Ren Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic

Incorporating a face acid into your skincare routine has many beneficial benefits and are an easy to use product to transform your complexion to appear brighter and feel smoother. Alpha-Hydroxy acids known commonly as AHA's are presented in different forms, but the most promising for results are glycolic and lactic acid that are typically used in such skincare products like serums, toners, and moisturisers that are less likely to cause irritation. Primarily used to exfoliate the skin by breaking the bonds between the new and dead, an AHA effectively helps remove and speed up cell-turnover for a smoother and brighter complexion, whilst also helping to improve fine lines, pigmentation and acne. The Ren Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic not only contains the super-effective AHA (Lactic Acid), it also contains a BHA (Salicin) that is effective in helping clearing out blocked pores to improve blackheads and acneic prone skin. Combining these two super-effective ingredients helps to resurface the skin, whilst also helping to improve the appearance o f the complexion by keeping the pores clean.

The Ren Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic is presented in a 250ml bottle (other sizes are available) that you pour onto a cotton or eco pad to saturate, before sweeping over the face and neck but avoiding the eye-area. All tonics should be used after cleansing and onto clean skin helping the active ingredients get to work, with no interaction from other products that could potentially stop them from working. Fitting a tonic into your skincare routine is super-easy and they will help your other skincare products penetrate and absorb better by clearing away the old skin cells and bringing the new to the surface. It is important to remember that any exfoliation method can make the skin more sun-sensitive, make sure you apply at least a broad-spectrum SPF50 to protect your freshly brightened skin helped by Azelaic Acid precursors from Olives that are arriving at the surface for a revitalised and renewed complexion.

The tonic should be used at night regularly, but can be used once/twice weekly for sensitive skin types or for beginners that are new to using this product. I did feel a slight tingle when initially using the tonic but that sensation soon passed with continued use and i have been really impressed with the results of softer and smoother skin with a more uniformed skin tone that greeted me quickly. Alpha hydroxy acids are known to be hydrophilic which means they attract and bind water to the skins surface which will help to improve hydration problems your skin maybe experiencing. Overall, if your looking to improve discolouration, skin texture, whilst reducing and preventing acne, add the Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic into your skincare routine, just don't forget the cotton or eco pads and the broad-spectrum sunscreen that should be applied in the morning! Available in sizes of 100ml, 250ml, and 500ml purchase here: Radiance Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic X Neil.

Youth Boosting Blue-ty Sleep Night Oil

The gentle, but effective youth boosting blue-ty sleep night oil from elf cosmetics contains the cell-communicating ingredient Granactive Retinoid (Hydroxy pinacolone Retinoate (HPR) at 1%. Accepted and absorbed by the skin easily in this oil formula it does not need to be converted by the skin, but instead, is able to bind to the retinoid receptors directly. Suitable for all skin types (always patch test first) the formula also contains antioxidants with emollients and soothing ingredients to help nourish, renew, and nurture the skin overnight.  

Youth Boosting Blue-ty Sleep Night Oil Ingredients: 

caprylic/capric triglyceride - Emollient to help keep skin feel soft and smooth. 

helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil - Emollient plant oil that contains fatty acids to improve hydration whilst also improving the barrier function of the skin reducing irritation and inflammation.

tocopherol -  Antioxidant with emollient benefits. 

vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil - Antioxidant emollient oil that contains polyphenols, fatty acids, and vitamin e.

simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil - Emollient wax ester that forms a protective layer on the skin improving moisturisation.

persea gratissima (avocado) oil - Antioxidant and emollient oil that contains minerals and vitamins A, E and D with also fatty acids, ideal for dry skin. 

limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil - Emollient fatty acid oil with phytosterols and antioxidant vitamin e.

dimethyl isosorbide - Penetration helper to aid in delivering active ingredients deeper into the skin.

hydroxypinacolone retinoate - Retinoid, the trade name of HPR is Granactive Retinoid and promises results without skin irritation. 

stearyl glycyrrhetinate - Ester of stearyl alcohol and licorice root which has soothing, moisturising, skin-conditioning, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and skin-lightening properties by inhibiting melanin formation.

vaccinium angustifolium (blueberry) fruit extract -  Soothing, antioxidant polyphenols with anti-inflammatory benefits whilst shielding the skin from the harmful effects of blue light exposure.

chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower oil - Soothing anti-inflammatory oil that contains bisabolol with the antiallergic blue color of chamazulene whilst also terpenoids, flavonoids, and antioxidants are present.

borago officinalis seed oil - Soothing and emollient oil contains gamma-linolenic acid combined with the fatty acids linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acid which is ideal for dry, sensitive, and irritated skin types. 

ethylhexylglycerin - Preservative and humectant with skin-softening benefits and can also act as a carrier/suspending agent. 

pentaerythrityl tetracocoate - Emollient that forms a protective layer to help reduce loss of moisture from the skin. 

green 6 (ci 61565) - A cosmetic colorant that is used to impart a greenish color. 

violet 2 (ci 60725) - A synthetic colorant that is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products which is a bright purple powder that is added to formulations to impart a violet hue.

Supplied in a bottle with a pipette dropper tool, it is advised to apply 3-5 drops to a cleansed skin in the evening using massaging movements with your fingers. The oil is blue in colour, but don't be put off from this as it does not stain the skin, before it absorbs quickly leaving the skin feeling perfectly nourished with a renewed complexion that greets you in the morning. I love how easy and versatile you can use this oil, either on its own in the evening, after your water-based serum, and it performs perfectly under your favourite night-time moisturiser, Priced at £18 and available here: Youth Boosting Blue-ty Sleep Night Oil x Neil. 

Pixi Beauty Antioxidant Tonic

Tonics are the ideal product to include in your skincare routine because not only do they prepare the skin for your other products, such as a serum and moisturiser, but they also add an extra hydration boost thanks to their humectant and moisturising ingredients. Pixi Beauty are renowned for their popular glow tonic, but the antioxidant tonic is for those who are wanting a 3-in-1 product (Essence, Toner, Serum) to hydrate, balance, and provide antioxidant protection. Suitable for all skin types, the alcohol-free tonic includes superfood berries (Cloudberry, Lingonberry, Strawberry, Blueberry) for their antioxidant properties, white ginger lily root to shield from pollution, probiotics to soothe and support the skin barrier function with added niacinamide and ceramide np, whilst the birch water base of the formulation reduces inflammation, purifies, and deeply hydrates. 

Pixi Antioxidant Tonic: Aqua/Water/Eau, Betula Alba Bark Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea Fruit Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus Fruit Extract, Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract, Niacinamide, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Maris Aqua/Sea Water/Eau de Mer, Ceramide NP, Betaine, Panthenol, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate Filtrate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract, Sodium PCA, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Cellulose Gum, Algin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol.

Presented in a bottle with a twist-off cap, you can either apply to a Pixi reusable cotton pad or apply a few drops into your hands and then swipe and press into a cleansed face and neck. The texture is thicker than a typical watery serum because it does combine an essence, but i love how this applies easier because it does not drip everywhere and you can ensure an even application. Instantly refreshing and hydrating the skin, it absorbs quickly without leaving the skin feeling sticky or greasy and you can then proceed with your current skincare routine, its that easy! Refresh, tone, hydrate, treat and support your skin. Priced from £10.00 for 100ml or £18.00 for 250ml and available here: Pixi Antioxidant Tonic x Neil.    

REN Evercalm™ Overnight Recovery Balm

Support the skins repair and regeneration stage at night, which is crucial for the skins overall health, when applying the REN Skincare Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm. The Evercalm skincare range from REN consists of products to equalise the skins balance resulting in neutralising irritations and redness while restoring the comfort of the skin. Sensitive skin is a genetic skin type that can lead to skin irritations as well as Psoriasis, eczema and rosacea while the condition "Sensitized skin" is triggered by external factors such as strong skincare products that have damaged the protective lipid barrier of the skin. Sensitised skin is treatable and can be nourished back to an improved state of health while its important to seek and use products labelled specifically for sensitive skin to manage irritations and flare-ups. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are place for you to discover the product.

What Is Inside The REN Evercalm™ Overnight Recovery Balm?

The REN Evercalm™ Overnight Recovery Balm utilises Almond/Borage/Linseed/Olive Acids/Glycerides which are a mixture of mono-, di-, and triglycerides with fatty acids that have been enzymatically activated for better acceptance by the skin to provide emollience, skin conditioning, and antioxidant properties, while also supporting and repairing a compromised lipid barrier function. The night-time balm also contains other soothing ingredients to reduce irritations associated with dryness while also boosting the skins protective barrier to stop moisture-loss for an improved moisture balance. The ingredients are as follows:

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate - Emollient that can penetrate deep to help repair and improve compromised skin. 

Glycerin - Moisturiser and Humectant that supports the skin lipids, reduces irritation, and helps to restore the barrier function of the skin. 

 

Aqua (Water) - Solvent to help ingredients to mix. 

Almond/Borage/Linseed/Olive Acids/Glycerides - Helps support a compromised skin barrier with mono-, di-, and triglycerides with fatty acids. 

Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate - Derived from plants, it acts as a hydrating and skin-conditioning agent while also helping ingredients to mix. 

Jojoba Esters - Emollient that is non-greasy and provides soothing, healing, and protecting properties from this occlusive agent.  

 

Oryza Sativa Starch - Used to reduce oiliness of a product to give a matte effect but is also used to calm irritation down by soothing without "drying-out" the skin. 

Cetyl Alcohol - Non-drying Fatty alcohol that helps to mix ingredients in a formula while providing emollience properties to the skin for a soft and smooth feel.

Glyceryl Stearate - Emollient to achieve soft and smooth skin while also helping water and oil ingredients to mix. 

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables - Soothing and lipid-replenishing to improve the skin's barrier with its rich linoleic acid, tocopherol (vitamin E) and sterols content. 

 

Glyceryl Caprylate - Helps water and oil to mix in a formula while also restoring the natural oils and regulating moisture of the skin. 

 

Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax - Prevents separation of water and oil ingredients and also inhibits  crystallization in skincare formulas. Provides a smoother texture to deliver actives to the skin while also forming a protective layer to stop moisture-loss. 

Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate - Keeps oil and water ingredients blended together while conditioning the skin. 

 

Benzyl Alcohol - Preservative to stop your product from spoiling.

 

Parfum (Fragrance) - Helps the product smell nice. 

Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil - Emollient/moisturising plant oil that contains palmitoleic and palmitic acid with antioxidant benefits from the beta-carotene, lycopene, and Vitamin E while also soothing and replenishing benefits from the beta-sitosterol it contains. 

Tocopherol - Antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals while also providing emollient benefits.

 

Magnesium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan - Soothes and calms irritated and itchy skin while also rebalancing the skins immune system for improvement in the barrier function and hydration. 

 

Dehydroacetic Acid - Preservative to help keep your product staying nicer for longer.

Eclipta Prostrata Extract - Antioxidant and skin calming properties. 

Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract - Soothes and calms with skin-conditioning and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil - Emollient and nourishing oil that is high in fatty acid oleic to replenish the skin and counteract moisture loss. It also calms skin down with its amino acids and plant sterols and has several antioxidants, including zeatin, quercetin, and vitamins A, C, and E.

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil - The fatty acids linoleic and oleic are present in this great plant oil that helps recovery of the skin barrier while improving the skins softness and smoothness. 

 

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract - Antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals while one of its components rosmarinic acid has a calming effect on the skin providing anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

 

100% Natural Fragrance - Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool * 

How To Use The REN Evercalm™ Overnight Recovery Balm?

The REN Evercalm™ Overnight Recovery Balm is presented in recyclable packaging (a jar and cap lid) and you receive 30ml of product inside. The many ways you can use the balm is entirely up to you by applying all over to a freshly cleansed skin, after your serum to seal over moisture, or over any actives such as a retinol, retinal, or tretinoin - remembering to wait at least 10/15 minutes to allow the skin to absorb these actives before applying any other skincare product. You can also take a little of the balm and apply to chapped lips to soothe, or any other dry areas, such as the elbows and knees to relieve any dryness and tightness of the skin. I was really impressed on how little you need on application while it spreads easily over the skin and then absorbs quickly to leave the skin feeling nourished, without any oily or greasy feeling. It is definitely one of those products you need in your skincare collection that helps relieve stressed and sensitised skin, whether that be due to seasonal changes or using products that can influence your barrier function for the worse, reach for this plant-based oil balm that actually feeds the skin rather than a product that just serves as a barrier and nothing else. 

Read my review of the elixir and day cream here: REN Evercalm™ Sensitive Skin Collection

The REN Skincare Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm is available in different sizes and you can purchase on the non-affiliated link from here: REN Skincare x Neil.

4 Essential Clothing Items Every Man Needs

At some point, a man’s clothing-buying decision process should edge towards building an epic, timeless wardrobe that ensures you’re never short of something to work. While there’s still room for the occasional ‘trending’ clothing item, by and large, the wardrobe should be filled with items that will look just as good in 10 years as they do today.

Happily, this approach to building a wardrobe is highly efficient. Not only does it require less storage space (since you’ll have fewer items), but it can also be cost-effective. It’s much cheaper to buy quality pieces that you’ll rarely, if ever, have to replace, rather than buying cheap clothing that only lasts a few months.

In this post, we’ll look at some of the essential items that every man needs to have in their wardrobe. 

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A Go-To Suit

Most people only have to wear a suit every now and again. They’re for birthdays, weddings, christenings, and other special occasions where your usual ‘smart casual’ attire won’t cut the mustard. While most men have a suit they can draw upon, not every man has a suit that is stylish, timeless, and that they can still wear decades into the future. It’s recommended to invest in a tailored suit that is elegant and sophisticated. Plus, if you have that in your wardrobe, you’ll actually be excited when you get invited to the wedding of a distant cousin. 

Wardrobe Staples

Investing in quality everyday wear will save you a small fortune in the long run — and plus, you’ll have the added benefit of always looking sharp and stylish. It’s best to invest in quality versions of wardrobe staples — a few high-quality items are better than having an entire wardrobe of lower-quality clothing. So, what should be in your wardrobe? Black jeans from a leading brand are essential, while a mens wool gilet should also be towards the top of your list — it’ll keep you warm on those chilly autumnal days for decades to come. A few collared shirts and high-quality basics, such as t-shirts and shorts, will ensure that you have something to wear regardless of the occasion.

Boots

If you’re in the UK, then you’ll have ample opportunity to wear boots. They might be your footwear of choice for six months of the year, from October through April. As such, if there was ever an item where it’s worthwhile splurging a little extra cash, it’s your boots. There are some quality options available that may be a little more expensive than you’d like them to be, but they’ll be worth the money since they’ll last a lifetime. 

A Great Winter Coat

Finally, there’s a great winter coat. A heavy, warm, and timelessly classic coat is worth its weight in gold — and you’ll get plenty of use from it. You don’t necessarily need to buy a new coat. Since they hold their quality well, this is one of those purchases where you can dip into the second-hand market. With this and the other items on this list, you’ll always look good. x Neil.