Moschino Toy Fragrances

Discover the Moschino Toy fragrances that each present their specific scents in the legendary Moschino bear bottles. Launched in 2014, the Italian fashion design house presented the first scent Toy, followed by Toy 2 (2018), Toy Boy (2019), and then Toy 2 Bubble Gum (2021) in which each bottle is distinguished by the colour it presents with. I have loved Moschino fragrances throughout the years, in fact i can remember the scent Uomo? that still invokes happy memories from my teenage years, lets take a look at three of the Toy Fragrances. 

Toy 2.

Presented in a clear bear bottle, Toy 2 was created by Alberto Morillas and Fabrice Pellegrin to be a floral, woody, and musk fragrance for women. The opening notes of apple, mandarin orange, and magnolia welcome the senses with sweet and fruity notes but there is a floral undertone from the magnolia to stop the citrus and fruit becoming too much. The heart notes peony and jasmine elevate the floral appeal while the white currant brings a character of tartness and sweet fruitiness. The base notes of musk, amberwood and sandalwood bring depth to this fresh and clean feeling scent.

Toy Boy.

Presented in a opaque black bottle, Toy Boy was created and designed by creative director Jeremy Scott to be a Woody Spicy fragrance for men. The opening notes of pink pepper, pear, indonesian nutmeg, elemi and bergamot bring attention to your senses with its spicy, citrus, and woody profile. The heart notes of magnolia, rose absolute, clove bud, and flax flower contribute florals with spice and warmth. The base notes are Sylkolide, Cashmeran, Haitian Vetiver, Sandal Wood, and Amber that bring spice, warmth, sweetness, with woody, leathery, and smokey undertones in its entwined scent profile. A unique fragrance that sets itself apart from any other scent in your collection because its a rose scent that has been formulated extremely well!

Toy 2 Bubble Gum. 

Presented in a transparent glass body with a cap offering the colour pink, the nose behind Toy 2 Bubble Gum is Olivier Pescheux that created a floral fruity fragrance for women. The opening notes are Candied Fruits, Bitter Orange and Lemon that when mixed bring a clean and fresh citrus with added sweetened fruit appeal. The heart notes are Bubble Gum, Bulgarian Rose, Blueberry, Peach, Cinnamon, Peach Blossom and Ginger which consists of sweet florals and fruits while the cinnamon and ginger add a touch of spice and warmth. The base notes are Musk, Ambroxan and Cedar which play a sweet and woody undercurrent to add dimension and play the important foundation to boost the lighter notes. A fun and playful eau de toilette that gives you a scent of bubblegum before transforming to a sweet and candied rose aroma.

It will be interesting to see if Moschino will be adding any new toy fragrances to this existing scent line and i wonder what the next one will be? I believe all scents are gender neutral, regardless of the marketing, if you like the scent and want to wear it, then wear it! x Neil.

Gallinée Skin And Microbiome Food Supplement

Featuring 25 billion probiotics, One Gallinée skin and microbiome food supplement capsule is equivalent to 25 probiotic yoghurts. Including probiotics into your daily routine can have its advantages in many ways by helping to bring balance and support to your microbiome to fight off bad bacteria when you have too much. Everyone's microbiome is completely different but it presents itself as microbes that live in and outside of the body such as the gut, mouth, skin, lungs, and urinary tract keeping it healthy and balanced. The main purpose of taking a probiotic is to support the role of the microbiome while also supporting the immune system and controlling inflammation, good bacteria is needed! Let's take a look at what the Gallinée skin microbiome supplement contains - Disclaimer the links used are NOT affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product. 

Full Ingredients: 

Inulin - A soluble fibre found in many plants, it is also a fructan Prebiotic that feeds the good bacteria in the gut.   

Maltodextrin -  Improves the effectiveness, shelf-life, and overall potency of probiotics.

Capsule (Hypromellose) - Produced from cellulose, a natural polymer and fiber, which is considered to be safe for human consumption

Freeze Dried Bacteria Powder - Contains Soy. 

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus - A type of friendly bacteria naturally found in your gut that is a probiotic and can survive within the body while also adhere to and colonize your intestinal walls for optimal health benefits. 

Lactobacillus Casei - Beneficial to your digestive system, this probiotic helps to keep harmful microorganisms under control as well as used to prevent or treat diarrhea and other digestive problems.

Lactobacillus Paracasei - Boosting your immune system, this probiotic can also reduce inflammation and improve your digestion with its good survival within the gastrointestinal tract. 

Lactobacillus Helveticus  - Naturally found in the gut and certain foods, this probiotic helps with gut balance and stability as well as improving oral and mental health. - 

Selenium Enriched Yeast - A form of supplemental selenium, which is also referred to as organic selenium, the body depends on selenium to help produce thyroid hormones and glutathione peroxidases, which are important antioxidants. Selenium also helps the immune system by boosting white blood cells to fight infection and disease. 

Magnesium Stearate - Used as a flow agent in powder formulations to stop ingredients sticking together and the machine that creates the capsules.

Ascorbic Acid (Antioxidant) - Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant in which your body does not produce but supplementing it in your daily lifestyle has its benefits because it can boost immunity while also support growth, development, and repair of all body tissues.

Vitamin B2 - All B vitamins help the body to convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy while also metabolizing fats and protein within the body. The water-soluble vitamin also supports the liver, skin, hair, and eyes for optimal health and is also a great antioxidant that fights against free radicals that can damage cells and DNA.  

Gallinée have changed the capsules to a blue colour but don't worry the formulation is still the same if you are still taking the original ones. It is important to speak to a healthcare professional if you are taking medications before introducing any supplements into your daily lifestyle. I take one easy-to-swallow capsule before a meal with a glass of water each day and even though i follow a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables, pulses, nuts and wholegrains that all feed the healthy bacteria, the Gallinée skin and microbiome food supplement is also helpful in supporting the many tasks the microbiome performs which influences your overall health and then ultimately improves your skin. Purchase Here: Gallinée Probiotic Skin & Microbiome Food Supplements 30 capsules.
Read my thoughts of the Gallinée Youthful Serum i blogged about here: Gallinée Youthful Serum  x Neil. 

Hydrate And Nourish The Skin By Sarah London

Hydrate And Nourish The Skin By Sarah London

Effectively hydrate and nourish the skin when incorporating the two products By Sarah London mentioned in this blogpost into your skincare routine. A compromised skin barrier can be caused by many factors such as using too many active products that can cause irritation, seasonal changes in the weather leading to temperature changes that influence hydration levels, or dehydrated and dry skin types that crave the perfect balance between hydration (water) and nourishment (oil) while also supporting the skins barrier function. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the products. 

By Sarah London Reviver Hydrating Mist

Quench the skins thirst when spraying the By Sarah London Reviver Hydrating Mist onto clean skin every morning and evening. The innovative formula combines hydrators with a prebiotic that replenishes your skins microbiome to support the skins barrier function for improved hydration and health. Spraying over the face, a fine mist veils the skin while you can then follow on with your current serum or oil, moisturiser, and broad spectrum SPF, you can even apply over makeup to rehydrate or refresh the skin mid-day for on-the-go hydration. The formula does NOT include added water, fragrance, essential oils, and no filler ingredients just to bulk up a products texture.

Ingredients Of The Reviver Hydrating Mist Are As Follows:

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice - A humectant moisturiser that also has soothing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that helps support wound healing and skin regeneration. 

Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Water - Aqueous solution of the steam distillate obtained from the fruit of the kiwi that contains mineral salts and other plant-based trace elements to soften and soothe the skin while also preventing water (moisture) loss. 

Vitis Vinifera Fruit Water - Aqueous solution of the steam distillate obtained from the fruit of the grape that provides the skin with essential nutrients such as trace elements and mineral salts for exceptional skin conditioning benefits. 

Pentylene Glycol - Humectant and moisturiser that also functions as a solvent to help dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. 

Selaginella Lepidophylla Extract - Skin moisturising and protection from "Desert Rose" plant metabolites to enhance cellular renewal, promote collagen synthesis, while also deeply moisturising and soothing the skin. 

Benzoic Acid - Preservative that keeps your product nicer for longer.  

Sodium Hydroxide - Buffering ingredient that sets the correct pH of the products formula to the correct value.

Lactobacillus Ferment - Probiotic that acts as a preservative but also has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties while also protecting the skin from harmful bacteria to create a healthy balanced microflora. 

By Sarah London Hero Facial Oil

Nourish and restore the skin when applying the By Sarah London Hero Facial Oil that contains specific plant oils which each have their own beneficial benefit. Applying morning and night, i like to apply any facial oil over damp skin to seal in the moisture present from either your serum or it can be used over the hydrating mist just detailed above. I was pleasantly surprised on how quickly my skin drank this oil up to leave it feeling softer and comforted with a natural glow that doesn't feel or look overly greasy. The formula contains NO essential oils, fillers, water, and no fragrance.

Ingredients Of The By Sarah London Hero Facial Oil

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil* - Emollient plant oil that is high in fatty acids oleic acid and linoleic acid while also containing antioxidants vitamin E and vitamin B's.  

Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil* - Emollient plant oil that contains nourishing fatty acids oleic acid and linoleic acid while also containing antioxidant vitamin E. 

Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil* - Rich in vitamin E, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, zinc, cartenoids, and antioxidants, the emollient oil supports the barrier function for overall improvement of the skins health while also helping to counteract the damage caused from free-radicals. 

Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil* -  Emollient and antioxidant plant oil that contains oleic, linoleic, and palmitic unsaturated fatty acids with antioxidants vitamin E, phenols such as caffeic acid, ferulic acid and epicatechin, while rare sterols are also present to provide anti-inflammatory properties. 

Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil* - Soothing and emollient plant oil that contains nourishing, soothing, and healing fatty acids which are linoleic acid, oleic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid to help skin regenerate while reducing irritation and inflammation. 

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)** - Antioxidant that protects the skin from free-radicals that can damage collagen while also having emollient properties. 

*100% Certified-Organic, **100% Natural, GM-free. No added water, no fillers, no fragrance, no essential oils

By Sarah London Skincare 

The two products work exceptionally well to hydrate and nourish the skin and can be found here if you wish to purchase on the non affiliated links: By Sarah London Reviver Hydrating Mist and the By Sarah London Hero Facial Oil you can also discover my review of the cleanser from the same range here: By Sarah London Balancer Oil-to-milk Cleanser x Neil.

LoveLula Beauty Box December 2021.

LoveLula Beauty Box December 2021.

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.

What Is Inside The LoveLula Beauty Box December 2021?

The LoveLula beauty box December 2021 arrives in secure recyclable packaging and each product inside is protected by the recyclable filling to keep your products valued at £51.00 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:

Achieve a brighter and smoother complexion with one application from the easy-to-use MÁDARA peel brightening AHA mask. The combination of active ingredients, blended with soothing and hydrating components, this mask is your skin care product to reach for when your skin is looking dull, tired, and with signs of ageing. The AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) included in the mask is gentle lactic acid that is used to work on the skins surface to improve skin tone and texture, while also being able to enhance natural moisturising factors within the skin. Applying the mask evenly to a clean face and neck, you may notice a slight tingling sensation that can be experienced when using any acid product. Leaving the mask on for at least 3-10 minutes, if you experience any discomfort or a burning sensation you must rinse off immediately and reduce your next application time that is more suited to your skin. I always set a timer on my phone so i never go over the allocated time, before rinsing off with luke-warm-water to remove any traces and patting the skin dry. Soft and smoother skin is felt after the rinse off and my other skin care products did seem to penetrate quicker after using the mask. I do like to treat the skin after any treatment that has been performed, whether that be with a super hydrating serum, a high emollient moisturiser, or a nourishing and comforting facial oil that your skin will thank you for using.  It is important to remember that when using this product it is to be applied to skin in the evening and also a sunscreen should be worn the following morning while also avoiding any intense sun exposure like tanning and sun beds. Revealing this fresh layer of skin after using the mask, i would suggest a broad spectrum sunscreen 50+ that protects you against all the spectrums of UV light such as the UVA and UVB rays. Full sized priced at £24.00 and available here: Madara Active AHA Brightening Peel Mask 60ml

Deliver a super dose of multi-molecular hyaluronic acid when applying the MÁDARA time miracle hydra firm hyaluron concentrate jelly to the skin morning and night. The unisex and oil-free hydra jelly instantly satisfies dry and thirsty skin types by locking in essential moisture and reducing transepidermal water loss for an improved moisture balance. Dermatologically tested and being vegan-friendly, MÁDARA pride themselves on only using natural and organic ingredients in their products which are created in Latvia and are backed-up with scientific research with all products being dermatologically tested and being certified by Ecocert. Presented in clear packaging (great to see how much product there is) you squeeze the tube to dispense the perfect amount upon application on to clean skin. The gel hydratant glides over the skin easily feeling instantly refreshing and extremely lightweight, perfect for all skin types including problematic because it is non-clogging helping it be pore friendly, the multi-tasking ways you can apply it is entirely up to you - 

Day:

Apply as your usual serum followed by your moisturiser and current SPF.

Apply before your current serum as a priming step for an extra boost of hydration.

Night:

Apply before your night serum or moisturiser for an extra boost of hydration and care.

Other Applications:

Apply as an aftershave product and before sunscreen application for a hydrated and smooth base, whilst it is an ideal product to apply when using facial rollers and performing the Gua Sha technique. The travel friendly packaging is the perfect excuse to take this product with you because your skin will reap the benefits when applying anytime of the year. Full sized priced at £30.00 and available here: Madara time miracle hydra firm hyaluron concentrate jelly

Enjoy the natural castile soap with lemongrass essential oil that is in liquid form and easy to dispense and apply. Presented in a clear bottle to always check how much you have left, you can easily transform the soap into a lather while taking a deep breathe to enjoy the refreshing essential oil aroma. The organic base with natural vegetable oils is an hypo-allergenic alternative option to offer a cleansing experience without stripping the skin of its essential moisture when used in the shower or bath. The essential oil contained is not being left on the skin for a longer period of time but instead is being washed off, but its always best to perform a patch test if you do have sensitive or reactive skin. Dispensing into damp hands, the nourishing formula builds a rich lather that leaves the skin feeling revived, whether your just washing your hands or your entire body, the multi-tasking product can also mixed with other ingredients to make your own household cleaner, dishwashing liquid, or even deodorant. It does state to keep the product out of the eyes but this multi-purpose natural castile soap has many possibilities to suit your needs and how u choose to use it. Priced at £8.00 and available here: The Castilian Soap Company - Castilian Soap Rosemary 250ml

Facial oils are ideal for those who want to restore moisture by preventing moisture loss while also delivering benefits to the skin depending on the ingredients the formula contains. The balm balm frankincense light facial oil combines nourishing emollient oils of Prunus armeniaca kernel oil, oenothera biennis oil, simmondsia chinensis seed oil, and rosa canina fruit oil that all have antioxidant benefits with oleic acid and linoleic acid which are both beneficial fatty acids for the skin. The other two oils included are boswelia carterii oil (Frankincense) and citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel oil that are essential oils that provide the earthy and slight citrus scent to the facial oil. Essential oils can have some benefits such as the frankincense having anti-inflammatory while citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel oil has astringent and detoxifying properties, the trouble is they can become volatile because fragrance ingredients like limonene, citronellol, eugenol, and linalool are all present in many essential oils that can sensitise the skin. I do like how light in texture the facial oil is and this helps it to absorb quicker without leaving the skin feeling greasy, so if you are someone who uses products containing essential oils im sure you will love using this facial oil in your skincare routine. Priced at £15.50 and available here: Balm Balm Frankincense Light Facial Oil 30ml

Cleanse the skin and hair when using the PHB's 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash that combines humectants and emollients for the perfect balance of hydration and nourishment. Utilising mild surfactants/cleansers that form and build the foam of a product without stripping it of its moisture, it also contains aloe vera, glycerin, and also combines avena sativa with argan oil for that extra boost of skin and hair comfort. Massaging into damp hair and all over the body, the runny consistency means you only need a little with each application because a little goes a long way. It does not contain essential oils or artificial fragrance and i was pleasantly surprised on how perfectly balanced it performs because some 2-in-1 products fail to suit their multi-purpose claims. It also works great when applied to an exfoliation glove to lightly buff over the body for super soft skin with that extra nourishment this wash delivers while also soothing any irritated and dry scalp. Priced at £12.00 and available here: PHB Ethical Beauty - 2-in-1 Shampoo & Body Wash 300ml

How To Purchase The LoveLula Beauty Box December 2021.

The total value of the LoveLula December beauty box is £51.00 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 - December 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 January 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 December 2021 available here: LoveLula Beauty Box x Neil.

4 Beauty Tips For Your First Date

 4 Beauty Tips For Your First Date

A first date is usually exhilarating and might sometimes give you the shivers – in a good way. You want to look your best and dazzle, but you also don’t want to go overboard with your beauty regime. Don’t experiment with new cosmetics or hairstyles that will simply make you feel uneasy. Put on a scent that makes you feel confident, and go for a stylish and appealing look. Here is some great beauty advice for that all-important first date to help you understand what you do – and don’t – need to do. 

 

Image from Pixabay

Glowing Skin

It makes no difference whether you use foundation or not; it’s acceptable to do anything you want with your skincare regimen. However, you should always start with a clean face.

If you want plumped, smooth, and radiant skin, use a hyaluronic acid serum or cream (HA). It is fantastic for imparting a beautiful glow to all skin types while also helping your complexion to maintain a good moisture balance.

Because of its remarkable capacity to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, HA is an excellent skincare component. It gives your face features a natural fullness and your complexion an extraordinary brightness.

Remember, if you’re nervous, your skin will show it – you might be sweaty or have dry skin, for example. You won’t look too healthy. So if you are feeling the nerves, calm yourself by spending some time gathering your thoughts. Listen to music, meditate, visit your favorite website and place a bet on a sporting game at https://sportnews.in/, or whatever else is going to calm your nerves and give you your healthy glow back once more. 

Kissable Lips

Many people on the dating scene believe that your smile is important, and that includes having smooth, hydrated lips, and the last thing you want is to greet your date with chapped or dry lips. As a result, the best lip balms and treatments have been created to softly penetrate and lock in moisture.

You'll look lovely with your soft, velvety, kissable lips. To give your smile a true shine, use a specially formulated whitening toothpaste to whiten your teeth. This toothpaste should be dentist-recommended and is designed to whiten teeth by removing tough, set-in stains that have collected over time.

Exceptional Foundation

If you want to use foundation as a basis for your makeup, don’t miss this step. Professional makeup artists recommend using a gentle touch to level out your skin tone and conceal any blemishes, red spots, and so on. Then, to set your foundation, use a finishing powder. To get a comparable appearance with a balanced skin tone, some people opt to use a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation.

As we’ve said, it’s not absolutely essential to use foundation, but if you’re feeling nervous and want an extra layer of confidence, foundation can be exactly what works best for you. 

Add A Little Blush

Having a slight flush on the cheeks is both romantic and delicate. Apply a matte blush on the top of your cheeks. Blend up and to the side using a lifting technique. Or try a creamy blush for a lovely, natural look. These textures, by the way, are appropriate for oily or combination skin. On the first date, it’s best to adhere to all-natural makeup ideas, and a good blush will help you do this. Remember to match the blush to the lipstick color you’re wearing, and you’ll look wonderful. 

Beauty comes from within so don't forget to be yourself, have fun, and enjoy your time on your first date x Neil.