The Captain Thug Redux Retinol Serum.

Browsing on a popular retailers website in the UK i came across Captain Thug who present themselves as a reasonably priced natural skincare brand and offer products any skincare routine relies on. Currently in the range is a multi-active cleanser, a pore detoxifying clay mask, a body scrub and a de-tanning scrub, four beard oil conditioners, and four active serums to choose from. The natural skincare formulations contain proven ingredients that are known for benefits they provide to the skin and this is why i purchased one of the serums to discover how it performed. Disclaimer: The links highlighted are not affiliated and are there for you to discover the products quickier.

The Captain Thug Redux Retinol Serum is packaged in UV protective packaging with a pump dispenser which i found an added bonus because your not repeatingly opening the product exposing it to air like you have to with some pipette skincare products. Dispensing onto cleansed skin, the serum is clear in colour and quite thick in texture because its not overly watery, but glides over the skin really easy and absorbs quickly!  The ingredients do look promising but it does contain two essential oils which is entirely up to you where you stand on the love/hate relationship of them being used in skincare products, the full ingredients are:
Water - Used as a solvent to help ingredients mix.

Glycerin - Humectant that draws moisture from the air to keep skin hydrated.

Caprylic/Capric Glycerides - Polyethylene glycol that functions as an emollient to condition the skin.

Squalane - Found naturally in the skin, it helps stop moisture loss and has emollient and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract - Multi-beneficial by offering emollient, skin-brightening, soothing, and protects the skin from free radicals by acting as an antioxidant.

Carbomer - Provides any skincare product with a smooth and silky texture.

Vitamin E - Antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radicals and has been shown to reduce UV damage, though always wear a sunscreen!

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate - Retinoic acid ester that does not have to be converted like other retinoids and binds directly to the retinoid receptors within the skin to improve the skins structure.

Retinol - A form of vitamin A that helps cell turn-over, stimulate collagen, and overall improve the skins structure and health.

Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterol - Non-drying alcohol that helps to lubricate and have an emollient action.

Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate - A natural antimicrobial preservative to keep the formulation bacteria free whilst also providing moisturising and conditioning benefits.

Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil - Provides a natural moisturising layer over the skin to prevent moisture loss to keep skin hydrated.

Hyaluronic Acid - Retains moisture within the skin to plump fine lines and wrinkles by acting as an humectant that draws moisture from your surroundings.

Polysorbate 20 - A surfactant, emulsifier, and fragrance ingredient that has a soothing effect on the skin and can help mix oil and water in a formulation.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 - Synthetic peptide (part of Matrixyl 3000) that restores and replenishes the skins surface, ideal for anti-aging benefits.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 - Synthetic fatty acid-linked peptide that helps repair skin damage by signalling to the skin, ideal for anti-aging benefits.

Phenoxyethanol - Preservative to keep your product functioning at its best.

Rose Essential Oil - Emollient properties for drier skin types, whilst also being astringent for oilier and acne-prone skin.

Sandalwood Essential Oil - Antiseptic and astringent properties, this oil also gently exfoliates to improve skin tone and texture.

Applying retinol at night is essential to boost the skins cell-turnover (Exfoliates) whilst also it helps to boost collagen production because it can penetrate the many levels of the skin. Containing Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, this retinoic acid ester does not have to be converted like other retinoids before the skin is able to use it, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate binds directly to the retinoid receptors of the skin cells skipping the conversion method. Research is still needed on this new retinoid ingredient but combining it with retinol in the ingredients list is much more beneficial than if used on its own for now. The great thing i appreciate about this serum is that it can easily fit into your skincare routine because it works extremely well with other products when applying a gel, night moisturiser, or even an oil over the top of it. It does not leave the skin feeling tacky or slippery because it penetrates and dries down quickly, but if you are wanting a better hydration boost you can apply this over your current hydrating serum at night. Overall i really like how this helps support the skin overnight and improves skin tone and texture for a healthier complexion with continued use, checkout all the skincare products they have to offer on their website and available on amazon x Neil.

The Monthly Organic Beauty Box.

The element of surprise each month is welcomed by natural beauty lovers in the UK and international, when receiving the monthly 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.

Love your hair and the planet when receiving the Biovène Barcelona shampoo and conditioner bars from their extensive range. The innovative products lasts as long as your current bottles of shampoo and conditioner whilst being pH balanced and kind to your hair and scalp. Wetting your hair and the bar, slide the bar down your hair upto six times and then build the sulphate free lather with your hands to thoroughly cleanse the scalp. I received the "citrus dream" which clarifies the hair from product build-up but still feels hydrating enough for any hair type whilst the conditioner provides essential moisture without weighing the hair down, The products are great for travelling to save space in your bag and are a great plastic-free alternative to use in your hair care routine. 

Indulge your mind and skin when applying the Kathleen Natural sensual rose body and massage oil when u need it. Featuring orange, rose, and nutmeg essential oils that are known for their influencing aromas that subtly stimulate your wellbeing for a natural alternative. Applying after a shower or bath to wet skin, use circular motions to stimulate blood flow and lymphatic drainage, but remember to take a deep breathe to take advantage of those present essential oils. The skin feels comforted and smooth because of the sweet almond, sunflower, argan, and rosehip oils featured in this oil. Applying lightly, don't be afraid if you apply too much as you can blot off the excess, just remember to enjoy this at-home spa like treatment for yourself or your partner. 

Purifying the skin from toxins and bacteria as well as products u have applied is essential for maintaining a healthier looking complexion. The Madara purifying foam is one of those products to reach for when you feel you want your skin to breathe when all products are removed. Suitable to be used around the eyes, it easily breaks down makeup and heavy sunscreens without overstripping the skin of its natural oils. I usually do not use any foam cleansers because my experience with some is that they work too much to leave my skin feeling taut and overly dry, i did not experience that same feeling with this one. The foam and cleansing agent is from the sodium cocoamphoacetate ingredient which are coconut fatty acids that are known to be mild and non-irritating, whilst the cleanser also features glycerin, lactic acid, and achillea millefolium yarrow extract that balances and calms the complexion!

Supporting the skins natural defences is easily achieved when applying the FOM London anti-pollution glow serum to your face. Hydration is supported by hyaluronic acid and the humectants sorbitol and glycerin, along with the beneficial water-binding SACCHARIDE ISOMERATE that contains natural carbohydrates found in the stratum corneum of human skin. Green tea, beta-glucan, panthenol (VITAMIN B5) and hydrolyzed silk protein all play a role to maintain a smoother and healthier complexion. Applying to cleansed skin because any serum should be the first product to be applied for it to be accepted and absorbed easily, i cover the whole of my face using 2-3 drops dispensed from the dropper tool supplied. I was impressed by how quickly the serum absorbs to leave the skin feeling smooth and soft whilst a soft glow is achieved without looking shiny by the mica mineral ingredient included. A lovely serum to add into your skincare if you are wanting to boost hydration whilst supporting and protecting the skin's defences from pollution.

The LoveLula March 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 this months beauty box is £75.00. 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 April beauty box will contain and what will be featured for you to discover products you may not be aware of to purchase? xNeil.

The Leave-In Conditioner & Styling Elixir For All Hair Types.

Do you use multiple hair products to achieve your desired style and to look after your hairs health? I am a big fan of multi-beneficial products because not only does it cut down on the products u have to use, it also saves you important valued time u may not have when your in the midst of those manic mornings when time is against you. The Giovanni 2Chic Ultra-Sleek Leave-in Conditioner & Styling Elixir is your secret hair weapon to tame the most unruly of hair types thanks to its dual smoothing complex of Moroccan argan oil and the plant-sourced protein Brazilian phyto-keratin. Read on to discover how to use and what benefits this provides, disclaimer: The links in black are not affiliated and are only provided for you to discover the product.

Presented in recyclable packaging with a pump dispenser that dispenses the perfect amount you wish to use, you receive 118ml of product in total. The styling elixir appears to be a lightweight conditioner in appearance and texture while the natural fragrance of the product is of coconut. Distributing through damp hair making sure every strand is covered, the penetrating 2-in-1 treatment and styling serum helps shield the hair from environmental elements and heat styling tools while providing other benefits which are:

• Detangles.
• Reduces Frizz.
• Tames Flyaways.
• Style Hair More Easily.
• Protects From Static.
• Heat Protectant.
• Provides Softness And Shine. 
• Colour-Safe For Coloured Hair.  
• Prevents Split Ends.
• Easy Comb-Out. 

I was impressed that there are no added parabens, lauryl or laureth sulfate, or dyes to this product and only uses 100% vegetarian ingredients while Giovanni is against any animal testing. The ingredients are as follows:

• Aqua (purified water) - Purified water is excellent to provide some moisture to the hair and roots.
• glycerin - Humectant that draws moisture from the environment around you for hydration and improved moisture content. 
• stearyl alcohol - Fatty alcohol that is an emollient that provides slip to any conditioners while helping to bring softness to the hair. 
• cetyl alcohol - Fatty alcohol that is an emollient that helps to detangle hair more easier.  
• panthenol (pro-vitamin B-5) - Binding to the hair to coat and seal in moisture, it is great for dry hair types while also helping to improve shine and softness with its lightweight texture.
• dimethicone - Forms a seal over the hair to help prevent moisture loss and smooth the cuticle down while also protecting the hair from heat styling tools (heat protectant). 
• tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) -  Reduces damage from oxidative stress and free radicals because of the vitamin's antioxidant properties it provides.
• *argania spinosa (argan) kernel oil - The rich oil is high in essential fatty acids and vitamin E that helps tackle frizz and split ends by providing smoothness and softness to the hair.
• hydrolyzed paullinia cupana (Brazilian cocoa) keratin extract [phyto-keratin] - A plant-sourced protein that provides strength to the hair while containing important amino acids your hair needs for health.
• *aspalathus linearis (rooibos tea) extract - Rich in nutrients such as zinc, copper, and iron, its helps to strengthen any weak hair for improved condition. 
• *cocos nucifera (coconut) oil - Rich in vitamins E and K, it helps to bring softness and lustre while also stopping protein loss each time you wash your hair because of the lower chain length fatty acids included which are lauric acid, capric acid, myristic acid and palmitic acid.
• *macadamia ternifolia (macadamia) seed extract - Fatty acids help to nourish, strengthen, and improve shine while Macadamia oil is great for calming the hair of frizz and tangles.
• *butyrospermum parkii (shea butter) extract - The fatty acids present help with processed, damaged and heat-treated hair by soothing, hydrating, and balancing the hair and scalp. 
• polysorbate 60 - Keeps the products ingredients mixed together whilst having some conditioning benefits and a light waxy texture. 
• sodium benzoate - Used as a preservative.
• citric acid - Used as a preservative, to adjust the pH of a product, or can help strengthen the hair.
• benzyl alcohol - A non-volatile alcohol used as a preservative that does not influence the health of your hair. 
• phenoxyethanol - Preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria and enhances the products shelf life and safety.
• natural fragrance - I smell coconut that soon disperses after about an hour. 
• *USDA Certified Organic

I was really impressed on how lightweight this feels and looks on the hair because some "sleek" products can weigh the hair down and oversaturate, to make it appear greasy. I apply one to two pumps to damp hair, comb through, and drying time is quicker whilst my style is lightly held in place all day with movement. The other thing that impressed me was when i got caught in a down pour outside, my hair remained frizz free and did not curl (my hair goes curly when wet), it stayed smooth and felt hydrated! Apply the Giovanni 2Chic Ultra-Sleek Leave-in Conditioning & Styling Elixir for better hair days, rather than bad, when adding it into your hair care routine, x Neil.

The HoliFrog Tashmoo Water Lily Nourishing Milky Wash.

Cleansing your skin is one of the most important skincare rules to follow because it helps clear the pores of blocking debris whilst also removing pollutants and any products you may have applied such as makeup. A cleanser is essential to help maintain clear skin and support the skins function depending on what ingredients it includes and contains. The great thing i first noticed about the HoliFrog Tashmoo Water Lily Nourishing Milky Wash is that it has a pH of 5.0 which is where the skins natural pH balance sits around to help keep your skin functioning at its best. Applying a cleanser and feeling that tight and dry feeling after use, it probably is too alkaline that strips the skins natural oils and disrupts the barrier function of the skin. The skin will let you know when it becomes red, itchy, overly oily, or overly dry but the best place to re-balance the skin is with your pH balanced cleanser. Read on to discover more about this replenishing and amino blend cleanser that your skin will thank you for using. Disclaimer: The links in black used are not affiliated and are only used for you to discover the product when clicking on it.

The HoliFrog skincare brand feature known ingredients that contribute to better skin health when using their specific HoliWashes while also contributing to your own wellbeing state. The formulations used in each face wash help to contribute to the skins heal and repair response whilst avoiding any ingredient that can contribute to drying, irritating, and sensitization of the skin. The four washes in the range all play an important role in the cleansing stage by offering something different to cater for your skins needs of that time, Tashmoo Water Lily Nourishing Milky Wash is perfect for the dehydrated/dry and your seeking a gentle but effective cleanse because it only contains 3% of gentle surfacants that wont strip the skin. Presented in an eye-appealing bottle with a pump dispenser you receive 148ml of product inside whilst the ingredients are as follows:

Aqua (Water), Glycerin Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Serine, Glycin, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Alanine, Threonine, Phenylalanine, Histidine, PCA, Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids, Nymphaea Alba (Water Lily) Root Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera (Lotus) Flower Extract, Panthenol (Vitamin B-5), Arthrospira Platensis (Spirulina) Extract*, Tocopherol, Phenethyl Alcohol, Sodium Chloride*, Xanthan Gum, Aspartic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Gluconate, Hexylene Glycol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate*, *Organic

HoliFrog only use beneficial ingredients that perform a task, rather than just adding them to an ingredients list to act as a "filler", you wont find these ingredients in their formulations:

Acrylates, Alcohol (SD alcohol, ethanol, denatured, isopropyl, methanol or ethyl alcohol), Aluminum compounds, Benzalkonium Chloride, BPA, Butoxyethanol, Chemical Screens, Coal Tar Dyes, DEA, Detergent, Dyes, EDTA, Essential Oils, Ethoxylated ingredients, Formaldehyde, Fragrance, Heavy metal, Hydroquinone, MEA, Mercury + mercury compounds, Methylisothiazolinone, Mineral Oil, Palm oil, Parabens, PEGs, Phthalates, Polysorbate, Propylene Glycol, Recorcinol, Silicones, SLES, SLS, TEA, Toluene, Triclosan

Applying to damp skin, i was impressed on how silky the milky wash feels on the face and neck when using circular massaging movements to maximise the skin benefits it contains. Leaving on the skin for upto a minute to really allow the formulation to sink in, the non foaming action is another plus point because some foaming cleansers can tend to overstrip which is not good for a compromised skin barrier function. Rinsing with luke warm water the skin is thoroughly cleansed whilst still feeling hydrated and comforted with no dry or taut feeling afterwards. The HoliFrog Tashmoo Water Lily Nourishing Milky Wash is perfect to use if you have compromised the skin by using any harsh products that can unbalance it such as physical exfoliants, acids, or retinols whilst also if your skin has been influenced by seasonal changes. Suitable for all skin types, it is recommended to use the milky wash at least once everyday (morning or night) in your skincare routine if you cleanse twice a day because the skin-loving ingredients will help stop irritation and support your skins natural function, x Neil.  

The Geemarc Wake n Shake Dynamite Alarm Clock.

Struggling to wake up or to hear your current alarm will be a thing of the past when you introduce the Geemarc Wake 'n' Shake Dynamite to your waking up ritual. The innovative alarm clock is not only essential for the deep sleepers of this world, it is also a great product for anyone who suffers with hearing loss and visual impairment. The alarm clock with a shaker gadget has some excellent features that u can tailor to your own specific needs, keep on reading to discover more. Disclaimer: The links in black are not affiliated and are only used for you to discover the product quicker!

Presented with informative packaging, once open you will find the alarm clock inside with the adapter to plug into the wall for mains power, the shaker, and an informative leaflet to help you get started. The clock sits perfectly onto any surface without taking up much space whilst all its ports can be found on the back along with the battery compartment, it only uses a battery (not included) in case of a power cut, the clock should be operated off the mains power from the AC/DC adaptor included. The main features are:

• Extra loud alarm (95dB spl at 1 meter)
• Red extra bright flash (12 LEDs)
• Time format : 12/24 hours
• Programmable alarm
• Duration of alarm : up to 1 hour
• From 5 to 60 minutes snooze 
• Lamp function (red light)
• Large red display
• Dimmer switch (Low/Mid/High)
• Volume and tone control (3 levels)
• Vibrator control (2 levels)
• USB charging for smart phones and other electronics

The Geemarc Wake n Shake features 5 Alarm Settings that you can easily select on the clock and can also include the vibrating shaker, so you will be awoken by three alarms in total if you wish:

• Off
• Vibrator
• Ringer + Vibrator
• Vibrator + Flash
• Ringer + Vibrator + Flash

I was really impressed on how easy it was to set up the clock by using the functioning buttons that are situated on top of the clock. The alarm is loud in any of three tones included (even in the lowest), the ring of LED lights around the clock is quite bright, whilst the shaker placed under your pillow will wake any deep sleeper from the depths of their own dreamland. Choosing one of the options or all three, the Geemarc Wake n Shake Dynamite is for sure the loud alarm clock that will wake you up when you must and have to! x Neil.