Vitamin C Glow Revealing Serum

The vitamin c glow revealing serum from The Body Shop provides antioxidant and anti-aging benefits whilst also helping to improve overall skin tone. Enriched with a 10% stable vitamin c derivative and also containing Bakuchiol, the serum can be applied both morning and evening to hydrate and illuminate. Incorporating a vitamin c product into your skincare routine is ideal to protect your skin from environmental aggressors and it works great by boosting your sunscreen's performance, whilst also applying at night will help support the skins repair process from the stressors it has occurred during the day. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are only placed for you to directly discover the product. 

The 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid included in the serum offers all of the primary benefits of pure vitamin C which is known as ascorbic acid. The stable, water- and oil-soluble derivative has to be converted to vitamin C within the skin but this helps it be more tolerable by having an acidic pH range of (4–5.5) and is ideal for those who have found they cannot tolerate 10% or higher vitamin C serums. Featuring bakuchiol which 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. Influencing hydration factors within the skin it also has melanin-inhibiting properties by reducing the oxidative process which in turn can help improve photo damage and skin tone.

The full ingredients of the vitamin c glow revealing serum:

Propanediol, Alcohol Denat., Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Propylene Carbonate, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Parfum/Fragrance, Linalool, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Limonene, Geraniol, Bakuchiol, Benzyl Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Citral, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Alcohol.

Applying to the skin after you have cleansed, vitamin c should be the first product applied to gain the maximum benefits because other products can block its absorption minimising its potential. The dropper tool is perfect to apply a couple of drops to the face and neck with a slight citrus scent that soon disappears when it has absorbed quickly. It can feel slightly sticky if you apply too much but applying or following on with your current skincare routine (day & night) which would be a hydrating serum or moisturiser, this effect soon wears off. I love using this serum because not only does it deliver what it promises and works brilliantly with other products applied over the top, it will awaken tired and dull complexions to reveal a natural radiance! Priced at £25.00 and available here: Vitamin C Glow Revealing Serum - The Body Shop x Neil.  

Lush's New Self-Preserving Skincare

Explore the new Lush self-preserving skincare collection that not only stays fresh and effective with no artificial preservatives but also more importantly helps support the microbiome of the skin. Clever product formulation and manufacturing products in smaller fresher batches, each product not only respects the skins integrity but also protects the microorganisms that live there. The full range at present features cleansers, face masks, and scrubs whilst also featuring different moisturisers to suit your skin type and needs. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the products,

The ultrabland self-preserving cleanser has been reworked to be made even milder by taking out the artificial preservatives, but that doesn't stop its performance when applying to dry skin to breakdown products that are designed to stick to the face such as sunscreens and makeup. The nourishing and balmy texture features almond oil, beeswax, honey, rose water, humectant glycerin and fresh iris extracted in organic extra virgin olive oil to leave the skin clear, calm and superbly soft. I tend to reach for this balm in the evening to remove the days pollutants and products previously applied such as sunscreen and it can even be used around the eyes thanks to its gentle formulation. Wiping the balm off the skin using a warm and damp face cloth i was impressed with not only how effective the cleanser performs but also how the skin feels when patting dry which is perfectly nourished! Suitable for all skin types and priced from £10.00 - available here: Ultrabland Self-Preserving Cleanser. 

The skin drink self-preserving moisturiser features a soothing and restorative blend of evening primrose and sesame oils whilst emollient butters are also included to keep the skin nourished and smooth. The new self-preserving face moisturisers have a slightly richer formula so you only need a little when applying on to cleansed skin or over your current serum, whilst it is noted they are best used fresh and  within 6 months. The creamy and nourishing texture glides over the skin with ease while a pleasant aroma of neroli oil and rose absolute will influence your wellbeing to ease stress and anxiety in the morning and evening. I was pleasantly surprised how quickly this satisfies the skins thirst for moisture  and nourishment by instantly absorbing to leave the skin feeling cared-for but don't worry if you apply too much as a soft-massage with your fingertips will aid in absorption for you and your skin to see and feel the benefits. Priced from £24.00 - available here: Skin Drink Self-Preserving Moisturiser 

The new Lush skincare range can be found here: Self-Preserving Skincare x Neil. 

LoveLula Beauty Box June 2022

The LoveLula Beauty Box June 2022 is filled with a selection of organic products whilst the combined total value is of £109.00. Beauty boxes are ideal to introduce brands and their products to you that you may not be aware of or you haven't tried many products from their broad ranges available. The great thing i like and admire about LoveLula is their previous beauty boxes have always contained full-sized products rather than just all the contents being travel-sized, they are great value for your money! Lets take a look at what products feature this month, disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated but i did receive the beauty box free in exchange for my honest opinion and review. 

Amplify and nourish the eye lashes with one swipe when applying the INIKA bold lash mascara that features the ultimate vegan formulation. The buildable formula is ideal for those who want to create a more dramatic look whilst the rich and glossy pigment in black compliments any eye colour. The nourishing formula features magnolia bark extract with vitamin e and sunflower oil to nourish and protect each eye lash whilst the formula is clump and flake free. The alcohol-free mascara is ideal for those looking for an organic alternative that is easy to apply and remove to respect the eye lashes overall health. Priced at £29.00 and available here: INIKA Bold Lash Mascara

Multitasking products are always a great money-saving and time-saving benefit and the Lyonsleaf beauty balm does not disappoint. Applying to the skin dry to use as an oil-cleanser, it will help break down makeup and sunscreens that are designed to stay on the skin. Wipe off with a warm face cloth or a muslin cloth for gentle exfoliation to leave the skin feeling purified and cleansed. The rich shea butter base contains emollient oils of jojoba, babassu, macadamia and sunflower whilst also containing essential oils for their own specific benefits, so you can apply this to the skin sparingly as a moisturiser but i prefer to use it as a cleanser. Priced at £14.99 and available here: Lyonsleaf Beauty Balm

Experience the Ayurvedic ritual of self-massage when applying the UrbanVeda purifying body oil to nourish the skin whilst also influence your wellbeing. The emollient oils of sesame and sweet almond help nourish and soften the skin whilst the essential oils of neem, gotu kola and witch hazel help and contribute to purify. Applying long strokes always towards the heart to aid in lymphatic drainage i pleasantly love the uplifting aromas of patchoulli, geranium and especially the spearmint! You can either leave on the skin in the evening to prepare for a restful sleep or wait 20 minutes before bathing or shower. Priced at £35.00 and available here: UrbanVeda Purifying Body Oil

Boost hydration while also smoothing the skin when applying the Organic Works pro smoothing serum morning and night. I love serums and this one does not disappoint by featuring humectant and hydrants of glycerin, propanediol, sodium hyaluronate, and aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder but that's not all. Featuring chondrus crispus powder that provides natural vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining healthy and nourished skin, the serum also includes Acmella oleracea that relaxes muscle tension which in turn helps soften fine lines and wrinkles. Applied after cleansing the light and gel-like texture instantly absorbs into the skin and works perfectly under any moisturiser to keep the skin feeling hydrated and perfectly comfortable! Priced at £30.00 and available here: Organic Works Pro Smoothing Serum

I wonder what products will feature in the July edition beauty box? Find out more from LoveLula here: LoveLula Beauty Box June 2022 x Neil.  

MADARA Custom Actives Skincare

Recently launched, the MADARA custom actives feature the purest ingredients to either add into your skincare routine or replace a product you have finished using. Intending to help treat a specific problem, the range is easily identifiable by selecting which active you would like to use and some can even be used together when choosing from the 11 available options. Personalising your own skincare to your own needs has never been easier because lets face it no ones skin is the same, just add 2-3 drops to your face or body moisturiser, its as simple as that! Keep reading to discover the three i am reviewing which are all housed in light protective packaging and are vegan-friendly. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the products. 

The MADARA Isoflavone Concentrate is ideal for mature and sagging skin types because it utilises isoflavones which are natural phytohormones derived from organic red clover extract which in turn help stimulate the regeneration of the epidermis, support collagen synthesis and reduce enzymatic collagen degradation. The oil-free concentrate also contains humectants for improved hydration whilst also containing lactic acid which is a gentle exfoliant for improvement in skin texture and tone. The slightly coloured serum texture helps my moisturiser absorb quicker while i did experience a slight tightening effect when incorporating it into my skincare in the morning, it can be used both AM and PM if you wish. A great vegan-friendly skincare product to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. restore skin elasticity, and also support/boost the skins regeneration process. Priced at £13.25 and available here: Madara Custom Actives - Isoflavone Phytohormones Concentrate 17.5ml

The MADARA Plant Stem Cell Concentrate is perfect for those looking to use a product that acts an as antioxidant with skin-restoring benefits. Utilising biotechnologically obtained plant stem cells from the Northern Dragonhead flower this concentrate helps to prevent prevent pigmentation, dark spots and premature ageing when applied under your sunscreen. It can be applied at night to also improve skin elasticity, reduce pigmentation, and also help the skin after sun exposure when mixed in with your night-time moisturiser. The light pink colour of this slightly thicker textured serum instantly conditions the skin whilst i tend to reach for this one for day time usage because of its antioxidant benefits to defend the skin from free radicals that can damage whilst with continued use it will help improve skin tone and texture from the hydrating AHA lactic acid also included in its formulation. Priced at £19.50 and available here: Madara Custom Actives - Plant Stem Cell Concentrate 17.5ml

The MADARA Provitamin A Concentrate utilises a vegan-friendly and plant-based retinol from sea buckthorn, cloudberries and rowan berries. The water-free formulation is beneficial for those who want to treat the signs of ageing skin, support collagen synthesis, and also ideal for those wanting to treat acne and scars. Applying directly to the skin or certain areas you wish to treat, you can also add 1-3 drops to your chosen moisturiser AM and PM. I like to involve this oil in my evening skincare routine by dispensing a few drops over any water-based serum to seal in hydration, but don't let the bright orange colour of this highly emollient oil put you off. The bright colour soon disappears when massaging into the skin while a pleasant aroma/fragrance is present, but soon fades when the oil absorbs quickly to leave the skin feeling perfectly nourished. A highly recommended plant-based retinol to reduce the signs of ageing and inflammation whilst respecting the skins integrity and barrier function. Priced at £13.25 and available here: Madara Custom Actives - Provitamin A Concentrate 17.5ml

MADARA provides natural skincare ingredients with cutting-edge technology formulas which have passed ECOCERT's green international standards to be certified natural and organic. All of the custom actives need to be used within 3 months after opening the bottle to ensure the best results, which one, two, or three...will you choose? Take a look at the the full range here: madara custom actives x Neil. 

Lavera SOS Help Lip Balm

Soothe, comfort, and nourish the lips when applying the vegan-friendly lavera sos help lip balm that utilises natural and organic ingredients. Providing instant relief to sensitive, irritated, cracked and chapped lips you will find out why this award winning product won the Beauty Shortlist 2019 Award in the Best Lip Balm Category from your first application. The easy-to-use balm is dispensed from a tube which is also ideal for hygiene reasons so you can keep the dispenser germ-free whilst its size is pocket and bag-friendly for on-the-go applications. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product. 

Featuring humectant and soothing moisturisng properties of Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Betaglucan and Echinacea Purpurea Extract the lip balm formula is also boosted by soothing properties from Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Bisabolol and Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract. The emollients featured in any lip balm help to keep the lips soft and smooth whilst also stopping transepidermal water-loss are Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter and Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil. Antioxidants to defend against free-radicals that can damage and influence already compromised lips are included in the formulation and these are Tocopherol and Ascorbyl Palmitate whilst Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract is also included to boost skin-conditioning benefits. The antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil and Alcohol stop the growth and spread of bacteria's which are ideal to keep the area clean.

The 100% silicone free, paraffin free, gluten free and mineral oil free formula glides onto the lips easily whilst you will experience the scent from the peppermint oil which soon disappears a few minutes later. You can apply this on its own which works wonders in transforming dry and chapped lips but you can also apply this over your face serum to trap the humectant and moisturising benefits serums can bring (especially hyaluronic acid ones) when applying above the vermilion border of the lips. I like to apply this overnight for the formula to get-to-work while it can be used frequently throughout the day to provide relief because the lavera sos help lip balm is much more than just a lip balm, its ingredients help to restore and nurture the whole lip area back to health rather than just provide a layer of oil that sits in the area providing emollience. Priced at £5.95 and available here: Lavera SOS Lip Balm  x Neil.