L'Occitane En Provence Cherry Blossom Easter Egg Sample Review £17.50

 

Every year L'Occitane bring out their range of seasonal gifts including Easter. I'm always grateful to receive a sample of their tinned Easter Egg as I gift it to a friend who has a milk intolerance, and so can't eat chocolate. I think it's a wonderful idea, as so many people are lactose free, have allergies or, like me, have to watch their waistline. 

The tin is decorated in muted tones of peach and housed inside are 3 travel sized products from The Cherry Blossom Range. A scent that is softly floral, slightly fruity, sparkly and delicate. The products contain 'cherry extract from the Luberon region of southern France'.

🌸 Bath & Shower Gel 75ml - a light shower gel that emulsifies into a lather of delicately         fragranced florals. You only need a small amount on a body puff to wash the whole body, so the bottle will last a good couple of weeks. You can also pour a small amount under running, warm water to fill your bath with an oasis of frothy bubbles. The shower gel contains Bitter Cherry Extract, rich in vitamin C and helps calm inflammation, skin is left cleansed without feeling taut.

🌸 Shimmering Lotion 35ml - this lotion glides on smoothly, and contains shea butter known for its moisturising qualities. It's not a heavy lotion, so leaves skin looking and feeling smooth without any greasy residue. Despite it's name, it doesn't contain shimmering particles yet leaves skin with an underlying glow, a beautiful radiance that literally gives just a sheen.  Perfect for holidays, or when bearing the skin after months of wearing layers! 

🌸Hand Cream 10ml - L'Occitane is perhaps known for their amazing hand creams. Not only do they leave hands looking and feeling soft, but they also condition nails and the cuticle bed. Once again you only need a tiny amount to reap the benefits of youthful hands. Ingredients include nourishing shea butter, coconut oil and sunflower seed oil, ingredients full of anti-oxidants to protect the hands from environmental aggressors such as sun, pollution and ideal if you work with water. 

It's the perfect discovery kit to introduce someone to the L'Occitane products and also for anyone who travels. You can also reuse the tin or even 'pass the gift on' by refilling with products and gifting again. Check out the other range of gifts here at L'Occitane

Natura Siberica Lab Biome Face Serums Sample Review RRP £10.99 30ml

 

I've written a lot of reviews on the range from Natura Siberica as I'm always impressed by their quality of ingredients. Newly launched are the Lab Biome Face Serums in 'Hydration', 'Radiance' and 'Soothing'. It was only a short while ago I had tested the 'Eye Patches', and they've stayed firmly in my bathroom cabinet as they make an instant difference. So I was intrigued to test the new facial serums to see if they lived up to the same 5 star standard as the patches.

As you would expect from this brand, the products are vegan, organically grown and cruelty free.  The 'microbiome' products are formulated around adapting individual skin concerns. 

'Biome plays a positive role in helping to maintain a healthy glow skin and its barrier and perfectly helps to protect the skin from the negative factors of the urban lifestyle like stress and smog.  When your microbiome is balanced, your skin looks and feels healthy.'

Radiance Face Serum

The Radiance Face Serum is targeted for those with dull skin types, those who lack colour and have that sallow look. Ideal if you've been burning the candles at both ends, had lack of sleep or have been unwell. Formulated with 1% of Vitamin C, and 24K Gold like the others, this gives instant results.  The micro particles of gold dust give an immediate glow, that instantly awakens the skin and gives that inner glow. Ingredients also include:-

• Vitamin C - a natural exfoliant that leaves skin looking radiant.
• Lactobacillus Ferment - helps relieve dry, tight skin, keeps the 'microbiome' balanced.
• Rubus Chamaemorus Fruit - Cloudberry, packed full of vitamin C that instantly brightens and rejuvenates dull looking skin.
• Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi leaf ExtractWH - helps lighten pigmentation and dark spots. It's anti-inflammatory and astringent so helps minimise the look of large pores.

Soothing Face Serum

The Soothing Serum is perfect for anyone with dry, tight and sensitive skin, especially those who are suffering with menopausal or hormonal breakouts. It contains Aloe Vera Gel 10% proven to help calm down irritated skin, and Provitamin B5 3% highly moisturising that gives comfort to tight skin. An ideal serum to comfort skin that's had too much sun, or that feels itchy and irritated.  Other ingredients are similar to the Radiance Serum and also include:-

• Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract - high in anti-oxidants that protect the skin from pollution, as well as aiding sensitive skin. 
• Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract - Peppermint Oil, soothing and cooling, will help calm inflamed skin conditions.
• Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract - aka Sage a herb that purifies, cleanses and tones the skin. Ideal if you are suffering with blackheads or acne.

Hydration Face Serum

Whilst I love all of the serums, this is the one that I've been regularly using. It gives instant results on anyone with dehydrated and lined skin. Upon the first single use, it instantly sunk into my fine lines under my eyes and, as you can see from the photos on the back of my hand it gives immediate results.

As with all the serums, the consistency is light and non-sticky. You only need a small amount for the serum to instantly spread and soak into the skin. 

It's often very difficult to find the right lighting on photos and see the effects (you do need to zoom in on the photos), but I noticed the different immediately when I applied to the back of my hand. The Hydration Serum contains a 1.5% of Hyaluronic Acid, an ingredient that is well known in skincare that supports skin hydration as it can trap in moisture (water) within the skin. The outcome is that the skin is more hydrated and looks more plump, thus reduces the signs of aging by filling out wrinkles and fine lines.  The  Hydration Serum also contains Sakhalin Algae rich in nutrients that helps improve the skin's elasticity. 

For the price of the serums I was very impressed, especially by the quality and quantity of the active ingredients. You can check out more of the range here at Natura Siberica

 

Living Proof.® No Frizz® Smooth Stylers Range Sample Review RRP from £26

Last week I was in TK Maxx with my eldest, and as I passed the hair section I picked up a bottle of Living Proof.® Smoothing Conditioner. I was incredibly tempted to purchase, but as a single parent I couldn't justify spending out any money. However, I specifically pointed the brand out to her and said 'this is one of my favourite brands, I first purchased the thickening range about 30 years ago in Space NK'. Well they must have been listening as I was delighted to receive these samples through the post, just a few days later. 

The range has been designed for every hair type and condition in mind. From fine, medium to coarse hair and chemically treated, bleached and coloured hair. The products themselves are sulphate free, silicone free, safe for use on coloured and bleached hair, cruelty free and with one promise in mind - to banish frizz whatever the texture. 

My hair is wavy, fine and bleached and I am constantly on the quest to find the perfect cream to banish frizz, but retain the wave. It was only recently that I purchased through months of deliberation a well known social media brand designed just for waves. I couldn't justify the price tag and re-sold it a few days later on Ebay! It's a good thing I did sell it as my quest is seemingly over. 

Smooth Styling Spray for Fine Hair RRP £33 200ml

Directions for the Smooth Styling Spray are to 'Apply to clean, damp hair from roots to end. Comb through. Blow dry for a smooth style'.  Well obviously I disobeyed all the directions and simply scrunched through my mass of frizzy, dry hair. What transpired astounded me, so much so that I jumped on to my Instagram @askmollybeauty and did a short reel (something I detest doing). With all frizz banished what was left were soft, defined waves, that had taken literally seconds to form. 

Before

After

The shine was incredible and I felt like my hair had been renewed. So noticeable that my friend whom I met straight after for a dog walk exclaimed as she was coming up the path 'your hair it looks great'. Hence the next five minutes were spent talking about the product. It's often hard to tell on photos, so please look at my reel as you can see live just the transformation.

With the addition of Sunflower Seed Oil, Amaranth Seed Oil and Beta Vulgaris Beet Root Extract, these combined help give hair elasticity, give it bounce, restore dull dehydrated hair and smooth the cuticle shaft. Hair is left protected from environmental aggressors and so the spray not only gives a better superficial appearance but also works to treat damaged hair. 

4 hours later and my hair is still as shiny and defined. The product not only promised to make hair up to 6 x smoother, up to 75% less frizz and giving lasting smoothness for up to 96 hours (when used in conjunction with the No Frizz System), but also has heat protection of up to 232°c. You can use it damp as mentioned above, and evidently dry as I did! 

I haven't tested the rest of the range as my hair is fine however, I can presume that the results will be just as good for your chosen texture. You can check out the range here at Living Proof.®

Aoura London Body Mist Sample Review RRP £9.99 220ml

 

Samples sent to me are kept in a cupboard in my study, and I usually work from back to front when choosing which to review. However, due to my ongoing back issues I've had to move my study to my kitchen (the seating is better), and thus a few of my products are out on the kitchen table. This often can pose problems as I have a 19 year old daughter who comes in from work, and immediately gives all eyes on the products. Especially anything related to body mists (she is obsessed). So whilst, I have a backlog of samples to review, and only received these yesterday, to get her off my back I'm pinging this one out so she can claim possession for her bathroom shelf.

I never really know how to sample body mists, it's not like they contain active ingredients that I can write up the benefits on. However, what I will say is that they've come along way since the 80s when I had the choice of 1 Impulse spray! I was sent 2 of the Aurora London range to test.

Sweet Dreams

As soon as I sprayed this I could see why my daughter was so obsessed. Gone are the days of the synthetic, cheap fragrance that often came with the bargain price. Replaced are lightly, fragranced mists that give off an expensive burst of scent. To be honest, I wasn't expecting to like this so much, as one who favours 'green, citrus' notes, this is the opposite. Top notes are fruity, sweet raspberry and plum, middle notes combine gentle jasmine and peony, whilst the base notes of amber and patchouli stop the fragrance from becoming to sweet, and leaves skin delicately and seductively scented. 

Forever Love

Forever Love is an abundance of playful notes, such as mimosa, violet, pink pepper, green apple and blackcurrant. At first it appears sparkly and vivacious however, combined with the base notes of cetalox and patchouli it leaves a clean, fresh and soft musk, that leaves skin wanted to be snuggled and kissed. Without mistake this is a feminine and flirty fragrance that like it's namesake smells like an invitation to romance.

The bottles are beautiful with faceted clear packaging and are most certainly ones to show off on the dressing table. I was incredibly impressed, both the scents lasted on my skin for much of the morning. I also spritzed into my hair and over my clothes just for testing - they lasted well! As for gifting to my eldest, she is getting one now and the other I'm saving for her Easter present! Both the above are £9.99 available exclusively at Superdrug

Dr Sam's Skincare Range Sample Review

 

Dr Sam Bunting. A pioneer in the skincare industry for eliminating the confusion in buying skincare products, whilst at the same time being one of the leading dermatologists in the world. She is the founder of the company Dr Sam Bunting & Associates, the renowned skincare clinic at 41 Harley Street, London W1. She has amassed a following of over 400k on social media and due to her knowledge in the skincare industry, her fanbase just keeps on growing.

I was sent a selection of her skincare range to sample. As a beauty editor, I have been sent hundreds of lines to test over the last 25 years, and one thing that I always find is that the more simple the packaging, the better quality the ingredients. Simply, as marketing and packaging often takes up a lot of budget, leaving little room for spending money on the actual ingredients. So I was not surprised to see that for such a leading range, that the bottles were simple and not fanciful. I was also not surprised to see that the products were either in a bottle or pump formula, thus avoiding bacteria getting into the products. (One of my pet hates in skincare, is when a brand spends money but uses a pot, and so fingers transfer bacteria into the product).

The range is developed to treat all skin conditions and give optimum skin health. As I would also expect from a leading dermatologist, there is a separate daily sunscreen, a must have for anyone who's trying to preserve their skin and prevent anti-aging.

Flawless Cleanser £16 200ml

The cleanser comes with a pump, as mentioned above eliminating the need to stick fingers into a bacteria filled pot. You only need a couple of pumps to cover the whole face, for the lightweight gel to sink in and remove all impurities and bacteria. It's lightweight enough for oily skin, whilst instantly hydrates dry skin. There is no fragrance and it doesn't block pores. Ingredients include:-

• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice - aka Aloe Vera, cooling, gentle and ideal for sensitive skin types. It's anti-inflammatory benefits help heal sunburn and can reduce the appearance of minor blemishes. 
• Allantoin - helps the symptoms of eczema such as itchy skin, tight skin and minor skin irritations. 

Flawless Moisturiser £25 50ml

A simple moisturiser that helps skin feel soft and supple. Advertised as a 'hug in a bottle' this is ideal for anyone who suffers with dry skin, tight skin and can be used both day and night. I found it excellent on my menopausal skin, especially as I had recently been having (for the first time ever), minor breakouts. It's non irritating and gave my skin the comfort it needed without being greasy. Ingredients include:-

• Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter - moisturising, nourishing, an emollient that has several vitamins to help repair and replenish your skin, such as vitamins A, E and F. 
• Niacinamide - containing 5% this ingredient vitamin B3 is a must have for anyone who suffers with large pores, uneven skin tone and who lack radiant looking skin. One of the top ingredients to use in skincare, this ingredient delivers results and is scientifically proven.

Flawless Daily Sunscreen £29 50ml

I have always been asked the question 'what is my top product if I could choose just one'? I would always go with a sunscreen, especially as moisturisers with added sunscreen never give enough protection as often diluted. This sunscreen is broad spectrum SPF 50, so you know that your skin is getting the best protection from the UV rays. A must have for anyone who wants to prevent lines, dark spots (pigmentation) and general all round aging. It's incredibly lightweight, so doesn't give the greasy feel that sunscreen often does, and can also be used as a primer under makeup. Ingredients include:-

• Zinc Oxide (Nano) - prevents both UVA and UVB rays, without clogging up the skin. 
• Lactic Acid - gently removes dead skin cells, leaving skin feeling soft, supple and looking more even textured.

Flawless Nightly Serum £44 30ml

The other product that I would always recommend spending money on is a decent serum. These lightweight gels are packed full of concentrated ingredients are really get to work on repairing any skin conditions. This featherlight serum spreads easily over the face so you only need 1/2 pump to cover the face, avoiding eye area and lips. It's a 'super serum' so has a very high concentrate of active ingredients, and as such you must apply a small amount first to allow your skin to tolerate some of the ingredients. These include:-

• 10% Niacinamide - yes a whopping 10%, as mentioned above this ingredient is often the holy grail of skincare actives, really getting to work on fine lines and wrinkles.
• 2% Granactive Retinoid® - top of the game in retinoic acid. This ingredient sounds scary but is actually vitamin A and used to help eradicate conditions such as acne. 
• 5% Azelaic Acid - used to reduce pigmentation and dark spots, helps smooth the surface of the skin, given a more even tone.
• 1% Bakuchoil - derived from the Psoralea Corylifolia Seed, this seed helps improve skin texture and ideal for dehydrated skin types.

Flawless Nightly Eye Serum £37 15ml

You only need a tiny amount to treat eyes that have dark circles and lines. Ideal for those who lack sleep, have tired, drawn eyes and have been unwell. This night serum works by not just preventing lines, but helps give radiance to banish the dull circles caused by lack of sleep and illness. Ingredients are similar but in lighter quantity to the Flawless Night Serum but have the added benefit of vitamin C, known to help brighten and give radiance to the complexion. Again due to the retinoid, it's imperative to build up slowly, using perhaps every other night at first to gently introduce this ingredient to your skin.

Flawless Neutralising Gel £28 30ml

A must have blemish gel that gets rid of isolated spots. To use simply apply directly to the blemish after cleansing. With few ingredients, this blemish gel works to instantly eradicate spots, whilst being non-drying and has ingredients to reduce inflammation and redness that often comes with spots. Ingredients include:-

• Salicylic Acid - used in blemish gels this ingredient is responsible for calming inflammation, exfoliating dead skin cells and is anti-bacterial. It not only helps get rid of spots but also prevents more from forming.
• Squalane - an emollient that is often used in skincare as it acts like our own sebum. Incredibly nourishing this oil gives skin that plumped up look that is often lost as we get older.

The products have impressed me, which is quite hard as I get used to reviewing so many. The quantity of actives, mean that the products work rather than being superficial. For the price I think it's a great way of seeing the difference from 'off the shelf' and 'salon products' to serious skincare clinic products.  The testimonials from fans are mostly five star rated, oh and the products are cruelty free and vegan. Next time I'm in London I would love to visit the clinic, as the reviews of treatments are amazing. In the meantime if you would like to purchase any of the products you can view them here at drsambunting

Monat Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies Sample Review RRP £33 60 vegan gummies

 

Before I begin, I have to admit I have only just started taking these gummies. I will add a post edit in a month's time, once I've got an idea of the results.  However, now is the time to take them as my hair and skin is frankly falling apart due to menopause and ongoing stress. I've always been blessed with fine but healthy looking hair and clear skin, alas the last few weeks my hair is lank and dry, whilst my skin keeps developing spots that are just not clearing. So I think I'm a good candidate to try these gummies. My only issue is that I do suffer with colitis and IBS (and some supplements, mainly fish oils can upset my stomach), although I've looked at the other ingredients and not only are they gut friendly, but may aid in my condition. I also suffer with very bad restless legs, and whilst being sugar-free has marginally helped this condition, my doctor has suggested I take vitamin B12 as this vitamin helps with nerve function. 

Apple cider to take orally, is quite hard on the palate so it's nice that these gummies actually taste like fruity gums, and are so nice that I've had to hide them from my youngest. A soft, chewy gum that is lightly sweet without any hint whatsoever of vinegar. The delicate apple flavour is made with fruit pectin and being gelatin free make them suitable for vegetarians and vegans. 

The gummies contain 1,000mg of apple cider vinegar, alongside other vitamins and minerals however, lets look at the benefits of apple cider vinegar first, especially as it's often herald by celebrities in aiding weight loss! 

Apple cider vinegar is made via a 2 step process of crushing apples, fermenting into sugar, then adding good bacteria to turn it into what essentially makes vinegar. Vinegar is known to be anti-microbial and anti-bacterial, so can help squash the bad bacteria that often gives us digestive issues. Other proven research into the benefits of apple cider vinegar include:-

• lowering blood sugar levels
• helping aid skin health, especially with dry skin, eczema, psoriasis and with it's anti-bacterial qualities helping reduce acne.
• helps keep the scalp healthy and reduce flakiness and dandruff, as well as strengthening the hair strands. 

I often used to rinse my hair in vinegar to give it amazing shine, thankfully research has proven that we don't need to go around smelling of a chip shop!

The gummies also contain an abundance of hormone supporting vitamins, ideal for those who have dull, dehydrated and tired skin. Vitamins that support menopause, brain and nerve function, and general well-being in both men and women. Such as:-

• Vitamin B6 1.4mg - vital for brain function and is mood balancing. This vitamin is good to take if you are feeling tired, confused, depressed and lacking energy. 
• Folic Acid 200mcg - helps keep red blood levels at a healthy level so ideal for menstruating women, after birth and during menopause. 
• Vitamin B12 2.5mcg - helps combat tiredness and keeps blood and nerves healthy. Can aid in conditions such as restless legs and prevent anemia (iron deficiency). 
• Biotin 50mcg - essential in the growth of healthy hair and skin. This B vitamin is often used to support menopause and pregnancy. 
• Iodine 150mcg - Iodine contributes towards a healthy thyroid gland, responsible for maintaining a healthy metabolic rate.
• Beetroot Powder 123mcg - lowers cholesterol, helps keep the mind sharp and can prevent brain fog.
• Pomegranate Fruit Powder 123mcg - a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation in the skin, so ideal if you suffer with skin conditions such as acne. Being 3 times more powerful than green tea, it's ideal if you suffer with inflammation, such as arthritic conditions in the body.

As mentioned above, I have only just start taking these and will add on to this blog with an update in a month's time. Having used the Monat range on my hair, and absolutely loving it (another blog coming in a couple of weeks on the anti-frizz range), I have high hopes that I'll feel and see the benefit of taking the gummies. You can check out the rest of their range here at Monat

If you have any health condition or taking medication, please check with your doctor before undertaking any vitamin supplements. 

Absolute Aromas Lavender Natural Room Spray Sample Review RRP £5 30ml

Absolute Aromas are a UK based company, founded in East London in 1994. Since then it's reputation has grown into one of the leading aromatherapy brands, with their ethos of using the highest quality of ingredients. This is certainly true when you look at the ingredients of the Lavender Room Spray, as it contains only 2 ingredients (so isn't pumped full of additives), Alcohol and Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil.

Lavender has been used for centuries for it's calming properties and in skincare for it's anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and soothing effects.  

Lavender can be used in multiple ways and in various environments such as:-

• before an exam to help calm the nerves
• in the car to help relax with stressful car journeys
• in the bedroom to aid a restful sleep (I spray on my pillow)
• to help calm anxiety especially with children
• before giving birth, to create a relaxed atmosphere
• to create an ambience of calm around the house

With the quality of ingredients in the Absolute Aromas, you only need a spritz to give off the natural essential oil. Formulated without synthetics, vegan, free from GM materials and sustainably sourced,  the desired effect is head clearing and an instant shoulder drop of pent up tension. You can check out the rest of the products here at Absolute Aromas