Ringana Fresh Tinted Moisturiser Tan Sample Review RRP £37.13

 

I first tested this brand last year, and was so impressed that when the PR sent a sample of the Tinted Moisturiser, I was compelled to test and write a review. I do get sent quite a few samples, and as I don't get paid for reviews, I do have to pick and choose as will only ever write about products I personally recommend. This is one of those brands that I think suits everyone. The products themselves are fresh ingredients and so do have a shelf life of approximately 6 months from purchase (not from when opened). They're perfume free and use only the highest quality of ingredients making them suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive. 

As a lover of tinted moisturisers, I seldom wear foundation as I am lucky that my skin is relatively blemish free. Also I've found as I have reached past 50, my skin is dry and dehydrated, and so I prefer to wear a foundation that gives hydration with a very light coverage. I also look for coverage that not only is slight but also that works in aiding skin health. This is where the Ringana Fresh Tinted Moisturiser comes into play. Its packed full of active, high quality ingredients such as:-

• Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Water - Orange Fruit Extract known to be an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and good for helping give the skin radiance, whilst smoothing out blemishes and helping eradicate scarring. 
• Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil - Almond Oil, rich in fatty acids that help nourish dry and dehydrated skin. Helps to repair and replenish skin. 
• Squalane - helps keep skin supple and youthful by retaining moisture in the skin. With continued use, this amazing ingredient is as good as hyaluronic acid if not better, as contains so many antioxidants.
• Astrocaryum Tucuma Seed Butter - Native to the Amazon Rainforest and derived from palm trees, this seed butter is excellent for nourishing and giving elasticity to the skin. It's non-comedogenic so doesn't block pores.
• Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil - Cranberry Seed Oil, this fruit helps to balance out skin tone, ideal for those who suffer with pigmentation marks. 

You only need a small amount dotted into the face, and lightly massaged in to give an even appearance. Skin is left feeling soft, breathable and more even toned. I like that fact that my coverage is working for my skin, helping to repair and protect from pollution. You can also use it to give more dense coverage on a smaller area, by lightly tapping and building up the coverage as you prefer. 

I also love the fact that the products come with a handy organic towel, and have to say that I regularly use mine from other samples I've tested. They wash well and are ideal for removing cleanser as well as drying the face without being abrasive. Once again a fantastic product and whilst, I'm very tempted to keep this I'm off to gift it to my mother. The colour Tan is universal and so suits my light olive skin as well as her light 'English Rose' complexion (although you can purchase in a lighter shade). You can check out the products here at Ringana

Blueberry Siberica Anti-Ox Wild Blueberry Renewing Jam Face Scrub Sample Review RRP £10

 

As if the cold weather isn't hard enough (especially without any heating on), our skin also has to sacrifice it's condition, thanks to environmental aggressors (harsh wind, blasting heating vents in the car) etc. So you shouldn't be surprised if your skin is starting to look a little dull, dehydrated, grey and lacks that gentle glow, that we often regain in spring time. 

Thankfully, all it takes is a little TLC and ramp up of skincare to give skin back it's lustral radiance, and this is just one of the reasons why I absolutely love the Anti-Ox Wild Blueberry Renewing Jam Face Scrub. The other reason is that it smells absolutely delicious and should come with a 'do not eat' warning label.

Ingredients are vegan and contain a huge amount of organic actives, to help replenish, smooth and deeply cleanse the skin. Such ingredients are:-

• Butyrospermum Parkii Butter - Shea Butter, nourishing, enriching and full of vitamin A and E, so helps renew the skin.
• Vaccinium Vulcanorum Fruit ExtractWH - aka Blueberry Fruit Extract, not only excellent for nutritional benefits, but on the skin provides excellent antioxidants such as polyphenolics, which help protect the skin from the suns harmful UV rays. They also provide copious amounts of vitamin C, which helps to smooth and give radiance.
• Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea Fruit Extract - Lingonberry, this fruit helps to protect the skin from environmental damage caused by pollution, smoke etc. Skin calming, this fruit is ideal for those who suffer with sensitive skin.
• Ribes Nigrum Leaf Extract - aka Blackcurrant, rich in tannins and a fruit that is anti-inflammatory, so helps with acne and inflammation. 
• Sambucus Nigra Flower ExtractWH - Elderberry, full of vitamins A, B, C and E, helps renew the skin and give a firmer appearance. Ideal for oily skin as well as sensitive and dry skin. 

The consistency is exactly as you would expect for the namesake, like a sugar filled jam. Upon application however, it soon turns into a smoothing emulsion that spreads easily over the face. The sugar granules are small enough to give a good dermabrasion without causing any irritation or redness.

Whilst I didn't test this on my face as I was multi-tasking, the skin on the back of my hand was left feeling soft and smooth. You only need a small amount to give a good exfoliation so the 50ml pot will last a good month or more. You can check out the reviews and other products in this range here at Natura Siberica

Pure Lakes Soap Free Facial Cleanser Rosehip Seed Sample Review RRP £11 100ml

 

Founded originally by Sandra and Iain Blackburn, the Pure Lakes brand was a vision created specifically in mind for those suffering with sensitive skin, and using only the best quality of plant ingredients. It is now owned by Claire and Gareth McKeever, whom were originally one of the first customers of the award winning skincare products. To this day the company still uses minimal processing in the products and only use recyclable packaging. Any plastic used is with eco-friendly biopolymer plastic that is sustainable. Every ingredient can be traced back to the source, so they know exactly what is going into the products.

I was sent the Soap Free Facial Cleanser in Rosehip Seed to test. Before I even opened the packaging, the gentle fragrance of rose enveloped my senses. I am a huge sucker for products that have an aromatherapy smell as they instantly give me the shoulder drop, I often need.

As a sufferer of dry, dehydrated mature skin (I'm 51 this year), I like products that are non-drying. This cleanser is formulated exactly for my skin type. It contains no harsh parabens, sulphates etc and includes ingredients such as:-

• Organic Aloe Barbadensis - Aloe Vera, contains anti-oxidants, is non-drying, soothing and calms inflammation. 
• Prunus Amygodalus var dulcis - Sweet Almond Oil, known for nourishing the skin and contains optimum vitamin E so can help with blemishes and scarring. 
• Persea Gratissima - Avocado Oil, rich in fatty acids that help keep the skin feeling soft and supple.
• Rosa Canina - Rosehip Seed, strengthens the skin's barrier and helps protect the skin from environmental pollutions such as smoke, city smog etc. 
• Lavandula Angustifolia - helps sooth red, puffy skin. Is antiseptic and helps prevent bacterial infections.

The application is incredibly light, it doesn't lather (as soap free), but it eradicates all traces of grime and dirt just as well. A light amount massaged into the skin, then rinsed off with warm water was all I needed to leave my skin feeling incredibly soft. The testimony is that after use I actually forgot to put on moisturiser and didn't notice any difference!

The company have a beautiful range of Mothers Day gifts however, in the meantime I would urge you to visit their website and check out the 5 star customer reviews. You can click here for more info. Pure Lakes

Ciaté London Curated By Robert Welsh Collection RRP £35

The first thing that stands out with this stunning new launch by Ciaté is the beautiful packaging. I'm not a sucker for packaging when it comes to skincare but often when it's make-up and I'm going to be taking it out with me, then yes I am. Especially when this collection usually costs £99.50 (a saving of £64.50). The collection has been created in conjunction with Robert Welsh, an MUA who has over 16 years experience, and hundreds of thousands of followers on his You Tube and Instagram feeds.

I'm starting with my favourite piece first, which is the Dewy Stix - often I find that highlighters have too much shimmer in them, especially for someone in their 50s. This doesn't give particles of shimmer but as the name suggests a light, dewy glow to the face.

You can see above that it literally makes the skin look fresh, and the application is easy to glide on. I tested on my hands however, there are some great tutorials online under Roberts Instagram or on the Ciaté website. Apply on the cheekbones, cupids bow, inner corner of the lids or under the browbone. You can also apply on the décolleté to make the neck bone look more prominent.

The Velvet Cloud Lip Powder is by far the cutest compact lipstick, I've ever seen in my 25 years of beauty editorial.  It has the perfect 'snap-shut' compact, that makes a lovely click and it undeniably gorgeous. 

The format is a powder, that upon application gives a smooth, matt finish and you can build up the depth of the colour to your suiting.  The shade I tested is Heavenly, a universal brown shade that stays put and is transfer proof. The colour has just the right amount of blue undertones so teeth don't look yellow (something that neutral shades can often do). It's easy to apply with your finger and the compact has a mirror so application is foul proof. 

The WonderWand Mascara, is ideal for building up layers without clumping. One coat will lengthen lashes, give volume, curl and is long lasting. It won't give thick black lashes on instant as is a 'buildable' colour so ideal for taking from day to night. 

On the Ciaté website you will also find tutorials on how to apply the stunning pigmented 'Bronzed'  9 Piece Eyeshadow Palette. 

These contain a mixture of shimmer, matte and full on molten shades ideal for creating the chocolate look that is on trend for SS23. The pigments, as you can see below are buttery soft and blend to perfection.  You can use them with a damp brush to get a full on look, to shade or line the eyes or by simply pressing lightly with your finger to give a more translucent, and natural day time look.

Finally in the set is the Extraordinary Translucent Powder. An ultra finely milled powder, that controls shine and helps make-up stay put. It gives a slight brightening effect, which helps to make the skin look flawless. You can use it more concentrated to set concealer or apply it with a large brush to eradicate shine. 

The set won't last for long on the website, and is ideal for Mothers Day or you can split the set up and keep some for yourself. I'd urge you to check out the fantastic tutorials too as the amazing Robert Welsh does give some fabulous tips and advice on application. The products are 100% PETA approved vegan and cruelty free. Available from ciatelondon.com

Batiste Leave-In Dry Conditioner Tropical 100ml RRP £4.95 sample review

 

I haven't used 'Dry Shampoo' for a long time, albeit my eldest does always have one in her bathroom to hand. However, once upon a time when I was pre-menopause and had the energy to go out, I regularly used them before I went out to work, or when the kids were toddlers and sleep was a thing of the past. 

My hair is rather dry, the result of menopause and dying the greys with bleach, and so often I miss a wash and just put it up in a scrunchie. So I was rather intrigued to see that there was a newly launched 'Leave-In Dry Conditioner' specifically for dry hair that needed some oomph. 

It comes in a mousse format, and do be careful when you press down as quite a lot can come out. The scent is probably one of my favourite scents, reminiscent of the beach, summer and the smell of coconuts. The key ingredient is Aloe Vera, known to strengthen the hair, protect it from environmental damage (sun, pollution, smoke etc), soothing (helps with eczema) and help aid scalp inflammation. 

I had just come from the gym, my hair hasn't been washed in 2 days and was incredibly dry at the ends (as you can see from the before photo).

A small amount of the mousse scrunched into the ends not only transformed and defined my waves, but got rid of that dry frizz without weighing it down. I would actually use this as a styling aid as well as a leave-in conditioner. It gave volume, definition and made my hair look going out ready in literally a few seconds.  It smells amazing and I am super impressed. This one is being hidden from the eldest and going firmly in my bathroom cabinet!

Ideal for date night, the morning after the night before, keep in your work bag, gym bag etc. Oh it's also vegan friendly and of course saves on those water bills. You can purchase here at Boots

Guylian Love Praline Hearts Chocolate Review RRP £4 105g / The Original Seashells £3.50 250g

 

I don't ordinarily write reviews on anything other than beauty or lifestyle however, have covered fashion and seemingly now chocolate. Not that I'm a chocolate connoisseur. Far from it, as I rarely eat sugar. That saying my choice of chocolate has always been Guylian Original Seashells, to the extent that every year I buy my kids a big box for Christmas and tend to munch my way through them myself! 

These were actually sent to me just before Christmas but got lost in the postal strikes, so I didn't actually receive them until a week or so ago. Now frustratingly I've lost the PR contact details and so can't even let them know I've reviewed them. That saying, I wanted to ping a quick blog post as it is coming up to Valentines Day, and these are rather apt for such time of the year. Again I don't usually buy into the whole 'Valentine's Day', although I do quite like to receive a card, if I'm lucky!

These chocolates are worth breaking the 'no sugar' diet for a day, and I will be gifting them to myself on February 14th. I think there's something very distinctive with Guylian chocolates, I think the hazelnut praline actually satisfies the chocolate craving, without being too sweet. Chocolate melts instantly and sometimes I want something that lasts a little bit longer. That's probably why these have always been my favourites. Of course it helps that the centre is smooth, rich and has just a hint of nuttiness. I also think they look delicate with the marble effect of  white, milk and dark chocolate swirled together.

I've put a photo of the ingredients on the back, and they are very similar to the original Seashell variety. You can purchase them at various supermarkets such Morrisons or Tesco. I'm off to hide these now and put away until February 14th!

Molten Brown London Heavenly Gingerlily Hand Lotion 300ml RRP £25 / Heavenly Gingerlily Fine Liquid Hand Wash 300ml RRP £22

 

There's been many brands attempting to copy Molten Brown's range of luxury Hand Wash and Hand Lotion however, despite similar packaging, scent etc they never actually hit that 5 star quality that epitomises the brand of Molten Brown. Head to any upmarket hotel, spa etc and you'll often find Molten Brown being the introduction to the quality of the venue.

This duo was sent to me as a sample, and I can tell you that it is now proudly on display in my downstairs toilet. I may also hang a sign next to them to 'use sparingly' as I do know my friends love to delve into my products.

Of course it's not just the packaging. The gentle fragrance of warming ginger, clove and cardamom, tropical notes of lily and nurturing notes of musk, envisages a warm summers evening by exotic shores.  It's a fragrance that suits both genders and isn't overpowering.

There's a subtle sweetness but overall it's a light, spicy fragrance and you only need a small amount to produce a decent lather. Tamanu Oil a fatty nut oil, is one of the main ingredients which provides antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and helps protect the skin from sun damage and environmental pollution.

The Hand Lotion gives the same fragrance, again not overpowering but just a subtle spicy and gentle musk scent. There is no greasy residue upon application as the lotion sinks easily into dehydrated hands and nails, making the skin feel supple. Ingredients include Shea Butter, known for it's hydrating and nourishing properties and, as above, Tamanu Nut Oil. 

The products are cruelty free, free from parabens, 100% vegetarian. They make a wonderful gift for Mothers Day, Valentines Day or just to treat yourself. You can check out the rest of the range here and read for yourself the five star reviews at Molten Brown