bigger and well a different bottle entirely, to be honest. The only criticism I can give is that the pipette doesn’t pick up much of the product and its effort trying to get it out. The serum itself is quite thick which I think is the problem. It would work better with a pump (Indeed Labs take note please).

It won’t stop me buying another bottle though as I just love the juice!

I have found my skin barrier has improved since using this almost nightly, it restores radiance almost instantly and feels like I’ve just injected a ton of goodness into my skin. Like one of those vitamin drips you can get but into the face. That actually isn't a nice thought but you get my drift.
It has assisted in healing my skin if it’s had a breakout which I assume is due to the Zinc. A wonder ingredient I tell you. (If you love LRP Serozinc you know what I mean) Usually, I apply after my hyaluronic acid serum and bouncy skin is mine.  

Will I repurchase? Absolutely. At £16.99 this is much more affordable than some other serums on the market that claim to do the same thing.

I just wish this was more readily available. It needs to come to Boots! In the UK it seems to only be stocked at ASOS here and Just my Look here (currently on offer!). 

Now I just need to try more from Indeed Labs! What are your recommendations? I have my eye on their Q10 and Collagen serums plus their Retinol Reface. 

Thanks for reading xx
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Monday 15 July 2019

Lagom Cellus Sun Gel SPF50* - Could this be 'The One'?



We are well into Summer here in the UK so I wanted to talk about this SPF before winter comes along and SPF50 isn’t as necessary! (I usually drop down to SPF30 during Autumn/Winter). I will start by saying that I am in no way a pro when it comes to SPF and I am not particularly clued up on the science behind it. In all honesty, it totally baffles me. Refer to Gothamista, Lab Muffin and Tales of Skincare who are able to provide a wealth of knowledge in this area! There are so many on the market but this is essentially what I look for...

• Effective protection, stands up in sunny weather without burning my skin. (Of course, this is dependant on your commitment to re-applying) 
• No white cast
• Sits well under makeup
• Isn’t greasy or clogging
• Doesn’t cause breakouts
• Is within my budget. I prefer to spend no more than £30 on my SPF

Now onto the details...

Lagom is a brand that’s new to me. Stocked at the UK online distributor of Korean skincare, Skinsider, I jumped at the chance when the founder of the company, Karolina, kindly asked if I would like to try a couple of products from the brand. 

Lagom stands for 'Not too little, not too much' which appealed to my view on skincare! A fine balance...

The products have been developed by 12 renowned dermatologists and professors who have for years researched skin disease and skin health based on medical science. It has been co-created with Korean makeup guru Go Won Hye to ensure the formulas were perfected and compatible with the use of makeup. I love that as it shows they recognise the importance that products should work well with makeup and that skincare provides the key to excellent makeup application. 

The brand uses a Nobel Prize-winning and a patented formula called 'AQUALICIA' technology. This aims to ‘fill the skin with moisture and nutrition to the fullest whilst using minimal products and healthy ingredients’. Now looking at the ingredients list I wouldn’t say it’s anything groundbreaking or healthy but I can tell you how the product works for me....

Like many, I’ve been on the hunt for an SPF that ticks all the boxes. The common issues I have are that they are either hard to get in the UK or are too expensive for me. I generally fall in love with ones that are around £40 plus and I don’t feel comfortable spending that when I know I don’t need to. 
It is well known that Korean skincare offers some of the best SPF’s. And most are reasonably priced. With this one being available in the UK I was excited!



What is it?...

A maximum protection UVA/UVB SPF50 which is lightweight in texture, it nourishes skin with herbal extracts and oils without clogging pores.

My thoughts...

I’ve been using this nearly every day since I received it over a month ago. It is everything I want in an SPF. In actual fact it doesn’t feel like a sunscreen at all, pretty much undetectable, you forget you are wearing it! Although it is called a gel it is most definitely a lightweight soft cream texture. That being said it absorbs quickly and leaves a non-greasy, satin finish. It says that it has a matte finish but I would contest this as it leaves my skin looking glowy, the right type of glowy!

The cream as you can see is white but once applied there is no white cast at all. It just melts into the skin. It doesn’t feel suffocating or clogging in the slightest. I’ve found this to be an excellent base for makeup as it primes skin perfectly (no surprise given the brand's mentor). This gives the skin a bit of grip so makeup isn’t slipping and sliding all over the place. Another important point to note is that this doesn’t sting my eyes. Some make my eyes water so badly! There is a very slight citrus scent to it but nothing overpowering or 'SPF like' if you know what I mean. Sensitive skins may need to be aware of the inclusion of essential oils such as lavender, bergamot, and orange. 

In terms of where this sits in your routine, always the last step but personally I have to use a moisturiser before it as this on its own isn’t enough for me. Oily skinned folks might be satisfied with using this in place of a moisturiser as it does provide some hydration. Which is surprising considering its high alcohol content! Fortunately, it isn’t drying at all. 

We have had some hot days here in the UK over the last few weeks (unbelievable I know) and this has stood the test. No sunburn over here thankyou! I use one index finger length as a guide for applying. For so long I know I wasn't applying enough but now I know better thanks to resourceful people like Dr Sam Bunting! Of course, re-applying is essential throughout the day and if wearing makeup I do this by using an SPF mist (my favourite currently is the La Roche Posay Anthelios). There have been some days when I didn't wear any makeup and I just reapplied with the Lagom. I didn't get any build up or greasiness and more importantly no sunburn! 

As you’ve probably figured I’ll definitely be purchasing this with my own money. I think what I’m most impressed by is that it costs £26 for 50ml and there isn’t really anything I can complain about! At a push I’d say the packaging may cause some issues when nearing the end of the product as the bottle isn’t particularly ‘squeezy’ but it does stand with the nozzle downwards so should be ok.

You can purchase the Lagom Cellus Sun Gel SPF50 here from Skinsider. If you would like to learn more about this brand or the 'AQUALICIA' technology then the Skinsider website has some fantastic articles. 

What is in it...

Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Propanediol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Bis Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Urea, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Maltodextrin, Indole Acetic Acid, Bis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone, Methoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Panthenol, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, BHT, Sodium Hydroxide, Isohexadecane, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Polysorbate 80, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Sorbitan Oleate, Rose Flower Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil, Styrax Benzoin Gum, Commiphora Myrrha Oil, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol

*PR/Gifted 

What are your favourite SPF’s? I’d love to know! 

Thanks for reading xx

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Monday 1 July 2019

My 10 Minute 'Mum' Makeup Routine...




This is a breakdown of the products I use on a daily basis. Sometimes I use less than this, sometimes more but this is the makeup I apply when I’m having a normal day. Breakfast or lunch date, shopping, going up the park, etc. If I’m at home for the day then usually I won’t use anything. Maybe just a brightening primer. 

Primer
Most days it’s Lumene Instant Glow UV Primer or the travel size I have of the Barbara Sturm Glow Drops. Both give that ‘lit from within’ glow that my tired skin needs. I’ve just bought Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter (since I took this pic) and I’ll be using that as a base on good skin days which will eliminate the need to use a brightening primer. 

CC Cream
I’ve been using the Erborian CC cream a lot. It’s so easy to blend with fingers and give the amount of coverage I enjoy. So quick and convenient! If I want quick makeup this is what I use. Now I’ve discovered CT Flawless filter that will be the base I alternate with. 

Concealer
Becca Undereye Brightening Corrector is a must have for when those sleepless nights show and you have bags that drag on the floor!! It is the product that transforms my face. It conceals dark circles like nothing else I’ve tried. I tap on with my fingers. Sometimes I’ll use YSL Touché Eclat instead. Depends on the size of my bags! After that, I’ll use Revolution Conceal and Define over the top which is a fantastic budget option. I also use on any blemishes/pigmentation to add a bit more coverage. I tend to blend this in with a Real Techniques Setting Brush which gives a more softer look.



Powder
Always Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish. It sets everything perfectly without cakiness and works well under eyes and on the face. If I’m wanting any more glow or if I haven’t used the CT Flawless filter I’ll brush on a bit of my new discovery...Revolution Pro Skin Finish powder in Luminescence. It does what I wanted Laura Mercier Translucent Glow to do! Gives skin a brighter finish, natural with no glitter or patchiness

Eyebrows
I’m very low maintenance with my brows. Just a quick application of brow pencil to fill in any gaps, brushed through with a spooly and that’s me done. Sometimes I’ll use a brow gel if I need long wear. I found this cheap as chips CYO Brow Sculpting Pencil for £4! It’s really good. Stays put as is a great colour match for me. My other favourite is L’Oréal Artist Brow Xpert. 

Eyeshadow
Now, this is the flexible step in my routine. If I am limited on time then I won’t apply any but if I do then cream is the way forward for quickness. A finger swipe of MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork gives a lovely natural brown hue to the lids. I use a blending brush on the outer edges just to pull it all together. Other favourites are the Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Sticks. I apply straight onto the eye not being particularly careful and then I use a blending brush all over the lid to ensure coverage and that it’s blended. I have them in Burnished Bronze and Amethyst. 
Another great option is the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow. I have it in Beach Bronze which is a lovely shimmery warm golden bronze.

Bronzer
My preference nowadays and especially with the warmer weather is cream products. Apply with fingers and blended with a Real Techniques Stippling Brush is what gives me the best soft and natural effect. 

I have been loyal to RMS Buriti Bronzer for a while now as it is so blendable, easy to apply and works with my pale skin. It also doubles up as a good eyeshadow! But there is a new kid on the block thanks to an Instagram pal who sent me the Chanel Soleil Tan. It didn’t work for her and she knew I’d been eyeing it up. This universal shade works for so many but it also doesn’t work for many... Really hit and miss in terms of what skin tones it works for. With me being pale and the bronzer looking almost orangey I was doubting that it would work for me. But I’m really enjoying it! Soft, creamy and does what I want it to do. No Oompa Loompa in sight!

Blusher
I have 2 that I alternate between...Becca Beach Beach Tint in Guava which is more of a pinky coral (you can't seem to buy online anymore) and Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Pale Pink which is more of a natural flush. Like with the bronzer I apply with my fingers first and then blend with the RT stippling brush.

Lips
My current favourite choice for lips is a tinted balm. So easy to apply if you don’t have a mirror to hand and they give a lovely natural look. No effort required. I alternate between Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint in Bare Nude, Bare Pink and Bare Melon. I love these for summer. Also By Terry Hyaluronic Sheer Rouge in Zest Shot which is an orangey coral. So bright and perks up the face! I don't think you can get that colour anymore but 'Mango Tango' looks similar!



So there you go...10 mins at most, normally around 5-8 mins if I’m lucky! Easy peasy. 

I hope this helps bring together a quick basic routine to work from in case you need any tips! Do you have any quick makeup tips? Please share!

Thanks for reading! xx
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