SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum

Containing three retinols, the SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum is the perfect product to include in your evening skincare routine. Suitable for sensitive skin, though always do a patch test first, the Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum contains 0.1% retinol, 1 ppm retinal, whilst also including 5,000 ppm of Bakuchiol. The exclusive complex of the serum contains the patented technology of elastic-liposome that is able to deliver the effective and active ingredients deep into the skin to help improve elasticity, wrinkles, pores and skin texture. 

Presented in a bottle with a dispensing dropper tool, the serum appears and feels like a typical milky serum that should be applied to clean skin in the evening. I would suggest only applying once every 2 days for the first 2 weeks until your skin tolerates any retinol product and then you can build-up applications to every night. I really like this formulation though because not only does it contain emollients and humectants for hydration and moisturisation, but it also contains an abundance of skin-soothing ingredients to keep the skin calm and reduce inflammation. 

The full ingredients of the SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum.   

Water, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate, Bakuchiol, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Polyacrylate, Stearic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Retinol (0.1 %), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Tromethamine, Polyquaternium-51, Beta-Glucan, Cetyl Alcohol, BHT, Collagen, Myristic Acid, BHA, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Ceramide NP, Saccharomyces Ferment, Retinal, Asiaticoside, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Madecassoside, Propylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Glycolipids, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Peptide, Resveratrol, Sucrose Distearate, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, PEG-100 Stearate, Polysorbate 20, Fragrance, Ethylhexylglycerin

Easily spreadable on the skin, there is a slight fragrance that soon disappears whilst the serum absorbs really quickly leaving no stickiness or tackiness. I typically apply a retinol product to the skin and wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying a moisturiser and oil to allow the formulation to work to its full potential, just don't forget to apply your broad-spectrum sun protection the following morning to protect your renewed complexion!   

A gentle, but highly effective serum to contribute to your evening skincare routine and to benefit your skin, don't forget to use my discount code by clicking here: BLONDEMALE1 whilst purchasing here: SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum x Neil.

KAINE Kombu Balancing Ampoule Toner

Restore and support the barrier of the skin when easily applying the hydrating KAINE Kombu Balancing Ampoule Toner. Packaged in vegan, sustainable and recyclable packaging, the pH balanced toner contains antioxidants, humectants/moisturisers, with also anti-inflammatory soothing ingredients to calm the skin. It also noted that this skincare product is alcohol-free and is also free from fragrances and essential oils. Ampoule toners are a great product to use to deliver active and potent ingredients to the skin and this one does not disappoint, read on to find out more. 

The KAINE Kombu Balancing Ampoule Toner contains 60% of fermented kombucha which is jeju green tea extract inoculated with lactobacillus and brewers yeast and fermented for 72 hours. The fermented kombucha after this period is found to contain 8 times more antioxidant vitamin c then lemons whilst also containing EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) that helps improve skin hydration, moisture retention, and wrinkle formation, in addition to radical scavenging activity and reduction of melanin generation. The formula also contains 1% panthenol which is pro-vitamin b5 that not only provides anti-inflammatory and skin-protecting properties but it also hydrates and helps the skin produce more lipids to support a healthier skin barrier. 

Hydrated skin is happy skin, this can easily be achieved thanks to the intense hydration from the 8 different hyaluronic ingredients which are: Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, and Sodium Hyaluronate, It is also combined with other humectant and moisturisers which are Propanediol, Glycerin, Betaine, Glycereth-26, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Glyceryl Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, Dextrin, and Glucose.

Skin calming with anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits are achieved by the additional ingredients cynanchum atratum extract, althaea rosea flower extract, Beta-Glucan, and Allantoin whilst antioxidants Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract and tocopherol help to prevent damage from environmental free radicals that can damage the skin. In fact, the whole formula does NOT contain artificial flavors and colors, parabens, phenoxyethanol, animal-derived ingredients and no mineral oil. All the products from Kaine are vegan-certified and are not tested on animals whilst the packaging is made from used and recycled plastics and glass.

Suitable for all skin types, but more beneficial for those who suffer with sensitive and dry skin because your wanting to improve the barrier function with hydration and soothing benefits, the ampoule toner should be applied straight after cleansing. The three ways you can apply are: Dispense onto a cotton pad and sweep gently over the whole face even the delicate eye area, Apply into your hands and gently pat into the skin until absorbed, Or moisten a cotton pad with the toner and leave this on a specific area for 5 to 10 minutes for a soothing skin treatment. 

The rich gel-like texture sets itself apart from other toners on the market as this one feels extremely hydrating and refreshing when applying and achieves more than just your standard water-based toners. Absorbing quickly, you can then proceed to apply your typical serums, moisturisers and sunscreen in the morning, whilst in the evening just remember to apply this first after cleansing before following on with your current night-time products. Hydrate, soothe, and calm the complexion when incorporating this affordable ampoule toner into your skincare routine. 

Don't forget to use my discount code: BLONDEMALE1 and purchase here: KAINE Kombu Balancing Ampoule Toner x Neil. 

We Are Faace - Dull Faace Cleanser

Innovative with their products, the brand We Are Faace expertly provide fuss-free skincare and the Dull Faace Cleanser does not disappoint. The creamy textured cleanser combines specific ingredients to not only achieve a non-stripping wash of the face, but also it unclogs impurities from congested skin whilst also brightening the skin tone. Used as a daily cleanser for those who have no time for themselves and need a quick but improved complexion fix, the product can also be used as a treatment mask for when you have some me time and want a more intensive skin treatment.

I love the dull faace skincare cleanser because even though it contains kaolin to draw out impurities it doesn't leave my skin feeling dry or taut because of the humectants, emollients, and the oils it contains in its formulation. Antioxidants are also included to fight free-radicals that can damage collagen whilst the skin-brightening ingredients vitamin c, licorice, and kojic acid with citric acid help to improve skin tone for a glowing complexion. The We Are Faace - Dull Faace Cleanser Ingredients: 

Aqua, Kaolin, Carthamus tinctorius (Organic Safflower) seed oil**, Vegetable glycerin**, Glyceryl stearate, Stearic acid, Cetyl alcohol, Benzyl alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sorbic acid, Benzoic acid, Persea Gratissima (Organic Avocado) oil**, Camellia sinensis (Organic Green tea) leaf extract**, Citrus grandis (Organic Grapefruit) peel oil*, Glycyrrhiza glabra (Organic Licorice) root extract*, Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe Vera) leaf extract**, Magnesium Ascorbyl phosphate (Vitamin C), Xanthan gum, Tocopherol acetate (Vitamin E), Coco glucoside, Rosa canina (Organic Rosehip) seed oil**, Citric acid, Sclerotium gum, Hyaluronic acid, Sodium phytate, Tocopherol, Citrus aurantium dulcis (Neroli) flower Oil*, Citrus aurantium amara (Petitgrain) leaf oil*, Vanilla planifolia (Organic Vanilla) fruit extract**, Kojic acid, Boswellia Carterii (Organic Frankincense) Oil*, Punica granatum (Organic Pomegranate) seed oil**, Jasminum officinale (Organic Jasmine) flower oil*, Cananga odorata (Organic Ylang ylang) flower oil*, Cymbopogon martinii (Organic Palmarosa) grass Oil*, Curcuma longa (Organic Turmeric) root oil*, Vetiveria zizanioides (Organic Vetiver) root oil*, Helichrysum italicum (Organic Immortelle) flower oil*. †Limonene, †Linalool, †Citral, †Eugenol, †Benzyl benzoate, †Benzyl salicylate, †Farnesol, †Benzyl alcohol. *Organic, *Certified Organic. †Occurs naturally in Essential Oils.

Presented in a tube with a twist-off lid, the cleanser can be applied to dry or wet skin by massaging over the whole face and even the eye area gently, before washing off with warm water which i tend to practice in the morning. In the evening i reach for the creamy cleanser to act as a mask to allow the formulation to remove the daily grime and pollutants your skin can pick up during the day, leaving it to act for up to 10 minutes, before removing with warm water and a face cloth. The vegan-friendly cleanser is suitable for all skin types and also provides an earthy wellbeing scent that calms any busy mind when used morning and evening. Priced at £27.00 and available here: Dull Faace Cleanser x Neil. 

Why Sleep is the New Superpower for Men

Men who believe that sleeping when they die need a wake-up call - we are here to break that myth for them! Your "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" mentality could be setting back more than expected. Our mission today is to instil in you an appreciation of quality shut-eye.

Photo by Sander Sammy on Unsplash

Sleep: the Secret Ingredient to Physical Wellness

Eight hours of restful sleep per night is not simply recommended by health gurus; it is an absolute requirement. Lack of rest reduces immunity and raises risk factors for chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and obesity - with all-nighters potentially contributing to that stubborn belly fat you've been trying so hard to shed at the gym!

Sleep, a Catalyst for Mental Might

Imagine this: it's Monday morning; you are at a client meeting armed with coffee because, let's face it, last night was spent binge-watching your favorite show on Netflix. Halfway through your meeting with them, their boss asks an unexpected question that requires your focus and response. Have you ever experienced opening your mouth to respond, only for it to feel as though your brain has become bogged down with treacle? That is your sleep-deprived brain crying out for a break! Sleep is your mind's cleaner, helping it clear away cognitive cobwebs while strengthening memory, increasing concentration and improving overall cognitive functions. Don't underestimate its power; take some quality pillow time! Rather, this time provides your brain with necessary downtime so it can rejuvenate itself before facing new challenges head-on!

Emotional Stability: A Gift From Sleep

Let's talk feelings. No, we don't intend to act as your local psychotherapist here - instead we want to highlight one often-overlooked aspect of sleep: its impact on emotional wellbeing. Sleep and mood are inextricably linked. Have you noticed how after an insomniac night, your emotional resilience decreases significantly? Suddenly being more short with those around you and less tolerant towards their quirky habits are likely. Sleep loss reduces emotional resilience. Sleep can help manage stress more effectively while also stabilizing your emotions, making you less prone to emotional roller coasters. So before blaming an argument with your partner on Mercury being retrograde, think instead about how well-rested you were last night!

Sleep Equals Productivity

For workaholics everywhere, lack of sleep equates to reduced alertness and concentration, directly impacting productivity. If you are pulling an all-nighter just to meet that deadline, there is more likely to be errors made and it could take more time for completion.

CBD for Sleep: Is Cannabis CBD (Cannabidiol) the Ultimate Natural Sandman? 

Now comes an intriguing twist in this tale of alternative medicine's biggest craze - can CBD (Cannabidiol) help improve our quality of sleep? This compound, long considered an antidote for anxiety, has long been touted for its potential to curb insomnia by targeting its root causes. Early research suggests it might even work, though everyone's experiences may differ so be sure to consult your physician first if considering CBD - take your journey slowly in search of better sleep!

Sleep Is Not a Luxury 

To sum it all up, sleep should not be treated as an unnecessary luxury but as an integral component of daily life that enhances both physical and mental wellbeing, emotional stability, and productivity. x Neil.

SANN Beauty Nourish + Care Lip Serum

Bathe the lips in precious oils with rich ingredients when applying the SANN Beauty, nourish + care lip serum. The innovative solid lip product provides instant hydration and care whilst being available in 4 shades which are bare (clear), morning dew, sunset, and wild. Utilising sustainable packaging, you can also be reassured that all the brands products are cruelty free, vegan friendly, gluten and paraben free whilst also upholding clean beauty standards.

The full Ingredients of the SANN nourish + care lip serum in Bare are as follows:

Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate*, Isocetyl Stearate*, Polybutene, Diisostearyl Malate, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter (Cupuacu Butter)*, Candelilla Cera (Candelilla Wax) Hydrocarbons*, Silica, Dipentaerythrityl Pentaisononanoate, Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate*, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein*, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil*, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil*, Copernicia Cerifera Cera (Carnauba Wax)*, Synthetic Beeswax, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline*, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Leaf Extract*, Palmitic Acid*, Phospholipids*, Tocopherol*. *Plant origin

Presented in stylish and bag-friendly packaging, the lip serum easily glides onto the lips whilst instantly hydrating and nourishing with long-lasting results, this is NOT a lip balm that needs to be constantly applied! The formula absorbs and provides long-lasting results so you wont have overly oily or greasy lips and is the perfect treatment to apply to shield the lips during the day, prep the lips before any lipstick or glosses, apply after any lip scrub, whilst also applying before bed for an overnight lip treatment. 

The clear formula named "Bare" is priced at £22.00  and for every product purchased you fund a day of school for girls in Africa through SANN Beauty permanent partnership with CAMFED. Check out the products here: nourish + care lip serum x Neil.