REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Barrier Support Elixir

Formulated with specific ingredients to support, strengthen and repair the barrier function of the skin the REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Barrier Support Elixir is the ideal product to include in your skincare routine. A compromised skin barrier can feel uncomfortable with signs of stinging, burning, itchiness, redness or tightness whilst also presenting itself as overly dry, inflamed, sensitive and with breakouts. Impaired to perform its normal function to act as a barrier against the world around you, irritants and allergens are able to get in and cause more inflammation while also trans-epidermal water loss happens by the moisture escaping and evaporating quicker. Certain factors can play a role in why the skin barrier is compromised such as eczema and atopic dermatitis, age, environmental factors and even skincare products such as harsh cleansers and exfoliating acids. Lets take a look at what the REN Evercalm Barrier Support Elixir contains - Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product.

The ren skincare evercalm barrier support elixir is presented in a recyclable glass bottle accompanied with a dropper which is made from post-industrial recycled plastic, but is not currently recyclable. The fragrance-free and microbiome friendly formula contains seven natural oils that when combined together they all work to intensively nourish and replenish the skin, but also repair and strengthen the barrier function. The cruelty-free and vegan-friendly ingredients are as follows:

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride - Emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin that provides beneficial fatty acids to help the skin resist moisture-loss.  

Oryza Sativa Bran Oil - Oil from the bran of rice that provides the essential fatty acids oleic, linoleic and linolenic which all help to nourish and moisturise while also containing the antioxidant's vitamin E and gamma-oryzanol.  

Oryza Sativa Germ Oil - Ideal for irritated and sensitive skin because of its soothing properties, it also provides intense skin-conditioning and antioxidant benefits with its light but quick absorbing abilities. 

Camelina Sativa Seed Oil - Excellent for dry and sensitive skin types because of its rich fatty acid content of Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) that has anti-inflammatory benefits. It also contains antioxidant vitamin E and moisturising cholesterol with also a phytosterol included called brassicasterol that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. 

Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil - The Sacha Inchi Seed Oil is an emollient plant oil that contains nourishing and moisturising fatty acids which are α-Linolenic, linoleic, and oleic while also containing antioxidant vitamin E in its long-lasting hydration and quick absorbing profile. 

Camellia Japonica Seed Oil - Rich in oleic acid and the vitamins A, B, D and E, it also contains the nourishing Omega's 3, 6 and 9 in its lightweight but quick absorbing texture to help the skin retain its moisture.

Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil - Emollient plant oil that has a high fatty acid content as well as containing phytosterols and antioxidants. The rapidly absorbed oil is non-greasy and leaves the skin feeling smooth and silky.

Rosa Canina Fruit Oil - High omega fatty acid content of linoleic acid, linolenic and oleic acid while also containing vitamin E and the carotenoid pro-vitamin A. 

Bisabolol - The active part of Chamomile that provides anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits for the skin. 

Tocopherol - Antioxidant vitamin E that protects against free radicals while also having emollient properties. 

Cleansing the skin and then applying your chosen water serum to aid and add hydration, the next step is to then apply the REN evercalm barrier support elixir to seal in the moisture. I dispense 5 drops into the palm of my hands and slightly warm the oil to aid in absorption, you can then press and pat your hands into your face, neck and décoletté making sure to cover all those areas. The other multifunctional ways to use it are either apply it first to the skin after cleansing or add a few drops into your day and night cream and mix together, though this method can be tedious if your moisturiser contains silicones because you may experience piling or balling up. I was amazed on how quickly the oil absorbs to instantly help the skin feel supple while also leaving no greasy residue, just perfectly nourished and happy skin. A lovely light-weight and fragrance-free oil that does not disrupt the skins natural microbiome but does help support, strengthen and repair the barrier function. Suitable for all skin types and can be applied both AM & PM, it is priced at £44.00 and available here: REN Evercalm Barrier Support Elixir x Neil. 

Sustainable Luxury Gifting From Haute Florist

Seeking sustainable luxury gifting items can be a tedious task to not only find that meaningful gift for that special someone but also be mindful of the impact it can have on the environment. Haute Florist not only pride themselves with providing the best quality flowers that are carefully selected from ethical and sustainable flower farms from across the world, but they also ensure sustainability efforts are also their top priority by sourcing flowers with the happiness of both farm-workers and the environment at the forefront. The sustainable luxury gifting company recycle 104 tonnes of green waste into compost, which is equivalent to eight double-decker buses whilst also recycling all of their cardboard (60 tonnes) to be the equivalent to that of six Blue Whales! Presenting themselves as virtually zero-landfill and always finding new ways to reduce their impact on the environment, all of their staff are committed to protecting the environment and even use recyclable/reusable bottles. 

Once you have chosen your sustainable luxury gift you can be rest-assured that Haute Florist still have those environmentally-friendly core values still active and present by replacing most plastic packaging with sustainable paper alternatives, replacing the ribbons with raffia which is a recyclable form of hay and they have even stopped using the ribbon ties but instead use sustainable wooden holders. The individual flower food packaging has even been transformed to now be fully compostable and even the ink printed on it is dissolvable to ensure that it degrades, what a great idea! 

Available from Haute florist is the beautiful and 100% organic garden rose that not only would make the perfect sustainable luxury gift for someone but it is also ideal for planting in any garden to watch it bloom throughout the seasons. Growing naturally with no chemicals, agents or fertilizers and being very climate-resistant to thrive in most weather conditions, it does arrive with care information to maximise its potential in case you are not sure. I personally received the graceful beauty flowers that have been expertly designed to feature contrasting colours such as the deep shades of Veronica Blue and blue Lisianthus to the lighter-coloured Memory Lane Roses and White Snapdragons whilst also including Stallion Chrysanthemums, Tanacetum, Green Bell, and Blue Eryngium to add dimension and texture. Perfect for all occasions including birthdays, anniversaries, to say thank you, or celebrate any other important event, take a look at the many choices of sustainable luxury gifting available from here: Haute Florist x Neil. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated. 

Lush Bright and Beautiful Vitamin C Exfoliating Facial Scrub

Refresh your skin when incorporating the recently launched Lush Bright and Beautiful Vitamin C Exfoliating Facial Scrub into your skincare routine. The first ever Lush Vitamin C product contains a 10% Vitamin C formula that provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits while also containing the physical exfoliants charcoal and the fine-grained caster sugar that gently buffs away dead skin cells but also hydrates being a natural humectant. Keep reading to discover the two ways you can use this vegan-friendly and new skincare product from Lush. 

Presented in a tub with a twist-off lid, your senses will be overcome from the luxury scent the bright and beautiful omits while the oily and grainy texture is accompanied with the deep purple colour of the product when applied, but soon changes colour when rinsing off to a light pink! The two ways you can incorporate this into your skincare routine are to either: 

1 - Apply it as a mask to a clean but dry face and leave for 1-2 minutes before washing off.

2 - Dispense a small amount out and add water, before gently applying to the face to use as a gentle foaming face wash. 

I personally like to use the bright and beautiful as a mask when my skin is looking dull and slightly congested while i did experience a slight tingle which can expected when using any Vitamin C product. My skin felt purified and clean but not overly stripped of its moisture thanks to the emollients and oils included in the formula because some foaming products can overly strip and leave your skin feeling tight and dry. Incorporate the product 1-2 times a week as a mask in your skincare routine to decongest and improve texture and tone. Priced at £14.00 from Lush and available here: Bright and Beautiful Vitamin C Exfoliating Facial Scrub x Neil. The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product. 

Sunday Rain Rose Body Care

Elevate your self-care routine when incorporating the Sunday Rain rose body care into your bathing regime. The vegan-friendly products not only envelope the skin with care but they also help rebalance the mind and body to help you feel recharged and looking your best! Transforming your home to a spa environment is easily achievable but i warn you.... when using anyone of the rose body care products you will need to switch your phone off and place the DO NOT DISTURB sign firmly on the door because the luxury scent will indulge all your senses while the formula's pamper the body. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the products. 

Sunday Rain Rose Bubble Bath 450ml

Pouring 2-3 caps under a warm running tap, the beautiful rose scent from the Rosa Damascena Flower Water and parfum included in the formula will captivate your senses while relaxing and calming any busy mind. The bubbles created are from the Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) included which are mild and less irritating than the infamous foaming and bubble making sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). A luxury smelling bubble bath that not only supports your wellbeing but is cost effective at £4.00 and available here: Sunday Rain Rose Bubble Bath 

Sunday Rain Rose Body Scrub 265g

Exfoliating the skin helps to remove dead skin cells to improve texture while also helping your body products to absorb better and combat ingrown hairs. Twisting the lid off the tub you will notice a more concentrated rose scent that is achieved by the Rosa Rugosa Flower Oil and parfum included in the formula. The physical exfoliant used is sucrose which is a type of sugar that acts as a humectant to help the skin stay hydrated while emollient and moisturiser benefits are included from the Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil) included. A lovely emollient exfoliator to use for softer and smoother skin, priced at £6.00 and available here: Sunday Rain Rose Body Scrub 

Sunday Rain Rose Exfoliating Cubes 150g

The exfoliating cubes contain the same exfoliant as the body scrub which is sucrose, a type of sugar that acts as the physical exfoliator but these cubes contain more emollients. Perfect for any shower user or for those bath users that want a quick and mess-free product to exfoliate, you crumble one cube in your hand or work one cube in circular motions over your body. The heavenly scent of rose from the parfum and Rosa Rugosa Flower Oil captures your senses while hydrating glycerin and the emollients Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil and Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil help the skin feel nourished after rinsing the skin clean. Priced at £7.00 and available here: Sunday Rain Rose Exfoliating Cubes 

Sunday Rain Rose Bath Crystals 500g

Dispensing and swirling 3-4 scoops using the wooden spoon included into a warm bath until dissolved is the perfect solution to destress and unwind. The sea salt crystals not only stimulate circulation but also ease muscle aches and stiff joints while the calming rose aroma from the Rosa Rugosa Flower Oil relaxes all the senses and busy minds. You can still use these in the shower by sprinkling a little at the base of your feet and as they dissolve they will create a soothing steam while you can even add a scoop into your at-home foot bath to soothe tired and overworked feet. The perfect wellbeing treatment to reach for that smells luxurious and really works, priced at £6.00 and available here: Sunday Rain Rose Bath Crystals       

The Sunday Rain rose body care products not only smell amazing but they are so lovely and enjoyable to use while also being extremely affordable! Check out the full range here: Sunday Rain Rose x Neil. 

Trilogy Bakuchiol+ Booster Treatment

Applied morning and evening, the Trilogy Bakuchiol+ Booster Treatment is presented as an anti-ageing oil to help rejuvenate the complexion. The concentrated formulation features specific ingredients to target the signs of ageing while also boosting the skins radiance. Treating the skin for at least two weeks to reap the benefits the booster treatment provides, all you have to do is apply it to clean skin every morning and evening. Keep reading to discover what ingredients are featured in the formula - Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product. 

The Trilogy Bakuchiol+ Booster Treatment includes 4% bakuchiol which is a retinol alternative that influences the skin in a similar way as a retinol when applied, but chemically has nothing to do with any of the retinoids you may have seen or have used in your skincare products. It does regulate and influence skin cell behaviour which means producing more collagen such as collagen I, III and IV while also decreasing the enzyme in the skin MMP which attacks collagen resulting in loss of firmness and the signs of aging. It also helps influence hydration factors within the skin while also being suitable for acne or spot prone sufferers by decreasing a sebum controlling enzyme 5α-reductase while also having anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and hinders the oxidative process that begins early in the process of spots/acne. The other interesting benefits are that it has melanin-inhibiting properties while also improving photo damage, but more importantly can help stabilise retinol when used together. Research has also shown that bakuchiol between 0.5-2% are ideal to get visible benefits but as you may have read this trilogy product contains 4% combined with highly emollient oils that are known for their skin-nourishing fatty acid contents. The full ingredients are as follows:  

Limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil -  Emollient plant oil that has a high fatty acid content as well as containing phytosterols and antioxidants. The rapidly absorbed oil is non-greasy and leaves the skin feeling smooth and silky.

Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil -  Emollient plant oil that contains oleic acid and linoleic acid which are skin-nourishing fatty acids while also containing antioxidant vitamin E and vitamin B to supplement the skin leaving it feeling smooth and nourished. 

Squalane 5% -  Skin-identical oil that occurs in human sebum which is what are skin produces, this emollient oil is suitable for all skin types while absorbing quickly to leave skin nourished without feeling greasy. 

Bakuchiol 4% -  Also named Sytenol A or Phyto Retinol, it has cell-communicating, antioxidant, antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits.

Cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil - Emollient plant oil that contains omega fatty acids, phospholipids, plant sterols, amino acids and antioxidant vitamin E. 

Rosa canina (rosehip) seed oil -  Emollient plant oil that contains linoleic, linolenic and oleic fatty acids while also containing antioxidants vitamin E and carotenoids pro-vitamin A.

Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil - Emollient plant oil that has a high fatty acid content that helps to improve a compromised or damaged skin barrier.

Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract - Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits because of the active rosmarinic acid it contains while also having anti-bacterial, astringent and toning properties.

Parfum (fragrance), citronellol*, geraniol*, limonene*, linalool*

*Components of natural essential oils

100% of total ingredients are from natural origin.

Gently massaging 3-4 drops into clean skin morning and evening you will notice the fragrance included on application but soon disappears because this treatment absorbs quite quickly by the skin. It does not leave the skin feeling greasy but quite the opposite which is perfectly smooth and soft by touch, you can then follow on with your skincare routine by applying your current serum, moisturiser and SPF if used in the morning. I like the formula but its a shame it contains fragrance and components of essential oils because some people cannot tolerate these, but if you know your skin accepts them and you perform a patch test then im sure you will enjoy using this concentrated formula that absorbs quickly to rejuvenate the skin and the complexion by improving the appearance of fine lines, dullness and dryness. Priced at £31.50 and available here: Trilogy Bakuchiol  x Neil.