Sunday, 29 January 2023

Return Of Your Four Favourite Products From LUSH

skincare

Back by popular demand, LUSH listened to their customers and staff to make four of their products a guaranteed place in their all year round range. The four vegan products gained a cult following when released as limited editions but this soon changed when people not only enjoyed using them but actually loved them! Keeping reading to discover the products that have respectively gained their popularity from peoples opinion. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the products, 

Grass shower gel (£20.00 / €24.00 for 290g)

skincare

Cleansing away dirt, excess oil and bacteria from the skin, the grass shower gel instantly foams into green luscious suds from the fresh wheatgrass juice included, when massaging over the body. The sandalwood included helps to calm and ground any busy mind whilst the added neroli has been proven to increase serotonin in the brain which in-turn positively influences your mood and wellbeing. A shower gel that not only refreshes your skin and your wellbeing, but it also does smell like freshly cut grass with beautiful flowers nearby. Purchase here: Grass shower gel 

Godiva shampoo & conditioner bar (£9.00 / €12.00)

skincare

Cleansing away impurities whilst conditioning and softening the hair, you will find the Godiva shampoo bar is not packaged, Lush’s shampoo bars have saved the use of 170 million plastic bottles. Appearing as a luscious cold coin, you can either lather in your wet hands and then apply to your wet hair or work the bar through the hair making sure you don't miss your scalp. The sultry jasmine and ylang ylang fragrance smells luxurious and is even present after the rinsing stage, whilst the hair feels highly nourished and looks shinier because of the highly emollient oils present in the formula. Purchase here: Godiva Shampoo Bar   

Karma Kream body lotion (£18.00 / €22.50 for 225g)

skincare

Conditioning and moisturising the skin, the Karma Kream also offers wellbeing benefits from the  aromatherapeutic properties included to help boost meditation, contemplation and reflection. Presented in a pot and only applying a little onto damp skin after a shower or bath, the lotion instantly seals in moisture whilst absorbing quickly to leave the skin feeling smoother and perfectly nourished thanks to those emollient oils present. The uplifting scent of Brazilian orange combined with the earthy scent of patchouli oils create a scene of summer days and hippy vibes of the 1960s. Purchase Here: Karma Kream Body Lotion

King of Skin body butter (£9.00 / €12.00)

skincare

Deeply moisturise whilst also protecting the skin from dryness, when applying the vegan friendly, packaging-free, and naturally self-preserving King of Skin. The solid bar incorporates hydrating oat milk and nutrient rich banana with avocado, cocoa and shea butters that immediately get to work when rubbing the crown shaped bar over wet skin. Massaging the formula from the neck down to aid in absorption, the subtle soothing scent included consists of tangerine, lavender, sandalwood and rose that all influence your wellbeing to a calm state. Purchase here: King of Skin Body Butter  

Discover all LUSH products over on their website: Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics 

Or download their app: LUSH APP ON IOS or LUSH APP ON ANDROID x Neil.

Saturday, 21 January 2023

Garnier Ultimate Blends Delicate Oat Milk Hypoallergenic Hair Remedy Mask

haircare
Discover the new formula and look of the Garnier Ultimate Blends Delicate Oat Milk Hypoallergenic Hair Remedy Mask. The hypoallergenic ECARF certified formula features rice cream & organic oat milk to not only offer relief from a dry and itchy scalp, but also intensively nourish fragile and dry hair strands. Hair masks are the ideal product to include in your haircare routine because not only do they offer an at-home deep conditioning treatment but they also help rejuvenate the hair, which is ideal if you colour your hair at home whilst also being a regular user of heat tools. 

Shampooing the hair and scalp to remove dirt, debris, odors and product build-up, you can then proceed to thoroughly rinse the hair making sure you squeeze out and remove the excess water present when finishing this step. Applying the hair remedy mask after shampooing is the ideal method when using any hair mask because the hair is not only clean but the hair cuticle has been opened to allow penetration and the full benefits of the hair mask applied. Leaving on the hair for 1 minute or however long you wish, you can then rinse the mask out and then follow-on by applying the conditioner of your choice to smooth the hair shaft and seal in the treatment just performed.  
 
The Delicate Oat Milk Hypoallergenic Hair Remedy Mask is presented in a tub with a twist-off lid while the texture of the product is thick and creamy, so you only need a little amount with each application to cover all of your hair. It instantly absorbs into every hair strand whilst there is a sweet perfume/fragrance that adds to the experience when applying this luxurious but affordable mask. The hair is instantly transformed throughout the rinsing stage because mine felt a lot more nourished and when dried the hair looks smoother, shinier, and feels a whole lot softer with a comfortable scalp! Discover the full range here: Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Care x Neil. 

Thursday, 12 January 2023

Aloe Vera Superfood Eye Serum

skincare

Instantly soothe and hydrate the eye area when incorporating the Aloe Vera Superfood eye serum into your skincare routine. Serums are the ideal product to use around the delicate eye area because not only are they lightweight in texture but their specific ingredients are able to absorb quicker then an emollient cream-based product. I wouldn't ditch your eye-cream just yet though, i would apply the eye serum first and then apply your eye cream over the top to boost hydration efforts just like you do with your serum and moisturiser for your face.

The Dr Botanicals aloe vera superfood eye  serum features the humectants and moisturisers Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, and Pentylene Glycol that all work together to draw moisture to the skin and improve hydration. The Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice in particular has wound healing and skin regeneration abilities due to its salicylates, polysaccharides, magnesium lactate and C-glucosyl chromone content profile whilst also having antibacterial properties. 

Dr Botanicals Aloe Vera Superfood Eye Serum Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Parfum (Fragrance), Limonene, Linalool.

The gluten and wheat free eye serum is a perfect consistency when applying to the eye area because you only need a little with application when dispensing from the dropper tool included. The serum glides over the skin easily without any tugging or pulling whilst it absorbs quite quickly to leave the area feeling perfectly hydrated and refreshed, you could put this serum in the fridge for an extra boost of coolness!  

The Dr Botanicals aloe vera superfood eye serum can be purchased with a discount that is automatically applied at the checkout on the link provided here: Aloe Vera Superfood Eye Serum x Neil. 

Saturday, 7 January 2023

e.l.f. Cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum

skincare

Discover the e.l.f. Cosmetics youth boosting advanced night retinoid serum that not only utilises specific ingredients to renew the complexion, but is also fragrance free. Suitable for oily, dry, normal, and combination skin types the golden amber colour of the retinoid serum can be somewhat surprising when applying onto your clean skin. Do NOT worry the colour wont make you look like you have had a fight with a bronzer and lost, it soon disappears when using massaging movements to aid in absorption. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and placed for you to discover the product quicker. 

Utilising 0.06% retinal which requires one conversion to retinoic acid (unlike retinol that requires two) this retinoid is well-known ingredient to help decrease wrinkles and overall help improve the complexion for smoother, firmer and more elastic skin. The other cell-communicating ingredient is the 1% Granactive Retinoid (Hydroxy pinacolone Retinoate (HPR) included that does not need to be converted by the skin but instead is able to bind to the retinoid receptors of the skin cells directly. 

The formula also features the peptides Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 known as the Matrixyl 3000 duo whilst also including antioxidants which are the ideal anti-aging ingredients for any serum to include. The other beneficial ingredients incorporated are the humectants to boost hydration, emollients to improve moisture and even including the soothing Bisabolol in the formula to help reduce inflammation. A vegan-friendly night serum that features multitasking ingredients that all work in synergy with each other to revive and renew the complexion overnight. 

e.l.f. Cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Propanediol, Peg-8, Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Methyl Gluceth-20, Glycereth-26, Butylene Glycol, Diglycerin, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Lecithin, Tromethamine, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Bisabolol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Retinal, Disodium Edta, Glycerin, Vigna Aconitifolia Seed Extract, Sea Water, Maltodextrin, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Hydrolyzed Algin, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Sucrose, Carbomer, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

The pump applicator dispenses the perfect pea-sized amount to apply to clean skin after cleansing whilst the light-weight fluid texture easily helps for you to achieve an even coverage when applying to the face and neck. I like to leave any retinoid formula on the skin for around 15 to 20 mins to ensure maximum absorbency and benefits, before applying a moisturiser over the top if you wish. It is noted if you are new to using retinoids to space-out applications (wait 2 days after the 1st application before applying again) to build-up tolerance and before you know it you will be applying it every night! 

The e.l.f. Cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum is ideal for those that not only want a retinoid to use in their skincare routine but are also wanting a product to support the skin overnight for a renewed complexion with continued usage. Just don't forget to apply your broad-spectrum SPF during the day, priced at £22.00 and available here: Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum x Neil. 

Monday, 28 November 2022

Dr Botanicals Apothecary Range

skincare

Dr Botanicals is a London Based brand that aims to provide aesthetic skincare, body and haircare products that are clearly labelled to help you with your personal buying choices. The products available are free from ingredients such as synthetic perfumes and colourants whilst also being paraben free, your also be pleased to know that all the products are cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. The wide choices available in their range can easily be identified with the colour coding packaging that appears in their apothecary range that quickly assist you in selecting specific products that cater to and for your needs. I have previously blogged about Dr Botanicals products but i wanted to share my thoughts on the four products mentioned in this blog post that i have never used or applied until now. I hope you enjoy the read and don't forget to use the discount code provided below if you wish to purchase any products from Dr Botanicals. 

skincare

Cleansing is one the most important structures to any skincare routine by removing impurities, makeup, excess oil and eliminate pollution your skin picks up. The Grapefruit & Watermelon Refreshing Cleanser cleverly combines antioxidants with natural botanicals in the humectant glycerin gel-textured formula. Applying one pump to wet hands and working all over the face and neck, you will notice this cleanser gently foams using two mild surfactant/cleansing ingredients Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Coco-Glucoside that effectively work together to cleanse the skin without drying it out by over-cleansing, whilst coconut acid is included to cleanse with emollient benefits. Exfoliating benefits are included in this cleanser from the polyhydroxy acid (PHA) Gluconolactone included that improves texture by exfoliation without making your skin sun sensitive whilst also having antioxidant and anti-ageing benefits and can even be used by sensitive skin types! Citrullus Vulgaris Seed Oil known as watermelon seed oil boosts skin-conditioning with its restoring properties of Omega 3, 6 and 9 and high linoleic acid content whilst Citrus Grandis Peel Oil known as grapefruit not only adds to the scent of this cleanser but also provides vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, flavonoids and antibacterial properties. Calcium Gluconate and Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil Expressed aid in skin moisturisation and skin conditioning which is something you want when using any cleanser, not that tight and taut feeling! I was pleasantly surprised in how effectively this cleanser cleanses the skin leaving it feeling refreshed but without over-stripping it of its important moisture barrier. A perfect product to use in the morning to refresh the skin, use after any sports or sweaty workouts, and in the evening to ensure all the days products and stresses are washed away leaving it perfectly ready to accept your further skin treatments. 

skincare

Providing an essential boost to your skincare regime, face masks are one of those treatments that should be in your arsenal of skincare products to reach for to not only to support your wellbeing but also give your complexion that extra care it needs, in one application. Face mask products not only draw out impurities that sometimes your cleanser wont even reach or touch, but this all-in-one treatment will also instantly revive your complexion by increasing hydration and exfoliating any dead skin cells away for a more refined skin tone and smoother texture. The Turmeric Superfood Restoring Treatment Mask features key ingredients in its rich and emollient base (emollients help keep skin soft, smooth and nourished) to not only help balance the complexion but also brighten it. Humectant and skin-identical ingredient glycerin is included to draw moisture to the skin, support the skins lipids and barrier function, whilst also protect against irritation. Exfoliating benefits are also present in the mask by the polyhydroxy acid (PHA) Gluconolactone included that improves texture by exfoliation without making your skin sun sensitive whilst also having antioxidant and anti-ageing benefits and can even be used by sensitive skin types. Antibacterial and antimicrobial properties are achieved by the Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil present and the emollient plant oil Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Fruit Oil achieves skin-soothing, skin-protecting and Vitamin E antioxidant benefits from its rich fatty acid content. The multitasker Curcuma Longa Root (Turmeric) Root Extract has an active component curcumin which not only provides anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, but it also is a great antioxidant with skin-brightening benefits. Using 2-3 times a week and applying a layer onto clean skin after cleansing, the creamy and hydrating mask is really easy to apply and instantly feels nourishing providing that extra care your skin craves and needs. The scent of lavender instantly calms any busy mind and your senses to help you relax and let the mask get to work for the 20 minutes you are directed to leave-on. Rinsing the mask off with warm-warm water you will instantly notice how soft and smoother your skin feels, when patted dry, to reveal a revived and glowing complexion that is perfectly nourished and cared-for. 

skincare

Formulated specifically to use around the eye area, eye serums are essential to incorporate in your skincare regime to target and address the concerns you may have. Opting for a serum instead of an eye-cream may work to your advantage because serums in general penetrate faster and deeper without overloading the skin with product, though that's not to say you cant use a cream-based eye product, just apply a serum first and then a cream over the top to act as an emollient barrier. The Dr Botanicals Pomegranate Superfood Brightening Eye Serum is suitable for dry skin because of its highly emollient oil-based ingredients which also contains antioxidants. Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil not only features nourishing and skin-loving fatty acids oleic and linoleic acid but it also contains vitamin E and vitamin B varieties whilst Caprylic/​Capric Triglyceride is also included to act as an emollient to boost the skin's softness and smoothness. Ideal for dry skin the Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil contains oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids whilst also containing polyphenols, tocopherols, and carotenoids that all act as antioxidants to defend the skin from free radical's that can damage and influence collagen. Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil is a non-greasy but easily absorbed emollient oil that has a skin-loving fatty acid content which are eicosenoic, docosenoic, and docosadienoic whilst also containing antioxidants vitamin e and phytosterols. Soothing and antioxidant benefits are also included from the Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract ingredient which contains flavonoids that are known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil has a fatty acid content of erucic acid that helps seal in moisture and protect against dehydration while Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic and antimicrobial properties whilst also being a great antioxidant, emollient and moisturiser. Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil not only helps speed-up healing of the skin barrier but its fatty acid content also keeps the skin hydrated and nourished preventing irritations. Tocopherol not only acts as an antioxidant to protect against damage from UVB rays but it also is an ideal emollient whilst Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract is another antioxidant included in the formula that helps improve the appearance of aging skin whilst soothing. Dispensing one to two drops from the pipette dropper and applying to the whole eye area after cleansing, i was pleasantly surprised with how light this feels regarding the many emollient plant oils it contains. Rich in texture, it instantly glides over the whole eye area without any tugging and absorbs beautifully to leave the skin perfectly comforted and nourished. A must-have oil-based serum that is suitable for those looking for that extra-care and boost from an eye product! 

skincare

Moisturisers are incredibly important for all skin types because many factors can strip the skin of its natural oils such as face washes, face product treatments containing active's and even temperature changes that can wick away that important skin element moisture! Applying a moisturiser at night is ideal to support and supply moisture to the skin whilst also supporting the skins regenerating and repairing process that takes place, it is noted you lose more water overnight when you don't have the protective layer of natural oils on your skin. The Dr Botanicals Artichoke Superfood Firming Night Moisturiser features key ingredients to hydrate, smooth and brighten the complexion when you are fast asleep. The water and oil moisturiser features humectants Calcium Gluconate (also a moisturiser) and skin-identical ingredient glycerin which helps draw moisture to the skin, support the skin's lipids and barrier function, whilst also protect against irritation. The non-greasy and light-textured emollient Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride comes from coconut oil and glycerin which helps to keep the skin soft, smooth, and pro-long water loss from the skin whilst the other emollient's included are Glyceryl Stearate SE, Stearic Acid, and the non-drying alcohol Cetearyl Alcohol. Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract (cucumber) has soothing and emollient benefits whilst also containing amino acids to support the skins natural acid mantle and provides anti-inflammatory properties. Exfoliating benefits are also present from the polyhydroxy acid (PHA) Gluconolactone included that improves texture by exfoliation without making your skin sun sensitive whilst also having antioxidant and anti-ageing benefits and can even be used by sensitive skin types. Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Seed Oil is rich in antioxidants to help defend the skin from free radicals that cause Oxidative stress whilst also having anti-inflammatory properties to help the skin repair and heal. Applying the moisturiser on its own or over your night-time serums you will discover it appears like a heavy cream but the texture is actually lightweight thanks to the added Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/​VP Copolymer ingredient that stops it from feeling sticky or tacky. The scent and slight cooling sensation from the cucumber is a refreshing nice addition and i was pleasantly surprised in how quickly this absorbs and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth and soft! A perfect moisturiser that not only delivers on hydration and nourishment but also improves skin tone and texture whilst supporting the skin overnight.

Don't forget to use the my code to get 20% off all products, discount already applied at the checkout when clicking the link here : blondemaleblog

Checkout the full range of products on my affiliated link here: Dr Botanicals x Neil.

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Maira Gall