Olverum Body Polish.

The Olverum Body Polish 200ml.

The Olverum body polish is a staple skincare product that should be included in your skincare routine because not only does it contribute to improve the skins health it can also influence your wellbeing. The skin naturally sheds every 30 days in a continuous cycle to remove the dead skin cells but sometimes these cells do not shed properly and the results can appear as dry, flaky patches while also trapping sweat and blocking pores. Read on to discover more about the gentle but effective body polish that leaves the skin visibly smoother while feeling a lot softer. Suitable for all skin types the Olverum Body Polish is vegan and cruelty-free, free from artificial preservatives, fragrance and colourants, Silicone, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Sulphates, Phthalates, Parabens, Triclosan and animal derived ingredients  Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product.

Exfoliate The Skin With The Olverum Body Polish.

Incorporating an exfoliator or polish skincare product into your routine regularly will help prevent the typical signs as mentioned above while also helping to improve skin texture by leaving the skin smoother and softer. The Olverum body polish combines sustainably-sourced Papaya Enzyme that helps to dissolve and remove dead skin cells and has some wound-healing and anti-inflammatory benefits while also including the two physical exfoliants which are Bamboo Extract and Pumice. Light in weight with a creamy texture, the body polish also features Hydroclay that draws out any impurities, Bergamot, Lavandin and Geranium Oils that boost elasticity, botanicals Grapefruit Oil and Fennel Oil to re-energise with the rejuvenating scent of Patchouli Oil and Ylang Ylang to influence your wellbeing. 

Application Of The Olverum Body polish.

Applying the luxurious spa-quality body treatment to dry or damp skin using circular motions will not only help manually remove any dead skin cells present because of the two physical exfoliators present in the formula but you will also boost blood circulation and lymphatic drainage when using this method on application. Ideally you should also leave the body polish on the skin for at least 5 minutes to allow the papaya enzyme to thoroughly remove the dead skin cells and damaged keratin that can build up on the skin and form small bumps. Rinsing the skin thoroughly and then patting dry, you will be amazed on how silky soft the skin feels while the texture of the skin is dramatically a lot smoother!

Exfoliating the skin not only improves the skins health but it also allows your other products to penetrate and function better, prevents ingrown hairs if you shave, and creates an even base if you like to use fake tan. The Olverum Body Polish is presented in a 200ml glass jar and priced at £38.00 while it is available to purchase from here Olverum and SpaceNK xNeil.   

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence.

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence.

Soothe and rehydrate the skin when applying the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 100ml. Formulated with 96.3% snail secretion filtrate with humectant sodium hyaluronate, the gel lotion hydrates and protects the skin from moisture loss with its lightweight texture. All COSRX products are formulated with skin-friendly ingredients that alleviate irritated skin. Hypoallergenic, Dermatologist tested, Cruelty FREE, Parabens FREE, Sulfates FREE and Phthalates FREE. 

Application Of The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence.

The alcohol free Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is suitable for all skin types and should be the first product applied to the entire face after cleansing or toning because it is an "Essence" before any serums. I really like how this is fragrance and essential-oil free so can easily be tolerated around the sensitive areas of the face such as the eye (though do not get it into the eyes) and the mouth area while the full ingredients are as follows:

Snail Secretion Filtrate - A combination of proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, glycoprotein enzymes, hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, antimicrobial peptides and trace elements including copper, zinc, and iron that helps to aid in repairing the skin. 

Betaine - Moisturiser and humectant to keep skin hydrated by controlling cell water balance. 

 

Butylene Glycol - Humectant that attracts water while also aiding in helping ingredients penetrate into the skin and giving a nice texture to the product.  

1,2-Hexanediol - Solvent for ingredients and boosts preservatives while also having humectant and emollient properties.

 

Sodium Polyacrylate -  Thickens up water-based products while also stabilising ingredients and has some water-binding properties. 

 

Phenoxyethanol - Preservative to stop the product turning bad 

 

Sodium Hyaluronate - Skin identical ingredient that has humectant properties and can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water. 

Allantoin - Soothing and promotes wound-healing while also protecting and softening the skin. 

 

Ethyl Hexanediol - Solvent that dissolves ingredients to be used in a formula. 

 

Carbomer - Turns a liquid formula into a gel that is non-sticky and feels pleasant on application.  

Panthenol - Pro-Vitamin B5 soothes irritated and compromised skin while also helping to hydrate and moisturise and support the skins barrier function. 

 

Arginine - Semi-essential amino acid that is skin-identical that moisturises and hydrates the skin while also helping wound healing.   

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 100ml. 

Snail Mucin is collected safely, NO snails are harmed in the process! After collection, it is then processed as a cosmetic material as COSRX is ALL FOR CRUELTY-FREE! I really like how lightweight it feels on application while it absorbs quite quickly to leave the skin feeling fresh without any greasiness or stickiness. Ideal to use all year round in any climate, it works great under any moisturiser or sunscreen without any pilling or flaking off and can be applied both morning and night. Add the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence into your skincare routine for smoother and hydrated skin priced at £14.85 and available here: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence x Neil. 

Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen Light/Medium 60ml.

Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen Light/Medium 60ml.

Discover the reef safe formula that is the Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen Light/Medium 60ml which is developed without chemical absorbers oxybenzone & octinoxate which may be damaging to coral reefs and sea life. Designed with daily use in mind the UVA & UVB broad spectrum protection is provided by the highly stable and non-irritating zinc oxide that acts as a physical block rather than chemical sunscreen ingredients that absorb them. I personally like zinc oxide because its offers other benefits which are helpful to the skin such as treating skin-irritations and healing wounds while even though it can leave a white cast, tinted versions are now available to counteract that problem. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the products. 

Application Of The Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen Light/Medium 60ml.

Presented in a tube for easy dispensing it is required to apply the required amount which is two finger lengths or two teaspoons 20 minutes before any sun exposure. Reapplying every two hours or more frequently when sweating and/or if you are swimming (the formula is not water resistant) is required but reapplication is made easier with this formulation if your wearing makeup by dispensing the required amount onto a beauty blender and reapplying over the top. The Australian made sunscreen is vegan friendly and cruelty-free while the full ingredients are as follows:

Active: 

Zinc Oxide 215mg/g - Sunscreen 

Contains: Phenethyl Alcohol - Masks the smells of other cosmetic ingredients with a rose like scent and it can be found in other essential oils while also having antimicrobial activity and boosting other preservatives.

Inactives: 

Aqua - Solvent for other ingredients.

Isoamyl Laurate - Emollient which is a natural silicone alternative and helps in dissolving UV-filters in sunscreens or dispersing pigments in a formula.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride - Emollient from coconut and glycerin that keeps the skin nice and smooth.

Sorbitan Stearate - Emulsifier that helps water ingredient to mix with oil ingredients. 

 

Cetearyl Alcohol - Non-drying and non-irritating, this fatty alcohol has emollient benefits while also stabilising oil-water formulations. 

Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate - Viscosity controlling that thickens a formula to help with texture.

Caprylyl Glycol - Emollient and moisturising properties while also boosting other preservatives. 

 

Glyceryl Isostearate - Emollient while also having emulsifying properties to form a uniform mixture of water and oils that typically don't mix. 

 

Xanthan Gum - Viscosity controlling to improve texture of the formula and emulsion stabilising to stop water and oil ingredients separating.  

 

Polyhydroxystearic Acid - Dispersant or dispersing agent that is typically used in titanium dioxide or zinc oxide sunscreens to help with an even application and reduce the white cast while also stopping water and oils separating.  

Cetearyl Glucoside - Emulsifier that gives skin a soft and smooth feel while also helping spreadability of a product. 

 

Sucrose Cocoate - Emulsifier that helps stop water and oils from separating while also being an emollient keeping the skin soft and smooth. 

 

Rosa Canina (Rose Hip) Fruit Oil - High omega fatty acid content with tocopherols (Vitamin E) and carotenoids (Pro-Vitamin A) that has skin-regenerative properties. 

 

Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil - Antioxidant benefits from the Vitamin E while also having emollient benefits from the nourishing and moisturising fatty acids included.

Glycerin -  Moisturiser and humectant that keeps the skin lipids hydrated, protects against irritation and restores the barrier function. 

Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract - Emollient with soothing benefits, it also supports the skins acid mantle while also having anti-inflammatory properties.

 

Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract - Antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and antimicrobial benefits.

CI 77492 - Colorant which is iron oxide yellow. CI 77491 - Colorant which is iron oxide red.

CI 77499 - Colorant which is iron oxide black. 

Potassium Sorbate - Preservative to stop the product going off, typically used with other preservatives to boost effectiveness. 

Parfum - Helps the product smell nice. 

Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen Light/Medium Or Medium/Dark.

The Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen is available in either light/medium or medium/dark shades but don't be put off by the colour that you see when dispensing the product. It does appear darker to begin with but glides over the skin easily and disperses the colour excellently to be sheer with a slight tint before absorbing quickly. I was quite surprised on how lightweight it feels on the skin and does not feel greasy or sticky (even throughout the day) while a slight scent can be detected but soon disappears after five minutes. It does not ball-up or flake off and because there are no chemical sunscreen ingredients included in the formula you wont get that dreaded stinging or watery eyes!  

Add the reef-friendly and non-greasy sunscreen into your daily skincare routine which is priced at £14.95 and available here: sukin spf30 sheer touch face Sunscreen light/medium 60ml. x Neil. 

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion.

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion.

Refresh and soothe the delicate eye area when applying the Liz Earle eyebright soothing eye lotion morning and night. Not tested on animals and suitable for vegetarians the natural active ingredients included in the formula are the herb eyebright, witch hazel, aloe vera and cornflower that all contribute to cool and soothe sensitive eyes while also revitalising. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product. 

Clean And Refresh The Eyes.

Twisting up the cap of the bottle and dispensing the non-oily lotion onto a cotton pad or reusable bamboo cotton pads, you can now sweep over the eyelids and lashes to clean and refresh the eyes. I typically like to apply this product after cleansing and for an intensive treatment i leave on the eye area as a soothing compress for 10-15 minutes, you can even store the bottle in the fridge for a cooler experience especially when the weather is warm/hot. 

Suitable For Contact Wearers.

I love how the lotion refreshes heavy and tired eyes while also soothing and cleaning the eye area which is ideal for hay-fever sufferers or for anyone who struggles with streaming and irritated eyes. Suitable for contact wearers, the eye lotion takes care of the outer eye area while any eyedrops or eye spray will repair the oily layer of the natural tear film which may have been disturbed by environmental factors such as staring at any screen for too long, air-conditioning or central heating.

The Liz Earle eyebright soothing eye lotion is priced at £8.00 for the 50ml sized version and is available here: Eyebright™ Soothing Eye Lotion x Neil.   

Some Reasons Why It’s Not Frivolous to Take Personal Grooming Seriously.

Some Reasons Why It’s Not Frivolous to Take Personal Grooming Seriously.

 

Pixabay CC0 License

When all is said and done, most people enjoy spending some time on their personal grooming routines, and making sure that they look and feel their best on a regular basis.

While, of course, it’s good to maintain perspective and to not get too carried away or become narcissistic, some people end up taking an excessively negative view of personal grooming in general – and view it as more or less frivolous and a waste of time, beyond the very most fundamental basics like regularly bathing.

Here are some reasons why it’s not frivolous to take personal grooming seriously.

Because it can directly influence your health.

To begin with, not all personal grooming techniques and routines are purely cosmetic. In fact, a number of them can actively and directly influence your health in positive ways.

Looking for the best water flosser, for example, might be something that you will initially be motivated to do for cosmetic reasons – but there’s no denying that having a more thorough dental hygiene routine results in better oral health and overall health.

Likewise, taking up an exercise routine, or improving your posture, can influence how you look while also having positive health benefits – even if these two things are not immediately and directly considered to be elements of “personal grooming.”

Because paying attention to your personal grooming can help you to organise and improve your life more generally.

Life can be tricky, complicated, and frustrating for all of us in a variety of different ways – and it’s not uncommon for people to fall into ruts and lose the positive momentum that so often guides us through life’s challenges and helps us to maximise and achieve our potential.

Being attentive to your personal grooming can, in many cases, actually help you to organise and improve your life more generally.

For one thing, adopting a personal grooming routine is one way of reclaiming a bit more control in your life, not to mention pride in yourself. Both of these things may well be prerequisites for improving and uplifting your life more generally, and helping you to move forward once again.

Because having a bit of extra confidence can be a great thing.

Ultimately, we all want a bit of confidence – and there is a world of difference between confidence and arrogance.

In fact, in many cases, the arrogant persona actually masks an underlying lack of confidence.

While the deepest and most powerful forms of self-confidence won’t come from your appearance and presentation, we all tend to feel better about ourselves and to be more optimistic, when we are happy with our appearance and the way we present ourselves.

Spending some time on your personal grooming each day can help to give you a bit of extra confidence, which in turn can make you more positive, more outgoing, and can improve your overall sense of well-being and happiness in a variety of different ways. x Neil.