Tuesday, 10 August 2021

Louis Varel Extreme Rose EDP 100ml.

The Louis Varel Extreme Rose Eau de Parfum 100ml. 

scents
Featured from the Louis Varel oriental collection, the extreme rose presents itself as a unisex sweet-oriental Eau de Parfum. Beautifully housed in a white heavy bottle, the roses are mixed with toffee and vanilla while also incorporating other specific notes to give this scent its unique scent profile, read on to discover more. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product at the end of the blog post. 

Rose scents have somewhat been categorised to be just as they state "floral" with also their appeal being targeted to a mature audience, which i think do them an injustice. It is great to see more rose scents arriving on the scent scene that involve much more than their title or name might suggest while also seeing them appeal to a broader audience thanks to the perfumers who have re-invented rose perfumes.  

Louis Varel Extreme Rose EDP 100ml Scent Profile Features: 

Top Notes: Orange, Lemon & Toffee

Mid Notes: Rose, Patchouli oil & White Wood

Base Notes: Amber & Vanilla

Spraying onto the pulse points of the body will allow any perfume to project further because these areas are warmer, but extreme rose does not disappoint as from the first spray it lets you know immediately of its arrival and is still around you 5-6 hours later, longer when sprayed on clothes. Opening with the refreshing citrus notes of orange and lemon, the sugary sweet toffee note also included is the start of its unique journey. You will start to notice the powdery rose arrive while the sweet and dark patchouli oil and white wood provide the depth and character that any scent needs to make it unique. The amber and vanilla brings a warm and comforting undercurrent sweetness throughout the scent without it being nauseating or inducing a headache, the Louis Varel Extreme Rose EDP 100ML can be worn any season of the year and for any occasion. Discover the collection here: Louis Varel and available to purchase from Superdrug: Louis Varel Extreme Rose EDP 100ml  x Neil. 

Thursday, 5 August 2021

Jordan Samuel Retinol Treatment Oil.

Jordan Samuel Retinol Treatment Oil.

skincare
Discover the new and improved Jordan Samuel Retinol Treatment Oil that enables to nourish while also delivering a multivitamin and antioxidant treatment to the skin. The formulation is free from alcohol, fragrance and essential oils but does contain oil derived from nuts while also Jordan Samuel Skin is against animal testing. Lets take a look on what the oil contains and how to use, Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product.

The 0.2% Pure Retinol Treatment Oil.

The 0.2% pure retinol treatment oil combines eight oils that not only provide emollient benefits but each of them has been cleverly included to serve their own purpose to and for the skin. It is ideal if you are a beginner with retinol products to gently involve them in your skincare routine once or twice a week before gradually building-up to applying it every night. The treatment oil is suitable for combination, dry and mature skin types while the full ingredients are as follows:

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil - Derived from almonds, the emollient oil features fatty acids and antioxidants vitamins E and B to nourish and soften.  

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil - Argan oil is loaded with unsaturated fatty acids to nourish while also providing antioxidant benefits because of the vitamin E and phenols it contains.

Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil - Marula oil contains beneficial fatty acids oleic, palmitic, and linoleic while also natural antioxidants are also included such as vitamin E. 

Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil - The soothing and emollient oil contains fatty acids that not only nourish but the gamma-linolenic acid included is ideal to soothe irritated skin with its anti-inflammatory benefit.

Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil - Cranberry seed oil combines anti-inflammatory omega-3 and barrier repairing omega-6 from linolenic acid while oleic acid provides skin nourishment and antioxidant benefits are present from the vitamin E included.  

Rosa Canina Fruit Oil - Rosehip oil provides a high omega fatty acid content linoleic, linolenic, and oleic acid with antioxidant properties from the tocopherols and carotenoids included.

Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil - Sea buckthorn berry oil combines Omega-7 palmitoleic acid and palmitic acid with antioxidants vitamin E, beta-carotene, and lycopene while beta-sitosterol soothes and replenishes. 

Glycine Soja (Soyabean) Oil - Emollient soy bean oil contains linoleic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid that contribute to support barrier repair with anti-inflammatory and nourishing benefits. 

Retinol - Cell communicating and is the most proven anti-aging ingredient available to buy over the counter. A form of retinoids (Vitamin A) Retinol does have to be converted by the skin in two steps to retinoic acid for its benefits like this: retinol -- > retinaldehyde --> retinoic acid. It still is a proven and effective ingredient to include in your skincare routine for less wrinkled, but smoother, firmer and tighter skin while also being beneficial for acne prone skin types.

Tocopheryl Acetate - Antioxidant that is more stable with a longer shelf life than pure vitamin E while helping to combat free radicals that can damage and influence the skin. 

BHT - Antioxidant  and preservative that does not penetrate skin far enough to be absorbed into the bloodstream and is safe to use in cosmetics.

Application Of The Jordan Samuel Retinol Treatment Oil.

Presented in a dark bottle with a pipette dropper for easy dispensing, you can apply the oil in the AM and PM in two ways. You can dispense 3-5 drops and mix it with your hydrators such as serums and essences or the oil can be applied over your chosen moisturiser as your final step in your skincare routine, but remember to apply your SPF over it in the morning! I was pleasantly surprised on not only how lightweight the oil glides over the skin with its runny texture but it quickly absorbs into the skin without leaving a greasy or sticky residue, just perfectly nourished skin with that added retinol benefit! The Jordan Samuel Retinol Treatment Oil is priced at $43 available here: Jordan Samuel Skin or £38.50 and available here: Cult Beauty x Neil. 

Monday, 26 July 2021

LoveLula Beauty Box July 2021.

LoveLula Beauty Box July 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.

LoveLula Beauty Box July 2021.

The LoveLula beauty box July 2021 arrives in secure recyclable packaging and each product inside is protected by the recyclable filling to keep your products valued at £58.00 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
The Gallinee eye contour cream expertly cares and protects the delicate eye area by including skin-loving pre & probiotics. Respecting the natural pH of the skin and containing NO perfume which is ideal when applying any product around the eyes, the lightweight cream instantly nourishes and hydrates when applied both morning and night. I like to apply any eye product first to the skin to allow the ingredients to fully absorb without any interaction from any other products that might be applied first but i have been quite impressed on how this not only applies excellently but absorbs quite quickly to leave the eye area feeling perfectly happy!
skincare
Expertly define the eyes when applying the Soul Tree Kajal with natural pigments that provides the intense pure black colour on both the upper and lower eye lids. Containing camphor for a soothing and cooling action, the Kajal also contains emollients and waxes for comfort when applying and wearing. The soft texture easily glides over the skin to help you create your own personal look whether that be just lining the eyes or creating dramatic flicks but the ayurvedic kajal is also available in a range of colours to suit your makeup needs.
skincare
Presented in a tin, the plastic-free Bloomtown deodorant bar is a natural but effective odour protection anytime you need it. Gliding the bar over your armpits will evenly distribute the deodorant while also leaving the underarms feeling soft with a smooth finish. Containing magnesium hydroxide that counteracts any odour causing bacteria on the skin, the manihot esculenta root starch also contained absorbs excess sweat to keep the underarms moderately dry. Peppermint and lemongrass oil also present provides the fresh and uplifting scent in this cocoa seed butter base deodorant bar. 
skincare
Calm your senses while cleansing the skin in the shower or bath when lathering up the Skin Alchemists equlibrium artisan soap bar. Consisting of a base of olive oil, shea butter and coconut oil to thoroughly cleanse without drying the skin out, your wellbeing is also influenced by lavender, lime, vetiver and cedarwood. Hand poured so no two bars are the same, the palm oil free bar can be used on its own or used with either a body mitt or exfoliating gloves for an instant detoxification treatment at home because of the kaolin clay featured. 

How To Purchase The LoveLula July Beauty Box?

skincare
The total value of the LoveLula July beauty box is £58.00 while the many subscription plans available for the UK and International customers are varied but are excellent value for your money!
The UK Prices are:                                                                   
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%)

The INTERNATIONAL Prices are:
Just Try One Box £24.95
3 Months £52.50
6 Months £100.00
12 Months £200.00
*Prices Correct At Time Of Writing - July 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 August beauty box will contain and what will be featured for you to discover products you may not be aware of to purchase? Purchase any LoveLula beauty box July 2021 available here: LoveLula Beauty Box x Neil.

Thursday, 22 July 2021

Forrest & Love FOME - Focus Meditation Aroma Cushion.

 The Forrest & Love FOME - Focus Meditation Aroma Cushion

wellbeing
Create the perfect balance of the mind, body and spirit when placing the Forrest & Love FOME - Focus Meditation Aroma Cushion in your environment. The innovative aroma cushion brand are 100% Natural, 100% Biodegradable, 100% Handmade, and 100% Cruelty free while each cushion features a specific blend of 7 different herbs/spices and also features 2 essential oils to create its unique scent profile. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product. 

The Forrest & Love range features three different cushions to choose from that each utilise different inside fillings to support your wellbeing through the sense of smell. The Forrest & Love FOME balances and soothes any busy mind while also destressing to promote positivity for both the mind and body. Beautifully presented, the inner and outer cushion covers are 100% cotton fabric and are hand stitched while they are also 100% biodegradable because everything in the cushion has been collected from nature. 

I love how you can place the cushion beside your work desk, in your car, and even place beside your bed to calm and unwind from a busy day. The two essential oils featured in the FOME cushion are Patchouli and Frankincense that are mixed with eco-solvent Augeo clean multi for longer-lasting diffusion while the herbs and spices are:

Indian ginseng: promotes the functions of the brain and supports memory power.

Rosemary: promotes focus.

Patchouli: grounding and balancing properties.

Cardamom: supports relaxation.

Holy basil: energising and stimulating.

Vetiver: stabilises emotions such as fear and anger.

Dried rose: soothe the mind.

Sandalwood chips: peaceful and harmonised mind.

Frankincense: channels excess energy and counteracts restlessness.

Experience the aroma cushion for yourself with each cushion priced at £25.00 and to see the full range visit here: Forest & Love x Neil.

Monday, 19 July 2021

REN ClearCalm Clarifying Clay Cleanser.

REN ClearCalm Clarifying Clay Cleanser.

skincare
Expertly target congested and blemished skin when incorporating the REN ClearCalm Clarifying Clay Cleanser into your skincare routine morning and night. Containing specific ingredients to combat the causes of breakouts and blemishes, the non-foaming cleanser can be used in two ways but more importantly it does not dry-out the skin like some spot or acne products can do but instead calms! Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product. 

The REN ClearCalm Clarifying Clay Cleanser Ingredients.

Presented in post-consumer recycled packaging in line with REN's Zero Waste by 2021 Pledge, the squeezable tube makes it ideal for dispensing the product easily onto the skin. The clarifying clay cleanser is NOT ideal to use to remove sunscreen or makeup (think of it as a treatment) because you want the formula to target and get to work on a clean skin canvas. Removing makeup and sunscreens that are designed to stay on the skin for a longer period of time, using an oil-based cleansing product first will break-down these products and remove them, ready for a second step cleanse and treatment like this one.
The full ingredients are as follows:

Aqua (Water) - Solvent that helps ingredients to mix. 

Kaolin - A gentle form of a clay that helps absorb excess sebum while also helping to draw out impurities. Ideal for sensitive and dry skin types. 

Cetearyl Alcohol - Non-drying and non-irritating fatty alcohol that helps oil and water ingredients to stabilise while also having emollient benefits. 

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride - Emollient to achieve soft and smooth skin. 

Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil - Emollient plant oil that contains oleic and linoleic acid to support/repair dry skin. 

Glycerin - Humectant that supports the skins lipids, barrier function, and protects against irritations.  

Cetearyl Glucoside - Helps water and oil ingredients stabilise while also improving the spread ability of the product. 

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil - Emollient that helps keep the skin nourished and hydrated while also protecting and supporting the barrier function. It is ideal for acne or blemish prone skin due to its high linoleic acid content. 

Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract - Anti-inflammatory with antioxidative properties, it is rich in tannins that are astringents which target the skins pores for improvement. Ideal for acne and spot-prone complexions.   

Zinc Gluconate -  Antibacterial, wound healing, sebum regulation and also has soothing benefits to calm any irritated complexion. Ideal for acne or spot-prone skin. 

Bisabolol - Soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits taken from the active components of chamomile. 

Oryzanol - Antioxidant while also stabilising plant based oils in a formula. 

Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil -  Anti-inflammatory, Anti-fungal, Anti-microbial, Anti-oxidant, Astringent and Tonic.

Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil - Antimicrobial and antibacterial while also used to provide a scent to a product.  

Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract - Anti-inflammatory with antioxidant properties which help with wound healing. 

Leptospermum Scoparium Branch/Leaf - Antioxidant and Antibacterial properties. 

Tocopherol - Antioxidant that provides photoprotection while also having emollient benefits.  

Benzyl Alcohol - Preservative while also helping to thicken up any products texture.

Dehydroacetic Acid - Preservative to help keep your product nicer for longer.  

Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Oil - Anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits. 

Xanthan Gum - Helps to adjust the flow and feel of a formula. 

Crataegus Oxyacantha Stem Extract - Anti-microbial to combat bacteria on the skins surface while also having antioxidant benefits.  

Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract -  Antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties while also helping to detoxify and soothe the skin.

Glucose - Moisturiser and humectant that has water-binding properties. 

Lactobacillus -  Soothes and balances to calm irritated and angry skin.

Sodium Chloride -  Helps to control and achieve the right texture of a product.

Lactoperoxidase -  Antibacterial properties that are helpful for the skin and can eliminate acne-causing bacteria while also having antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

Glucose Oxidase -  Skin-conditioning agent. 

Lactic Acid - Exfoliant (AHA) for improved texture while also hydrating/moisturising and setting the correct pH of a formula. 

Linalool - Perfume ingredient that can be found in essential oils, plants and many products. The problem is when it comes into contact with oxygen, it breaks down and becomes oxidized, which can cause an allergic reaction. It is safe in low concentrations but not great if your skin is already irritated or sensitized. 

How To Use The REN ClearCalm Clarifying Clay Cleanser.

The creamy cleanser glides over the skin easily when massaging over the face and neck for 1-2 minutes before proceeding to the rinsing-off stage, but you can leave it on the skin for 10 minutes to act as a deep clarifying mask while also enjoying the lavender scent. I love how this thoroughly cleanses and draws out impurities thanks to the kaolin featured, exfoliation and hydration is welcomed by the lactic acid included, while the emollients and oils leave the skin feeling nourished when rinsing it off. Gently patting the face and neck dry with a towel i liked how my skin felt balanced without feeling taut or dry and any blemishes were on the retreat by the antibacterial and calming properties the non-drying formula contains. A highly recommended cleanser for blemish prone skin that is priced at £24.00 and available here: REN ClearCalm Clarifying Clay Cleanser xNeil. 
© Blonde Male
Maira Gall