Thursday, 17 June 2021

Madara SPF50 Pro-Active Sunscreen Stick 18g.

Madara SPF50 Pro-Active Sunscreen Stick 18g.

skincare
Sunscreen sticks are an effective product to use because they ensure an even and thorough application which is essential when applying any (SPF) sun protection factor. The Madara SPF50 Pro-Active Sunscreen Stick 18g is a physical sunblock that utilises zinc oxide to protect against UVB, UVA II, and UVA I while also including ceramides and antioxidants for extra skin benefits. Typically the texture of sunscreen sticks are ideal to use around the eyes because the formula does not run while also it is ideal to target specific areas such as top of the ears, neck, and even apply to your hands for on-the-go protection. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product.

Broad Spectrum Protection Zinc Oxide.

skincare
Presented in travel-friendly packaging, the tinted formula does appear sheer on the skin which is helpful because you wont be left with a white or grey cast that zinc oxide can leave visible on the skin. I do like zinc oxide because not only does it provide the broadest and highly-stable protection available, it also functions as a skin protectant and anti-irritant to treat skin irritations. It is warned not to seek sun exposure and to try an avoid it (even when wearing any sun protection product) while once you have opened and used the sunscreen stick you have 6 months until expiry.   
The full ingredients are as follows:    

ZINC OXIDE; Broad-spectrum Sunscreen that also helps skin irritations. 

ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) BRAN OIL; Antioxidant and emollient that nourishes and moisturises.

VEGETABLE OIL; Emollient.

DICAPRYLYL CARBONATE; Emollient. 
 
ISOAMYL LAURATE; Emollient which is considered a natural silicone alternative.

CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE) ; Colourant which has a white pigment. 

HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED WAX; Emollient while also stabilising a products formula. 

ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) BRAN WAX; Skin conditioner and protector that also aids in spread-ability of a products formula.

RHUS SUCCEDANEA FRUIT WAX; Viscosity controlling to thicken up a products formula.

HYDRATED SILICA; Viscosity controlling to help improve texture and has absorbent properties.

SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL; Emollient that forms a nourishing and protective barrier. 

JOJOBA ESTERS; Non-greasy emollient that provides soothing and moisturising properties. 

SILICA; Viscosity controlling to help thicken the texture of a product while also having absorbent properties and to suspend insoluble particles in the formula. 

THEOBROMA CACAO (COCOA) SEED BUTTER; Emollient that nourishes and moisturises.

AROMA; MADARA products aromatic compositions are made entirely of natural raw materials without synthetic molecules.
 
TOCOPHEROL; Antioxidant vitamin e that provides photoprotection against UVB rays while also having emollient benefits. 

HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES (SEA BUCKTHORN) FRUIT OIL; Antioxidant and emollient with moisturising and protecting benefits. 

NIGELLA SATIVA (BLACK CUMIN) SEED OIL; Antioxidant and emollient with soothing anti-inflammatory benefits.

CI 77491 (IRON OXIDES); Red iron oxide that provides a red colour and is typically used in makeup to give pink tones.

CI 77492 (IRON OXIDES); Yellow iron oxide that provides a yellow colour that when mixed with red iron oxides gives a flesh-toned shade.

CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES); Black iron oxide that controls the darkness of the flesh-toned shade when mixed with the other two oxides above. 

GLYCOLIPIDS; Mixed substances which contain carbohydrates covalently attached to a lipid that provide good moisturising properties and can help damaged skin cells recover.

GLYCOSPHINGOLIPIDS; Ceramides that help repair the skins barrier function while also improving hydration to counteract the signs of sensitivity, dryness, and dullness.

AQUA; Solvent that helps ingredients mix. 

GERANIOL; Aromatic component of natural essential oils with a rose-like odour. 

Applying The Sunscreen Stick.

skincare
Presented in the perfect pocket or bag size, it actually fits perfectly in your hand to apply the protection solaire precisely and adequately. Turning the dial at the bottom will move the formula up out of the packaging while the shape (reminds me of a tear drop) ensures easy application to the face, decollete and hands. The tinted pink formula allows you to see where you have placed it especially on pale skin but if you have a warmer skin tone then the formula is invisible. I really like how easy and quick it is to apply and reapplication is made easier throughout the day because even though the formula is hydrating it dries down pretty quickly without feeling sticky or looking greasy on the skin. A perfect sunscreen stick for on-the-go protection anytime of the year that is priced at £17.75 and available here: Madara SPF50 Pro-Active Sunscreen Stick 18g.  x Neil. 

Thursday, 27 May 2021

LoveLula Beauty Box May 2021.

LoveLula Beauty Box May 2021.

skincare
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 organic 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 (details at the end of blog post) 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.

Products Inside The LoveLula Beauty Box May 2021?

The LoveLula beauty box May 2021 arrives in secure recyclable packaging and each product inside is protected by the recyclable filling to keep your products valued at £68.00 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 products featured are as follows:
skincare
Wash away daily impurities while still caring for your skin when using the organic works lavender hand wash that has been clinically tested & suitable for the most sensitive or eczema prone skin. Dispensing one or two pumps into wet hands and creating a rich but hydrating foam, dont forget to breathe in to take advantage of the calming scent that will influence your wellbeing. I was really impressed on how clean my hands felt without stripping them off moisture because we should be washing our hands at least 6-10 times a day and this hand wash certainly makes that task worthwhile. 
skincare
Naturally balance oily and congested skin when applying the urban veda purifying day cream that harnesses the holistic and therapeutic properties of plants and botanicals. Oily skin still needs a moisturiser because it can become dehydrated, the purifying day cream cleverly hydrates the skin throughout the day while helping to reduce excess sebum by balancing and clarifying to reduce impurities. Featuring botanicals neem oil, tea tree, witch hazel, spearmint and cypress it also combines phytoactives mulberry and bearberry with arjuna extract for healthier functioning skin. The lightweight cream instantly absorbs while its spearmint aroma soon dissapears after application to leave the complexion feeling hydrated and comfortable throughout the day, it also works great under any sunscreen! 
skincare
Treat your eyebrows to a rich emollient treatment when applying the bowe organics brow oil in the evening after cleansing. Featuring Ricinus Communis Seed Oil (castor oil) that is more glossy than other oils with its emollient and occlusive properties, the oil also features certified organic Carthamus tinctorius seed oil (safflower oil), Nigella sativa seed oil (black seed oil), Simmondsia Chinensis seed oil (jojoba oil), Tocopherol (vitamin E) and Helianthus annuus seed oil (sunflower oil). Placing a drop onto your finger tip and then massaging into the brows you can also use a brow brush or a clean mascara wand to distribute the oil onto every brow hair. I was quite surprised on how quickly the oil absorbs and leaves the brows feeling and looking perfectly nourished with repeated evening applications from the high fatty acid content each emollient oil contains. 
organic perfume
Evoke your senses to the magical and tender aroma when applying the walden natural perfumes a morning star perfume oil. The visual appeal of the blue oil displayed in its simplistic but stylish rollerball packaging draws your attention immediately before applying. Twisting the lid off and rolling the rollerball over your inner wrists, inner elbows, and the base of your neck the perfume will start to make an appearance before you have put the lid back on. Light and soothing lavender playfully plays with bergamot and grapefruit while Rose de Mai is not just a floral it also embodies different notes from nature but bringing depth and dimension to the perfume is captured by the notes of Sandalwood, Orris Butter and Cabreuva wood oil. The unisex perfume oil is bag friendly and will kindly remind you of its high quality scent profile that suits any season of the year.  

How To Purchase The LoveLula Beauty Box?

skincare
The total value of the LoveLula beauty box May 2021 is £68.00 while the many subscription plans available for the UK and International customers are varied but are excellent value for your money!
UK:                                                                   
Just Try One Box £19.95                              
Monthly Recurring £14.95                          
3 Months £42.60 (save 5%)                         
6 Months £80.70 (save 10%)
12 Months £152.50 (save 15%)

INTERNATIONAL:
Just Try One Box £24.95
3 Months £52.50
6 Months £100.00
12 Months £200.00
*Prices Correct At Time Of Writing - May 2021.

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 June beauty box will contain and what will be featured for you to discover products you may not be aware of to purchase? Purchase the LoveLula Beauty Box May 2021 available here: LoveLula Beauty Box x Neil.

Monday, 24 May 2021

Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15.

Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15.

skincare
Shield the skin from environmental pollutions when applying the Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15 daily. Typically CC creams are used to colour correct the complexion by helping to correct skin tone imperfections while also improve dullness, sallowness, dark spots and redness. Formulations have now evolved to not only provide a tint to the skin but also include ingredients that your skin will benefit from when applied. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the products.

Benefits Of The Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15.

The Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15 is scientifically proven to completely shield the skin from urban toxins and heavy metals while also supporting and protecting the skin microbiome (skin flora) that helps keep it healthy. The formula also contains a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with hydrators and humectants to keep the skin hydrated throughout the day. The full ingredients are as follows:

Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice - Moisturising with humectant properties, it also soothes and has anti-inflammatory benefits to support the skins regeneration. 

Dicaprylyl Carbonate - Emollient that gives a formula a velvety feel while also helping spreadabilty of sunscreens and solubilizing them in a formula. 

Isoamyl Laurate - Emollient that helps disperse pigments in a formula while helping a formula be velvety, silky and non-sticky.  

Zinc Oxide - Physical sunscreen with broad spectrum protection while also being able to treat skin irritations. 

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

Sorbitan Olivate - Emulsifying to help water and oil ingredients mix and not seperate.

CI 77891 Titanium Dioxide - Colourant which is a white pigment to give colour to a product.

Cera Alba Beeswax - Emollient to help skin become soft and smooth while also used to thicken a formulas texture. 

Lecithin - Emollient and water-binding properties that also helps water and oil ingredients mix and to create liposomes. 

Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate - Plant based ingredient that soothes the skin and has emollient benefits. 

Silica - Provides mattifying properties and helps to thicken a texture of a formula while also suspending insoluble particles. 

Aqua/Water - Solvent to dissolve ingredients. 

Cellulose - Provides mattifying and absorbent benefits while also thickening a formula.  

Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea-buckthorn) Fruit Extract - Antioxidant that shields from free radicals while also supporting the skin. 

Hypericum Perforatum (St. John's wort) Extract - Contains carotinoides that protect the skin while also supporting the skins regeneration and repair process.  

Quercus Robur (Oak) Bark Extract - Astringent that contains tannins that help with skin inflammation.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract - Green tea is an excellent antioxidant, UV protectant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and antimicrobial.

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract - Antioxidant with UV protecting benefits.

Sodium Chloride - Viscosity controlling that helps thicken up a formula.

Sorbitan Caprylate- Emulsifier that helps water and oil ingredients mix while also boosting preservatives.

Palmitic Acid - Emollient to help the skin become soft and smooth while also helping to thicken a formulas texture. 

Stearic Acid - Emollient while also stabilising water and oil formulas. 
 
Propanediol - Solvent to dissolve ingredients while also having moisturisation and humectant properties to hydrate the skin. 

Benzoic Acid - Preservative. 

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid - Low molecular weight that acts as a moisturiser with humectant properties, 

Sodium Hyaluronate - Moisturiser and humectant to improve hydration for all skin types.

CI77492 - Colourant iron oxide yellow that when blended with the colourants below creates a flesh-toned finish that is used in makeup.

CI 77491 - Colourant iron oxide red, can create pink tones in makeup. 

CI 77499 - Colourant iron oxide black that controls darkness of the colour (in a foundation) while also when combined with the colourants above creates a flesh-toned shade.

Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C) - Antioxidant which is a form of vitamin c. 

Sodium phytate - Chelating to keep the product the same over time once opened.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E) - Antioxidant that also provides emollient benefits for the skin.

Vanillin - Fragrance of vanilla. 

Potassium Hydroxide - Sets the pH of the formula. 

Application Of The Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15.

Dispensing the product is made easy by the squeezable tube and nozzle to control the amount you wish to use but don't be put off by the colour that does appear darker before application. The non-runny texture is perfect to apply to the face and neck before buffing and blending with your fingers or a brush that leaves the skin feeling perfectly comforted with a natural looking finish. The directions do state you can apply this on its own or over a moisturiser but i personally use this differently as i like to seek products with a higher SPF included. I apply the cc cream over my SPF30 or 50 and find that because the formula and texture are so brilliant in providing a natural looking coverage with its added skin care benefits included, my skin feels perfectly nurtured without feeling greasy or looking overly shiny. It also creates an excellent base under makeup by acting as a non-silicone colour correcting primer that ensures to support and shield the skin throughout the day.

Available in two shades light or medium and suitable for all skin types it is priced at £27.00 and available here: Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15 x Neil. 

Friday, 21 May 2021

Olverum Body Polish.

The Olverum Body Polish 200ml.

skincare
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.   

Wednesday, 19 May 2021

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence.

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence.

skincare
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. 
© Blonde Male
Maira Gall