Tuesday, 4 February 2020

The Simple Protect 'N' Glow Skincare Range.

Achieve a glowing complexion whilst protecting the skin from environmental factors that can effectively contribute to the feel and look of damaged skin. The Simple protect 'n' glow skincare range combines antioxidants with a broad range SPF that shields the skin from UVA/UVB rays, blue light emitted from electronic devices, and pollutants that surround us in everyday life. The brand 'Simple' provide a budget-friendly and cruelty-free skincare range that contains no harsh ingredients in their formula's whilst their packaging is made out of recycled plastic to reduce their impact on the environment. Disclaimer: The links in blue used are for you to find the products quicker and are not affiliated, i purchased these products.
The Simple protect 'n' glow radiance booster SPF 30 is a liquid form of sun protection that can be applied before or after your moisturiser. Featuring algae oil and vitamin E, the lightweight formula is invisible when applied making it an excellent choice for those who do not like the white cast effect some sunscreens can leave on the skin when applied. I was impressed on how quickly it absorbs into the skin and there is no sticky or greasy residue detected making it an excellent choice to fit into a skincare routine and before applying makeup. The UVB protection comes from the octocrylene included, whilst Homosalate absorbs and filters UVB rays along with ethylhexyl salicylate. The UVA protection comes from Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane known as avobenzone that when combined with the other sun filters in a formulation it can boost its protection and give an SPF rating to a product. Encouraging sun protection is important for the health of skin and is made easier when incorporating this easy-to use booster in your skincare routine.
The Simple protect 'n' glow triple protect moisturiser SPF 30 is a lightweight cream that features a host of skin-loving ingredients. Featuring ginger root, vitamins E & C, and a prebiotic, it provides blue light and pollution protection to help prevent pre-mature skin damage. Presented in a tube and applied to skin in the morning, i was impressed on how quickly this absorbs without feeling sticky and leaves the skin feeling hydrated throughout the day. The SPF provided is from the zinc oxide included that sometimes can leave a white cast on the skin but Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate also can protect against sunburn and other skin damage caused by UV light by absorbing the UV radiation. The stable form of vitamin C (Sodium ascorbyl phosphate) defends and brightens the complexion and when used with any SPF can boost its effectiveness whilst Niacinamide is also present in the formulation that helps to improve and restore the skin. The lightweight moisturiser applies smoothly to skin because of the dimethicone present but can sometimes ball off the skin depending on what you have previously applied, used on its own or waiting after the radiance booster has absorbed it doesn't flake or ball off. The moisturiser is great if you are looking for multiple benefits from one product and can even be used as a primer before makeup application.
The Simple protect 'n' glow rest & reset 72h hydrating gel is the perfect remedy to support the skin overnight for a rested and restored complexion in the morning. Featuring ginger root, vitamins E & C, and humectant glycerin the gel is featured in a tub with a twist-off lid. Applying to bare skin or after your usual serums you may use in your skincare routine, the gel glides over the skin easily whilst instantly feeling hydrating and comforting. I was really surprised on how lightweight the gel feels and does not leave the skin feeling suffocated when absorbing quite quickly. Hydration is helped by the humectant glycerin that draws moisture to the skin from the air whilst saccharide isomerate is known to be an excellent skin-replenishing emollient that binds to the skin for pro-long hydration. The stable form (Sodium ascorbyl phosphate) of vitamin C helps provide defending antioxidant behaviour to improve skin tone, whilst Niacinamide brings restoring properties to the skin. The other interesting ingredients are Zingiber Officinale Root Juice which is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits to calm and soothe any compromised skin, whilst glucose helps to replenish the skin with its water-binding properties to improve the skins barrier function. Support the skin overnight when applying a little of the lightweight gel for hydrated and dewy skin that will greet you in the morning.
The Simple protect 'n' glow range does feature two other products, a detox & brighten clay mask and a glow express clay polish that i might purchase when they are in stock. I have enjoyed using the other three products and i think they are great if you are looking for an extra boost in your skin care routine to improve dull tired skin whilst the added SPF protection is essential in maintaining healthy skin all year round, explore the simple protect 'n' glow skincare range for yourself,  x Neil.

Sunday, 26 January 2020

The Organic Beauty Box To Discover Products!

The element of surprise each month is welcomed by natural beauty lovers in the UK and international, when receiving this organic beauty box full with goodies. The monthly beauty box features exciting brands and their products that are available from the easy-to navigate LoveLula website, whilst also introducing products to you that you may not be aware of to purchase. The selection of products you receive each month are varied, while there are many subscription plans available for you to choose from to enjoy your delivered beauty box. Disclaimer: I received the beauty box free as part of the LoveLula accredited blogger program, this does not influence or change my honest opinions expressed in my blog posts. The links in black are not affiliated and are only used for you to find the products quicker.
Treat your skin to an at-home facial when applying the kathleen natural bright mask for refreshing, illuminating, and hydrating benefits. The kaolin based mask should be applied to cleansed skin in an even layer to ensure maximum benefits. Applying a steaming flannel or muslin cloth over the face when the mask is applied will help draw out any impurities whilst also helping the other beneficial ingredients penetrate. White willow bark exfoliates the skin whilst also helping to clear any blocked pores for improved skin tone and texture. The mask also features glycerin, Shea butter, and some oils for a boost of nourishment and support your skin maybe lacking. Waiting 10-15 minutes, the mask rinses off easily with a cloth or your hands to reveal refreshed and nurtured skin making this a must-have product to be featured in your skincare routine.
Applying the kiki health magnesium oil has just got easier because it is presented in a spray bottle whilst being odourless and easily absorbed. Featuring purified water and genuine Zechstein Inside® magnesium chloride (31% magnesium chloride) and other naturally occurring trace minerals, this topical product is also suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Magnesium helps to naturally relax muscles and is excellent to calm the brain and body down by influencing the hormones that reduce stress and anxiety. The other great benefit is if you cant take magnesium supplements by mouth then 5 or up to 20 sprays will easily be absorbed by the skin, wherever you apply it on the body. Applying after the gym or sports activities will help the body to recover whilst also applying before bed will help to improve your sleep pattern for a restful nights sleep. The kiki health magnesium is essentially like a light oil on application that absorbs quickly to the blood vessels and muscles, it should be applied after a bath or shower for maximum benefits and results, whilst i found it easy to use! 
Discover hesh black seed oil for topical and internal benefits because of its rich antioxidant benefits for skin and health. Applying to damp skin and hair it will lock in essential moisture to improve dry skin conditions and unruly dry hair, though it is important to perform a patch test first for any signs of a reaction. The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits are also ideal for clogged pores and acne skin types whilst also controlling oil, for this problematic skin type. Dispensing 5ml twice daily before food it is suggested that it may have some health benefits when taken orally, though more research is needed because the results were only examined in test-tube or animal studies. It is also important if u are taking any medication to consult a healthcare professional for advice and their opinion before taking any supplements. The oil does have a strong taste by being bitter and leaving a sensation of being slightly hot like u have tasted cumin or pepper, but this soon fades quickly if u have your favourite drink on hand to swallow!
Protect and hydrate your hands from the many factors that can leave them dry, cracked, and sore when applying the natura siberica taiga daily protection hand cream. The daily hydrating hand cream hydrates the skin easily without being overly greasy whilst the oils create a barrier on the skin to stop moisture loss. Featuring Arctic cloudberry, lingonberry, and wild honey the cream is rich in vitamins A that keeps skin healthy, F that is a ceramide and supports the barrier function, and B6 that keeps the skin calm. The lightweight cream glides over the skin easily and absorbs quickly when rubbing them together leaving your hands feeling soft and looking hydrated. Keep beside the bed, in your bag, or next to your handwash for an affordable treatment your hands will love!
Samples are always welcomed because you can experience a product before buying the full sized product, the ones included this month are the madara grow volume shampoo and the grow volume conditioner. The grow volume shampoo features caffeine, zinc, and the chanterelle mushroom extract that provides benefits to the scalp and hair cuticle. Applying to damp hair and leaving for 2 minutes will allow the essential nutrients to improve the scalp and hair without over stripping it like some shampoos can do. Applying the conditioner which has some added beneficial oils than what the shampoo features helps to restore moisturise, seal the cuticle to prevent split ends, and provide strength against any mechanical or environmental factors that can weaken any hair strands. Rinsing with cold water the conditioner leaves the hair tangle-free and i found styling easier with some natural volume when using these two products!
The LoveLula January beauty box arrives in secure recyclable packaging and each product inside is protected by the recyclable filling to keep your products in tip-top condition. The printed card inside details all the products included, whilst also including a voucher code that can be redeemed if you would like to purchase any products from the brands included, the total value of the January beauty box is £50.00. Enjoy the selection of products for yourself, or buy as a gift for someone else to enjoy, when purchasing or subscribing to receive a beauty box to your door. I wonder what the February beauty box will contain and what will be featured for you to discover products you may not be aware of, X Neil.

Friday, 24 January 2020

Frizzy Hair? Try The My.Haircare™ Smooth Shampoo Bar.

Take back control of those bad hair days when reaching for the rescue My.Haircare™ smooth shampoo bar that works effectively to tackle any bad hair day. Frizzy hair can occur because the cuticle of the hair strand is raised and your hair is seeking moisture around it, which is why humidity in the air can make this frustrating hair problem a nightmare. Washing the hair with hot water, heat styling, colouring and using too much protein without balancing it out with enough moisture can also contribute and make it worse. The smooth shampoo bar contains a synergistic blend of ingredients to moisturise, smooth and reduce frizz without any sulphates or silicone's present. Disclaimer: The links in black are not affiliated and are only used for you to discover the product quicker!
The rescue My.Haircare™ shampoo bars are ideal for anyone who travels whilst also they are suitable for the gym and festivals and can even be used on the body! The smooth shampoo bar not only offers an effective cleanse of the hair and scalp to help wash away any impurities and product build-up, it also offers a specific fragrance to influence your senses. Specifically fragranced with Patchouli and sandalwood (both ease the mind and anxiety) the bar also contains the following oils to saturate the hair: wild rose seed oil extract, olive oil, grapeseed oil, corn germ oil, sunflower seed oil. The full ingredients of the vegan friendly  smooth shampoo are:
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate -  Sodium salt derived from coconut oil that provides a gentle lather to clean the hair.
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil - Hair conditioning properties to soften the hair.
Aqua - Forms emulsions to combine water and oil in a product whilst also hydrating.
Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate - A polymer of glycerin that cleans (surfactant) and provides emollient and emulsifying benefits.
Coconut Acid - Natural fatty acid content that provides cleansing, emollient, emulsifying and surfacant properties.
Parfum - Added to products for wellness and wellbeing properties.
Glycerin - Hydrates whist drawing moisture from the air to act as a humectant.  
Sodium Isethionate - Alternative to common sulfates to provide a lather to clean the hair.
CI 77004 - White dye (Kaolin) a mineral colourant. 
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil - Sunflower seed oil aids in moisture with essential fatty acids that help stop breakage. 
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate - Helps the product rinse off quickly and completely.
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil - Olive oil helps support a healthier scalp with antioxidant benefits.
Zea Mays Germ Oil - Natural vegetable oil that locks in hydration and boosts shine whilst nourishing.
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil - Grape seed oil aids in smoothness and softness of the hair whilst improving the scalp with its vitamin E content. 
Hexyl Cinnamal - Used for fragrance purposes.
Coumarin - Fragrance ingredient.
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil - Rich in fatty acids it helps hydrate the hair and scalp whilst improving shine.
Decyl Oleate - Emollient that forms a seal on the hair to seal in essential moisture.
Linalool -  Functions as a fragrance ingredient.
Tocopherol - Vitamin E that supports the health of the hair and scalp by protecting it against free radicals that can damage. 
The great thing about the shampoo bar is you are able to control how much you use when applying the lather to the hair with little waste leftover. It offers an effective cleanse without over stripping the hair of its natural oils and leaves the scalp feeling clean but hydrated. A hydrating and moisturising shampoo is great to use if you have thick, curly, or a coarse hair type to add moisture that then will help the hair become smooth. Once the hair cuticle lays smooth, helped by this shampoo bar, then u will see improved shine because the light can easily be reflected off it. Styling is made easier and the hair feels healthier, without any weigh down, when using the smooth shampoo bar that tames frizzy hair! x Neil.

Wednesday, 22 January 2020

The Jane Scrivner Skinfoliate Natural & Organic AHA/BHA Resurfacing Exfoliator.

Smooth and brighten the complexion when incorporating the Jane Scrivner Skinfoliate Natural & Organic AHA/BHA Resurfacing Exfoliator into your skincare routine. Acids are a great product to use to work on the surface of the skin whilst also being able to penetrate the deeper levels for a multitasking result. The award-winning Jane Scrivner skincare range features products that are result driven and can give you back your skin confidence by feeding and supporting your skins health. Incorporating natural ingredients that are known for their skin properties whilst Jane Scrivner having over 30 years experience in the skincare and therapy industry, this is a expertise skincare range you have to check out! Disclaimer: The links in black are not affiliated and are only used for you to find the product quicker. 
I am a big fan of skincare acids because not only do they help the complexion look brighter by helping to shed the dead skin cells and speed up cell turn over, they can also help unclog pores and reduce spot breakouts whilst also helping better absorption of your skincare products. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) is an oil loving acid that is able to penetrate deeper below the skin surface whilst also helping to clean out blocked pores and improve spot breakouts. Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is a water soluble acid that works on the surface of the skin to dissolve dead skin cells to improve skin texture and tone to help rejuvenate the complexion and improve moisture content. The Jane Scrivner skinfoliate combines both in the formulation for multitasking and maximum results.
The Jane Scrivner Skinfoliate features the following AHA'S:
Glycolic - The smallest molecule out of all the AHA's it can penetrate much better to help break the bonds between the old and new skin cells for better exfoliation whilst also helping to improve moisture levels for dry skin.
Lactic - The gentle acid that helps to treat hyperpigmentation and age spots for improved skin tone and pore appearance. 
Citric - The citric included is from lemons that have antimicrobial properties to combat bacteria and decrease inflammation and oil. 
Malic & Tartaric - Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and bilberries to remove surface dead skin cells and help maintain the pH of the product,
The BHA Included In The Skinfoliate.
Salicylic - Derived from willow bark, it helps dissolve dead skin cells whilst also being able to penetrate and clean out any blocked pores. It is a great acid to use if you suffer with blackheads or spots, though it does not treat the bacteria that causes these.  
The Full Ingredients Of The Jane Scrivner Skinfoliate.
Aqua (Water), Acetic Acid (Apple Cider Vinegar), Lactic Acid , Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract (Bilberry Fruit), Benzyl Alcohol, Saccharum Officinarum Extract (Sugar Cane), Salix Alba Bark Extract (White Willow), Lavandula Angustifolia Oil Lavender Flower Oil), Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract (Pineapple Fruit), Acer Saccharum Extract (Sugar Maple), Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Salicylic Acid, Arctium Lappa Root Extract (Burdock Root), Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract (Witch Hazel Leaf), Citrus Limon Fruit Extract Lemon), Sorbic Acid, Glycerin. d-Limonene, Geraniol, Linalol
It is important to remember to do a patch test first and then proceed slowly by applying the product to a cotton pad and sweeping over the face twice weekly, before building up to use everyday. I love how gentle this exfoliator is to use and immediately leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth when wiping the product over the skin after cleansing while the apple cider spicy scent influences your wellbeing. The other great benefit is that the pH of this exfoliator is between 3.5 to 3.9 and it will help bring your skin's natural balance back because some cleansers can make the skin alkaline resulting in the pH of the skin being too high. I did not experience any tingling (you may do) but i use a pH balanced cleanser and have used acids before, but it is important to remember to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect your sun sensitive skin everyday when using any AHA product. Welcome soft and smooth skin with a brighter complexion, when incorporating the Jane Scrivner Skinfoliate Natural & Organic AHA/BHA Resurfacing Exfoliator into your skincare routine, x Neil. 

Tuesday, 21 January 2020

The Pollution Patrol Shampoo Bar!

In today's climate the hair is exposed to air pollutants such as gases, dust, dirt and soot that compromise the scalp and the hairs health. Styling hair products can also contribute to this problem by allowing these to stick to the hair and even penetrate the skin of the scalp. Washing the hair and scalp is extremely important to remove any impurities and product build-up, depending on which shampoo you choose to perform this necessary task. The Rescue My. Hair™ Pollution Patrol Shampoo Bar utilises special ingredients to perform a thorough cleanse of the hair and scalp but what does it contain? Disclaimer: The links in black are not affiliated and are only used for you to discover the products quicker!
The Rescue My. Hair™ environmentally responsible shampoo bars combine a waterless and soap-free technology that are handmade and cold pressed for a unique experience, each time they are used. The cruelty-free and vegan shampoo bars contain only natural colouring and are the perfect pH of 5.5 that help to keep the scalp balanced. Shampoo bars have become popular since they have launched because not only are they environmentally better by cutting out the plastic packaging, but they are also perfect to travel with, use at festivals or the gym and contain less water than a liquid shampoo.
The pollution patrol shampoo bar is free from palm oil, SLS/SLES (sodium lauryl sulphate/ sodium laureth sulphate), Sodium Hydroxide or Lye, whilst also being Free from Silicones and Parabens.
It does contain the following:
  • Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate - Sodium salt derived from coconut oil that provides a gentle lather to clean the hair.
  • Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil - Hair conditioning properties to soften the hair.
  • Aqua - Forms emulsions to combine water and oil in a product whilst also hydrating.
  • Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate - A polymer of glycerin that cleans (surfactant) and provides emollient and emulsifying benefits.
  • Coconut Acid - Natural fatty acid content that provides cleansing, emollient, emulsifying and surfacant properties.
  • Parfum - Added to products for wellness and wellbeing properties.
  • Glycerin - Hydrates whist drawing moisture from the air to act as a humectant.   
  • Sodium Isethionate - Alternative to common sulfates to provide a lather to clean the hair.
  • Illite - Clay that draws and absorbs impurities whilst softly cleaning the hair.
  • Alpha isomethyl ionon - Fragrance. 
  • Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate - Helps the product rinse off quickly and completely. 
  • Hexyl Cinnamal - Used for fragrance purposes. 
  • Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde - Fragrance and masking ingredient.
  • Linalool - Functions as a fragrance ingredient.
  • Eugenol - Antibacterial and stimulates the follicle of the hair root on the scalp. 
  • Benzyl salicylate - Fragrance whilst also acting as a UV light absorber to protect the hair from UV rays, 
  • Cetrimonium Chloride - Conditions and cleanses whilst preventing static and product build-up on the hair.
  • Hydrolyzed Oat Protein - Penetrates the hair to hydrate whilst also repairing damage and soothing the scalp. 
  • Butylphenyl Methylpropional - Fragrance that provides a floral scent. 
  • Potassium Sorbate - Acts as a preservative to stop growth of microorganisms and protect products from spoiling.
Opening the environmentally friendly and recyclable packaging, the Pollution Patrol Shampoo Bar is presented perfectly waiting to be used. Lathering the bar in damp hands and applying the lather to wet hair making sure you massage the scalp to stimulate and dislodge any impurities will ensure an efficient clarifying treatment for the hair.  The fresh and floral scent influences your wellbeing throughout the rinsing off stage and hair is left feeling clean without being overly stripped because of the conditioning ingredients included. The shampoo bar cleverly deep cleanses the hair from pollutants and product build-up whilst still respecting the scalps pH and keeping the integrity of the hair intact by being gentle. Applying a mask or conditioner after the shampoo bar is used, you will discover they will work much more efficient because there is not a barrier or impurity there stopping them from penetrating, to work at their best. Add into your hair care routine for a thorough cleanse to reboot and restart your hairs health, but don't forget to use the reusable box to store the bar between uses, x Neil.
© Blonde Male
Maira Gall