Boots Vitamin C Brightening Intensive Serum.

Boots Vitamin C Brightening Intensive Serum.

Add antioxidant benefits into your skincare routine when applying the easy-to-use Boots Vitamin C brightening intensive serum. Applying vitamin C topically not only acts a "Fighter" against damaging free radicals that can influence the break-down of collagen and elastin, it can actually promote collagen production, whilst it also acts to "Protect" the skin from the signs of sun damage when worn with an SPF. Helping the skin to "Recover" vitamin C also can help lighten hyperpigmentation and improve uneven skin tone for a brighter and smoother complexion, depending on what the formulation contains, read on to discover what is included in this serum. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated.

How To Use The Boots Vitamin C Brightening Intensive Serum?

Applying any "Active" skincare product to the skin should be the first product you apply after cleansing to allow it to absorb fully without any interaction from other products. The first benefit for me about this vitamin c serum is that its dispensed from a pump dispenser from sealed packaging, unlike some vitamin c products that are exposed to the air when u have to apply them using a pipette dropper repeatedly. The light and non-sticky formulation contains 2x Vitamin C and YUZU Extract which absorbs into the skin instantly, but that is not all. It features multitasking niacinamide that helps boosts the skins health whilst also featuring sodium hyaluronate and aloe barbadensis leaf to support the skins moisture, the full ingredients are are follows:

Aqua - Water.  

Butylene Glycol - Organic Alcohol with moisturising benefits that provides slip to a product on application.

Betaine - Soothes and protects skin whilst also moisturising.

PEG-12 Dimethicone - Low molecular dimethicone that aids in application of a product whilst also helping to stop moisture loss from the skin. 

Hydroxyethylcellulose - Thickening agent, binder, an emulsion stabilizer, a film former, and a viscosity increasing agent that improves any formulation. 

Niacinamide - A water-soluble B3 vitamin that improves the skin's barrier and help with a lot of skin issues.

Sodium Benzoate - Preservative that prevents bacteria and fungi from developing in the product.

Potassium Sorbate - Preservative and is widely used as a paraben alternative. 

PEG-12 Allyl Ether - Binding to allow the cohesion of different cosmetic ingredients.

Sodium Gluconate - Humectant and pH regulator of a products formulation.

Sodium Lactate - Sodium salt of lactic acid, it helps moisturise the skin and control the pH of a product. 

Parfum- Fragrance.

Carbomer - Thickening agent to convert a liquids texture with a non-tacky feeling. 

Sodium Citrate - Adjusts the pH and helps keep the products formulation to last longer.

Tocopheryl Acetate - Antioxidant benefits to protect and improve the skin.

3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid - A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable and soluble in water or oil formulations with the same antioxidant benefits vitamin C offers.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice - Anti-inflammatory properties that helps to soothe the skin.

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate - Stable oil-soluble derivative of Vitamin C that acts as an antioxidant and whitening agent, whilst offering to improve acne and has anti-aging benefits.

Sodium Hyaluronate - Low molecular to penetrate the skin deeper to improve the skins moisture balance and plump fine lines/wrinkles.

Maltodextrin - Plant-based sugar that provides many benefits to a formulation such as an absorbent, binding agent, stabilizer, film-forming agent, and skin-softener.

Limonene - Fragrance and penetration enhancing capabilities to carry other ingredients into the skin more easily whilst it does have some anti-inflammatory properties. It is noted that it may oxidise and sensitise the skin - it usually isn't recommended to people who suffer with eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.

Dipropylene Glycol - Helps make a product more spreadable on application.

Phenoxyethanol - Preservative to prolong shelf life and prevent bacteria growth in the formulation.

Biosaccharide Gum-1 - Soothes and moisturises by helping the skin hold onto water by creating a film on the surface.

Benzyl Benzoate - Helps other ingredients dissolve in a formulation, acts a fragrance, and preservative.

Hexyl Cinnamal - Fragrance additive with a jasmine-like scent.

Linalool - Fragrance with a floral-like scent.

Butylphenyl Methylpropional - Fragrance with a floral-like scent.

Benzyl Salicylate - Fragrance enhancer or fragrance fixative.

Citral - Naturally derived fragrance with a citrus scent.

Citrus Junos Fruit Extract - Antioxidant that brightens skin tone and has some anti-aging benefits.

Hydroxycitronellal - Fragrance ingredient with a floral scent.

Denatonium Benzoate - Added to act as an antifoaming agent, cosmetic astringent, solvent and viscosity decreasing agent. It also acts as antimicrobial agent that kills or stops growth of bacteria.

Cl 19140 - Synthetic dye to give colour to a product.

Cl 14700 - Cosmetic colourant to give colour to a product.

Octadecyl Di-T-Butyl-4-Hydroxyhydrocinnamate - Antioxidant that helps stabilise sensitive cosmetic formulations and ingredients from oxidation.

My Experience Using The Boots Vitamin C Brightening Intensive Serum.

It is always important when using any new product to perform a patch test just to air on the side of caution if you do react, i have not experienced any negative side effects. I do notice the alcohol scent with every pump dispensed but it quickly disappears when those fragrance ingredients arrive to remind you of light-scented oranges. The serum is quite runny in texture but glides over the skin easily, whilst absorbing quite quickly, to leave the skin feeling super smooth. I really like how it does NOT leave any tackiness or that dreaded stickiness feeling left behind on the skin whilst i was also impressed that i experienced no balling or piling off even though dimethicone is in its formulation. I apply this serum first to the skin, followed by a hyaluronic based serum, moisturiser, and then a broad spectrum sunscreen. 

The Boots Vitamin C Brightening Intensive Serum is an affordable option to introduce into your skincare routine if you are wanting to use a derivative but stable-form vitamin C serum, x Neil. 

The LoveLula April Beauty Box

The LoveLula April Beauty Box.

The element of surprise each month is welcomed by natural beauty lovers in the UK and international, when receiving the LoveLula 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 whilst 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 used are not affiliated and are only used for you to discover the products.

AYUMI Neem & Tea Tree Body Wash.

Refresh the skin whilst invigorating the senses with the key actives and essential oils contained in AYUMI neem & tea tree body wash. The unique blend of bearberry, mulberry, nettle, tea tree and moringa ensures a thorough cleanse of the skin, whether applied in a bath or shower, whilst the cooling sensation provides that freshness feeling. Working over the skin in circular motions to ensure even coverage, the creamy and foaming formulation performs brilliantly whilst leaving the skin perfectly balanced when rinsed off. Suitable for oily and normal skin types, the body wash is the perfect product to use after the gym, sports, or at the end of a long day to refresh the skin and your wellbeing.

Nature's Kitchen Berry Beautiful Skin Polish.

Gently buff-away dead skin cells for a brighter and smoother complexion when applying the pH balanced nature's kitchen berry beautiful skin polish. Combining natural bamboo cane and red berry fruit seeds for physical exfoliation, this creamy formulation also contains AHA acids that help reveal brighter and more hydrated skin. Applying to a wet face and gently massaging the product for an even coverage, i like to leave this on for about 2 minutes just to allow the acids to fully penetrate and get-to-work for their skincare magic. The skin polish washes off great to leave the skin feeling refreshed and smoothed whilst it can be used 2-3 times a week in replace of your current face wash or cleansing balm for an at-home skin treatment.

Madara Hyaluronic Collagen Booster Ampoules.

Boost hydration efforts when applying the madara hyaluronic collagen booster ampoules that are suitable for dry, irritated, and your skin is showing the signs of ageing. Combining two different molecular size hyaluronic acids, the low is able to penetrate deeper in the skin whilst the high sits on the surface, they are both able to attract moisture to the skin and hold onto it. The clever part about these ampoules are they contain antioxidant ascorbyl palmitate and jojoba seed oil that acts as an occlusive - something you need when using any hyaluronic acid product to stop moisture loss and boost its efforts. Snapping the top of the ampoule you will notice the serum is a light red in colour and glides over the skin easily, i only used half its content in the morning and the other half at night. My skin felt super hydrated and i was really impressed on how little you need for a healthier looking complexion. I hope madara some how can take this formulation and put it into a full sized serum bottle?!

John Masters Organics Lip Calm.

Comfort the lips with the nourishing john masters organics lip calm that combines beeswax with a host of skin-loving and nurturing oils. I always apply any lip balm over damp lips to trap the moisture present, you can apply your serum over your lips or wet your lips with water and then follow with your oil-based lip balm to trap the moisture present. I was impressed on how comforting this lip balm feels without being too greasy whilst the citrus orange, lemon, and lime help influence your wellbeing.

Inika Phytofuse Renew Resveratrol Eye Cream.

Samples are ideal to experience a product before purchasing the full sized, the Inika phytofuse renew resveratrol eye cream does not disappoint. The lightweight eye cream combines a probiotic, resveratrol (Antioxidant), grapeseed oil, rose of Jericho and squalane with a host of humectants and emollients to transform but respect the eye area. I was impressed on how light this feels on application and instantly absorbs to magically awaken any tired eyes, a must-have eye cream! The full sized product does have a cooling ceramic tip and is suggested to store in a fridge for that extra coldness sensation to reduce any puffy eyes.

Purchase The LoveLula April Beauty Box.

The LoveLula April 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 £57.00. 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 May beauty box will contain and what will be featured for you to discover products you may not be aware of to purchase? Discover more here: LoveLula Beauty Box xNeil.

The Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil Rollerball 10ml.

The Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil Rollerball 10ml.

Nourish and repair the skin easily when applying the compact sized Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil Rollerball with 10ml of product. The popular New Zealand natural skincare brand discovered the beneficial benefits of rosehip oil and this lead to the start of "Trilogy" which consisted of a range of five rosehip oil products but has now grown to over 40 due to popular demand.  The brand is always striving to create products that are highly effective and only containing nature's powerful offerings to offer a solution and unique experience when used. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated.

The Benefits Of Rosehip Oil.

The certified organic golden seed oil of Rose Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil has a rich content of skin-loving vitamins and essential fatty acids, whilst also containing phenols that are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-septic properties. The dry and non-greasy oil helps the skin hold onto to water for better hydration whilst also moisturising to help improve dry skin conditions. The vitamins A, C, and E also contribute to help improve skin-tone and texture to help reduce hyperpigmentation and fine lines/wrinkles which is why its popularity in anti-ageing products has soared.

Caution And Warnings Of Rosehip Oil.

It is important to perform a patch test on your wrist or forearm and wait 24 hours to see if there are any signs of irritation such as red itchy skin, watery eyes, scratchy throat, nausea and vomiting. Although this generally safe-to-use oil can be enjoyed by many, if you experience any signs of unwell you must seek immediate emergency medical care.

How To Use The Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil Rollerball 10ml.

The compact size, roll-on applicator not only ensures a mess-free application (pipette facial oils are great but you can sometimes end up using too much oil) you can also spot treat in specific areas and ensure an even coverage around the eye contours and it be used as a lip balm. I was impressed on how quickly the oil absorbs to leave the skin feeling super comforted and nourished, whilst it can easily be used anywhere and everywhere for extra nourishment and repair.

Purchase The Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil Rollerball 10ml which is travel and bag friendly and priced at £11.50 from here: LoveLula x Neil. 

The Handmade Soap Company Art Deco "We're For Hands" Handcare Gift Set.

The Handmade Soap Company Art Deco "We're For Hands" Handcare Gift Set.

Treat your hands to an at-home salon-grade hand treatment when performing the three easy simple steps from The Handmade Soap Company Art Deco "We're For Hands" Handcare Gift Set. The luxury Art Deco collection beholds a romantic and blossoming nod to the flappers and dandies of the 1920s whilst the products featured are free from parabens, SLS, petrochemicals and other synthetics whilst being cruelty free and vegan friendly. Presented in glass apothecary style packaging, the resealable display gift box is made from FSC Certified sustainable card from managed forests.
Read on to discover how you can transform your hands to a soft and supple state, disclaimer - the links used are not affiliated.

HAND SCRUB - BERGAMOT & EUCALYPTUS 'ART DECO'

Exfoliating the hands not only will texturally improve the skin to gently buff away any dead skin cells but it will also help your hand cream to penetrate deeper for maximum benefits. The soft granules of sugar are the physical exfoliator to make it a "scrub" which is also combined with nourishing skin-loving oils that help to reset and soften any overworked hands. Placing a little on damp skin and rubbing your hands together, you can also work the scrub in circular motions on any callous or dry areas, before leaving on the hands for 2 minutes. Rinsing the luxurious scrub off with warm water and gently patting dry, you will be amazed on how soft and smooth the skin feels whilst your hands will look revitalised.

HAND CREAM - BERGAMOT & EUCALYPTUS 'ART DECO'

Replenish hydration and moisture with this rich plant-based hand cream either after you have just exfoliated or throughout the day when your hands need an extra boost. Featuring a host of skin-loving oils to nourish deeply and condition the skin, the combined essential oils with added parfum also helps to influence your wellbeing with its luxury scent. Applying a little, the cream instantly nourishes as you work it over and into both hands whilst it does not leave the skin feeling overly greasy or sticky because it absorbs quickly. I also like to apply this hand cream at night to really let the ingredients work to their full potential for an over-night restorative skin treatment your hands will love.

CUTICLE OIL - BERGAMOT & SANDALWOOD 'ART DECO'

Protect your nails and the cuticles from trauma when applying this quick and easy treatment oil to both hands. Combining a host of nourishing oils to improve health and appearance of dry or cracked cuticles, this quick and easy treatment can also be used as a pre-manicure treatment. The handy (no pun intended) brush applicator delivers the perfect drop of oil onto the area for you then to proceed to massage the oil using circular motions which will then boost circulation and stimulate nail growth. I like to apply this treatment over-night for maximum benefits because handwashing during the day would limit its potential but i have been impressed on how quickly it can improve my neglected cuticles from the first use.

Pamper and take care of your hardworking hands with the nourishing and conditioning properties of the products featured in this amazing hand care gift set, The Handmade Soap Company Art Deco "We're For Hands" Handcare Gift Set is priced for £34.95 and available here: LoveLula x Neil.

Pioneering Skincare From UpCircle Beauty.

Love using beauty products but are worried about the effect its having on our planet because of the ingredients sourced and the packaging it is presented in? In walks UpCircle Beauty who save leftover natural ingredients from landfill to then turn them into must-have beauty products your skin will love to use whilst all the packaging is 100% recyclable. The environmentally-friendly beauty brand presents a range of pioneering skincare products that utilises nature's own power to help you with your own skin concerns. Disclaimer: The links in black are not affiliated and are there for you to discover the products.

Cleansing balms are a great product to use to dissolve and breakdown products you have applied to the face such as sunscreens and makeup whilst they can also contribute to delivering benefits to the skin depending on the ingredients used. The UpCircle cleansing face balm hosts a cocktail of skin nourishing and calming ingredients in its Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax base whilst the reused, repurposed, and reloved finely-ground powder of discarded apricot stones is featured to aid in healthier skin thanks to its antioxidant vitamin E content. Presented in a glass jar with a screw-off aluminium lid, the balm has a rich yellow colour whilst the welcoming natural fragrance is heavenly and really influences your wellbeing. Applying a coin-sized amount to dry skin all over the face and neck using upward circular motions will help warm the skin and balm to allow the oils to interact and get to work. Removing using a warm muslin cloth or flannel that provides a light exfoliation, the balm provides a thorough cleanse without overstripping to leave the skin feeling softer, smoother, and looking brighter. You can then follow on with your water-based cleanser to perform a double cleanse method that helps your water-based cleanser perform better to remove pore impurities because its not having to work through layers of products, if you use a lot of them. I love how effective but gentle this balm performs each time i have applied it because of its skin-calming blackcurrant seed, blue tansy and sea buckthorn oils and can even be used around the delicate eye area.
Buy It Now - UpCircle Cleansing Face Balm.

Facial oils are the perfect product to apply to protect the skin from environmental pollutants whilst also delivering their specific ingredients (depending on what they contain) to help balance and nurture. The sometimes overlooked skincare product can be used for all skin types (yes even oily) to awaken dull complexions with a natural glow whilst tackling some skin issues you may be facing. The UpCircle organic face serum utilises coffee oil that has been extracted from repurposed grounds to allow this ingredient to be reused and reloved with antioxidant benefits for the skin because of the essential fatty acids, sterols, and vitamin E content. The other antioxidant beneficial oils featured are as follows:

• Emollient sunflower seed oil that helps to replenish the skin's barrier.
• Safflower seed oil that has moisturising effects to help skin become smooth and less dry.
• Anti-inflammatory jojoba seed oil helps soothe dry skin and assists in repairing damage.
• Sensitive skin welcomer sea buckthorn seed oil helps hydrate, promote elasticity, and is anti-inflammatory which is ideal for spot and acne prone skin.
• Anti-aging rosehip fruit oil that is able to penetrate the skin to boost elasticity and hydration whilst helping to improve the signs of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Antioxidant raspberry seed oil that supports the skins regeneration process whilst aiding in protection of the skin when applied under your sunscreen protection.
• Oil balancer bergamot fruit oil that soothes skin irritations and helps balance sebum levels.
• Skin tightening geranium flower oil helps firm the skin without compromising moisture and helps the skin naturally glow with its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Astringent lemon peel oil helps to tighten the skin whilst having some antioxidant benefits.
• Hydrating palmarosa oil that supports in prevention of dehydration whilst having anti-inflammatory benefits and balancing oil to help with spot or acne prone skin. 
• Multitaster anti-aging vetiver root oil helps tighten and firm the skin whilst hydrating and protecting.
• Deeply nourishing rose flower oil helps nourish and regenerate the skin to help restore a natural glow to the complexion.
• Skin rescuer calendula flower extract soothes and promotes healing whilst also helping to firm and hydrate the skin.
• Natural constituent of essential oils listed are - Limonene, Geraniol, Linalool, Citronellol, Citral, Farnesol.

Presented in a recyclable glass bottle with a pipette for easy dispensing, you only need one/two drops to apply to the face and neck. I was impressed on how quickly this absorbs and leaves skin feeling comforted and nourished that awakens the complexion with a natural glow without any residue leftover because it is texturally lightweight. Applying to a cleansed skin followed by your moisturiser and sunscreen, you can also enjoy this oil if you still want to use your water-based serum and moisturiser, just apply after to seal over these products followed by your chosen spf for a boost of pioneering skincare from UpCircle Beauty.
Buy It Now - UpCircle Organic Face Serum With Coffee Oil x Neil.