Maybelline Lash Sensational Firework Mascara

Replicating the impact of a firework in a tube, Maybelline have introduced their new lash sensational firework mascara to the makeup market. The innovative supershark plastic brush features bristles that are arranged in a spiral direction to offer a precise application that is clump-free, whilst easily separating each individual eye lash. The gel-based formula which is available in two versions of being waterproof, or not, features pro-vitamin B5 to nourish each lash and encourages your 360° lash impact for up to 24 hours with comfort. Disclaimer: I was sent this mascara for free, this does not influence my opinion shared in my blog post and the links in blue are not affiliated.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Firework Mascara Ingredients: Aqua / Water, Propylene Glycol, Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Polyurethane-35, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Cera Alba / Beeswax, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Peg-200 Glyceryl Stearate, Ethylenediamine/Stearyl Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer, Copernicia Cerifera Cera / Carnauba Wax, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Ethylene/Va Copolymer, Alcohol Denat., Paraffin, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Butylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Xanthan Gum, Panthenol, Rayon, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Myristic Acid, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Tetrasodium Edta, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Potassium Sorbate, Silica, Phenylpropanol, Kaolin, Tin Oxide,  [+/- May Contain: Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499 / Iron Oxides, Ci 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, Ci 77007 / Ultramarines, Mica, Ci 75470 / Carmine, Ci 77288 / Chromium Oxide Greens, Ci 77742 / Manganese Violet, Ci 77510 / Ferric Ferrocyanide]. (F.I.L. Z70037276/4).

Presented in an eye-appealing pink colour, the outer design features grooves which help you grip and stop the mascara from falling out of your hands, whilst also it wont roll off any surfaces you place it on. Priming the brush with a few pumps and then applying to clean dry lashes, the brush glides from the bottom to the top of the lashes with ease. Separating each eyelash and creating height by its impressive flare action, it is important to remember to build-up your mascara layers, before your previous layer dries, for a more impressive look. One layer creates a natural fanned out look and then two or three layers creates that intense dramatic style, remember that black mascara is universally flattering for all eye colours and makes the eyes pop. 

Create your own flake/clump-free look and have fun playing with the brush and formula when applying the Lash Sensational Firework from Maybelline, priced at £12.99. Once opened make sure to use within 6 months, x Neil.  

Hydrate And Sun Protect Skin With Garnier

Keeping the skin hydrated and protected is essential for optimal skin health, Garnier offer affordable skincare products for all skin types and concerns. Cleansing the skin to remove impurities, pollution, and any previous products you can then proceed to tone, treat, hydrate, and then apply a broad-spectrum sun protection to protect from both UVA & UVB rays. I have previously reviewed Garnier products that can be found on my blog that i have purchased, disclaimer - the products featured in this blog post were sent to me for free that i did not have to review, but i like them so much i have chosen to include them on my blog. The links in blue are not affiliated and are just placed for you to discover the products quicker. 

Bringing the hair back and out of your face to apply specific products is made easier, thanks to the Garnier Good Squish that holds the hair in place. The handy hair helper should be handwashed in mild detergent whilst leaving to air-dry, do not tumble dry! To keep the shape of the 100% deadstock cotton and organza trim, you can iron using a little steam or you can place a heavy book over it and press down firmly, simple!     

Instantly hydrate and cool the skin, when applying the Anti-Fatigue Hyaluronic Acid & Icy Cucumber Cryo Jelly Face Mask. Placing the sheet mask on to cleansed skin, the vegan and second-skin formula cools the skin’s temperature by -7°C* whilst also minimising the signs of fatigue. Leaving on for 15 minutes, the formula contains 4% humectants and soothing ingredients to boost hydration and moisture for all skin types. Once the time is up and the sheet mask is taken off, you can either remove any residue with a cotton pad or massage any remaining product into the skin with your fingers. A hydrating and cooling sheet mask that hydrates and boosts moisture any season of the year, before applying any of your other skincare products.

Refreshing the under eye area with added hydration and soothing ingredients is accomplished easily when applying the Anti-Fatigue Hyaluronic Acid & Icy Cucumber Cryo Jelly Eye Patches. Applying after you have cleansed your skin, the jelly patches can either be used in the morning to awaken the eye area or in the evening to refresh before an occasion. Featuring the same 4% humectants and soothing ingredients just like the sheet mask, the jelly patches stay in place for 15 minutes to boost hydration and moisture whilst also cooling the skin’s temperature by -7°C*. Removing the patches, you can either remove any remaining product with a cotton pad or massage any remaining product into and around the eye area before following on with your current skincare products, 

Respectful of the skins barrier, the Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 effectively cleanses and soothes the skin whilst being able to remove water-proof makeup and sunscreens designed to stay on the skin. The micelles included act like magnets to capture and remove impurities, pollution, and face products whilst the added botanical glycerin included provides hydration and soothing properties. The no fragrance formula should be applied to a cotton or reusable pad and swiped over the face, eyes, and lips whilst no rinse-off is required. I personally like to cleanse my skin with a face cleanser but the micellar water is ideal for those who are travelling, for those who don't like using oil-balm cleansers, and is a perfect first cleanse to break-down stubborn water-proof products.

Enriched with Vitamin E and Beta-Carotene, Garnier Ambre Solaire Ideal Bronze Milk-In Spray SPF50 is a product to apply to help protect your skin from sun damage and photo-aging signs while also enhancing your tan. Resistant to sand, water, and sweat, the formula also protects against UVA and UVB rays when applied every 2 hours, though over exposure to the sun is dangerous and is advised not to stay exposed in the sun for a long period of time. Applying generously over the body from the spray applicator, the luxurious milky formula feels non-sticky, non-greasy, and has a transparent finish on the skin accompanied with a luxury fragrance. Perfect for those who want a high-protecting body sunscreen that leaves the skin with a soft and silky finish and not an uncomfortable one. 

Instant skin barrier protection is welcomed when applying the Super UV Daily Invisible Face Serum with SPF 50+ because the new formula is enriched with ceramide. Developed for the sensitive face area, it provides very high protection against UVB, UVA, and long UVA rays whilst also fighting against external aggressions and skin pollution. The non-greasy, non-sticky, and leaving no white marks when applied helps this invisible serum super UV be ideal for all skin tones. Presented in a pump bottle and applying the appropriate amount for maximum protection, the lightweight texture glides over the skin with ease before absorbing quickly leaving no trace of itself. Highly recommended if your wanting a lightweight and nude skin feel SPF to use daily and under makeup.

Intensely hydrating and smoothing the skin, the Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV SPF 50+ Hydrating Protection Fluid provides a broad spectrum protection against UVB, UVA, and Long UVA rays. Formulated with 3% Glycerin, Vitamin E, and Hyaluronic Acid the non-greasy and non-sticky fluid is ideal for drier skin types, whilst it also helps fight against oxidative stress due to pollution. Shaking the bottle and dispensing two finger lengths (index and middle) to the face and neck, the fluid instantly absorbs with an invisible finish and no white cast. Ideal for all skin tones and the bottle being travel-friendly, this no-fragrance protection fluid should be applied as the last step in your skincare routine and applied before makeup.

Reapplication of sun protection is made easier when using the Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist SPF50. Broad spectrum protection against UVB, UVA, and Long UVA rays is provided whilst the formulation also contains 6% Glycerin, Vitamin E, and Hyaluronic Acid for added hydration. Applied before makeup or after, the weightless and non-greasy texture feels comfortable on the skin when spraying over the face and neck with your eyes closed and your lips pinched together. The invisible finish is suitable for all skin tones and is ideal for anyone who wants to reapply their sun protection throughout the day, even if they are wearing or not wearing makeup.

Easily Hydrate and Sun Protect your skin with the Garnier products mentioned above, the links in blue are not affiliated and are only placed for you to discover the products quicker, x Neil. 

REN Evercalm™ Sensitive Skin Collection

The Evercalm™ range from REN consists of products to equalise the skins natural balance resulting in neutralising irritations and redness while restoring the skins comfort. 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. 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. 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. 

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. The ren 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. 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.

The REN Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream helps protect the skin against dehydration and shield from pollution by utilising a synergetic blend of a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavengers, together with soothing and nourishing seed oils to help calm, lock-in moisture, and reduce sensitivity. In fact, the formulation contains REN’s Global Protection Complex which consists of Cranberry Seed Oil, Candle Tree Leaves, Ochorleuca Seaweed and Kudzu Zumbiozome Fermentum that work in synergy to protect, repair and alleviate damage caused by daily skin aggressors such as pollutants and free radicals. Presented in a opaque bottle with a pump dispenser, it is ideal to use two pumps onto cleansed skin and gently massage into the face and neck. The rich and emollient comforting cream glides over the skin with ease and absorbs beautifully to leave the skin feeling perfectly nourished thanks to the Sea Buckthorn Oil included without that greasy or sticking feeling some rich creams can leave behind. Ideal for dehydration and dryness, whilst also helping to reduce sensitivity and redness, the formulation also contains Blackcurrant Seed Extract to help replenish and support the barrier function of the skin. I did apply this on its own, over the ren barrier support elixir, and under many sunscreens, it still works beautifully to nourish and nurture the skin throughout the day.     

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 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 or tretinoin - remembering to wait at least 20/30 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 does nothing else.

Discover the whole Ren Skincare range here: Evercalm Sensitive Skin Collection x Neil. 

How To Pursue Your Love Of Music (Without Spending Money)

Whether you’re considering a career within the music industry or find music to be therapeutic, there are many reasons why you may have fallen in love with music.

Photo by Marcela Laskoski on Unsplash

However, it is one of the more expensive hobbies to pursue, with many feeling as though they are priced out due to this. Fortunately, there are many ways in which you can pursue your love of music without spending any money! 

Watch online tutorials when learning an instrument. 

If you are learning to play an instrument, YouTube can quickly become your new best friend. After all, here, you’ll find thousands upon thousands of free tutorials and lessons for just about every instrument, from guitars to flutes. While this does differ slightly from one-on-one tuition, it's a great way to familiarize yourself with the basics of an instrument or learn how to play your favorite song. 

On a similar note, there are plenty of websites that provide free access to sheet music, too—whether you’re hoping to play the latest hits or more classical pieces. If you can’t find what you are looking for, consider shopping for sheet music second-hand. 

Find free ways to listen to music. 

Most music streaming platforms require you to pay for a subscription to listen ad-free. However, this does not mean that you have to put up with hours and hours of adverts, especially if they disrupt the flow of your playlist. For example, you could check out the best music torrents instead until you find a platform that you like. 

Stay engaged with the music scene. 

There are many ways in which you can remain actively engaged within the music scene without having to spend a single cent. For example, subscribing to blogs that regularly post about the latest releases and upcoming artists is a great starting point. After all, between reading interviews and reviews, you’ll be able to discover more about the kind of music you love! 

Support up-and-coming artists.

Supporting up-and-coming artists over more established acts is another great way to enjoy music without spending money. For example, many of those who are just starting out in their careers will host free gigs and concerts as they work to gain more practical experience or build a consistent following. Who knows, you may discover one of your all-time favorite artists by attending one of these concerts!

On a similar note, local open mic nights are often free (or relatively cheap) to attend and could also help you discover great music from yet-to-be-discovered talent. 

Find ways to make money out of your hobby. 

Finding ways to monetize your interests is another great way to enjoy music for “free.” For example, if you’re a skilled musician in your own right, you may want to consider teaching others. Alternatively, you might want to look into working as a music journalist, writing reviews of albums, singles, and live shows. While it can be difficult to land this kind of role (even on a freelance basis), it often means that you receive free concert tickets alongside other perks. 

Over time, you may even manage to turn your hobby into your full-time career, which means that you’ll also gain an intense sense of job satisfaction. After all, you can hardly call it work if you love what you are doing! 

Become a seat filler. 

Many venues and promotion companies offer free or incredibly discounted tickets to events that aren’t selling as well as originally intended. As a result, signing up to be a “seat filler” could be a great way to enjoy live music without having to spend much money whatsoever. Again, this can be a great way to discover new artists or bands, especially if you have not heard of them before. 

You should also follow your favorite artists and bands on social media, as they may occasionally advertise free events for fans, such as listening parties ahead of an album launch. As they are usually first-come-first-serve, the sooner you see these posts, the better, so consider turning on your notifications so that you are alerted whenever they post! 

Final thoughts.

In short, there are plenty of ways in which you can dedicate more time to your musical hobbies that don’t require you to drain your bank account. However, when you consider the benefits of pursuing your hobbies (especially when it comes to your mental health), this is often an area where it is worth spending a little money where you can afford to. 

Money spent on things that make you happy is money well spent! X Neil.

NIP+FAB Peptide Fix Finishing Oil 2%

Beneficial for all skin types, NIP+FAB have recently launched their Peptide Fix Finishing Oil 2% that can easily be used in anyone's skincare routine. The unique skincare product contains an oil phase and a water phase, but when shaken before application the two phases mix together to create a bi-phase formulation. The water phase contains humectant glycerin at 3% for longer-lasting hydration along with a copper peptide at 0.05% that not only has antioxidant, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory properties but is also proven to boost synthesis of collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans for improvement in elasticity, density, and firmness of the skin. The oil phase consists of a 0.8% Peptide complex that combines acetyl hexapeptide-8 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 that are both cell-communicating ingredients to signal and improve the appearance of the skin. Bakuchiol at 1% boost's collagen I, III and IV production for improvement in fine-lines, wrinkles, elasticity, and firmness whilst also having excellent antioxidant and calming properties. Cold-pressed pumpkin and sunflower seed oils at 5% have a high linoleic acid content with beneficial fatty acids that help to replenish, soothe, and strengthen whilst also repairing the barrier function of the skin. The 46% Skin-conditioning oil blend consists of sweet almond, grapeseed, passion seed and baobab oils which not only have their own skin-nourishing fatty acid properties, but they also their own antioxidant and skin-protecting benefits. 

NIP+FAB Peptide Fix Finishing Oil 2% Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil, Passiflora Edulis (Passionfruit) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Prunus Persica (Peach) Kernel Oil, Bakuchiol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Gluconolactone, Limonene, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Tocopherol, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil Expressed, Calcium Gluconate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Linalool, Tribehenin, Sorbitan Isostearate.  

Presented in bottle with a pipette dropper tool, the bottle should be shaken before dispensing a few drops in your hand and warming the formulation up. The colour blue is from the copper included but does not stain the skin when sweeping over and pressing into the face, neck, and chest. I love how light this oils feels on the skin when applying as the last step in your skincare routine which would be "AFTER" your moisturiser at night and "BEFORE"  applying your broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning. Absorbing quickly, it leaves the skin perfectly nourished without that greasy or oily feeling some oils can leave behind when sitting on top of the skin. Beautifully lightweight with specific ingredients to influence the skin, this is an upgrade from your typical emollient facial oil. Priced at £29.95 and available here: NIP+FAB Peptide Fix Finishing Oil 2% x Neil.