Fiori Beauty Luxury Hand Cream 75ml RRP £9.99

 

I do love discovering niche brands, especially when they keep their focus on a single product, and rather than spend the £££ on developing a multi product brand, they spend their £££ on developing a top range product, that is ethically and sustainably sourced. In this case it's the Fiori Beauty Luxury Hand Cream.

From their website I can see that they have just 3 hand creams in Ginger & Lime, Eucalyptus & Cedarwood and Honey & Almond.  I was lucky enough to have been sent in the latter 2 to review.

Each Hand Cream is made with similar ingredients but obviously with different fragrance. The Honey & Almond is a sweet, nurturing and softening scent, delicate and with slight floral tones. By contrast the Eucalyptus & Cedarwood is a refreshing, crisp and woody scent, again understated and is suitable for both men and women.

The Hand Cream is made with 20% Shea Butter which hosts a huge range of benefits such as:-

• Anti-inflammatory, helps soothe broken cuticles and hang nails.
• Hydrates parched, thirsty hands including nail beds so encourages nail growth.
• Packed full of antioxidants and vitamins so protects the skin from harsh elements of water, sun and pollution.
• Gives a beautiful sheen to the hands, making them look and feel more youthful and supple.
• Rich in fatty acids, so ideal if you suffer from callouses maybe from manual labour or weight training.
• Helps soothe conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.
• Is antibacterial and antifungal so helps with breakouts, skin infections.

On top of all of these the Hand Creams also contains:-

• Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour - antimicrobial, helps prevents germs and infections, as well as protecting the skin from environmental pollution.
• Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil - rich in oil, avocado is one of the widest use ingredients in skincare to help soften dry, cracked skin. Containing proteins, amino acids and vitamins this wonder ingredient helps delay the signs of aging as well as protecting the hands.

As you can see it is thick, so you only need a very small amount to give you plenty to cover both hands. It sinks into the skin without leaving any greasy residue and leaves them looking rejuvenated.

Ideal for those who use their hands in their job i.e. gardening, hairdressing, nursing etc and they also make wonderful teachers presents and gifts.  

The packaging is made from 100% recycled aluminium tube, plastic cap and recycled card carton. They're cruelty free and vegan and handmade in England.  You can purchase them HERE

Philip Kingsley Flaky / Itchy Scalp Sample Review

 

I always like reviewing the product ranges from Philip Kingsley, as I know that the products surpass most of those on the market. I have tested many of the brand's products over the last 12 years, and to this day my most memorable press feature was when a close friend of mine lost her hair due to chemotherapy treatment. I felt incredibly grateful that I had the expert advice from Philip Kingsley to pass down to her (I shall dig out the feature) - her hair grew back stronger than ever. Following his death in 2016, his daughter Anabel Kingsley a leading Trichologist became the Brand President, and today the brand just keep growing in popularity.

I was sent the Flaky / Itchy Scalp range to review. The range is suitable for all hair types but targets those who may suffer with dandruff, psoriasis, dermatitis and especially good for those who maybe suffering from hormonal changes, such as teenagers or during pregnancy, menopause etc. The products are also ideal if you like to use a lot of hair styling products, as give an intense clean to get rid of any residue build up. 

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 250ml RRP £27 / Hydrating Conditioner 200ml RRP £27

Now, whilst I love a decent shampoo that does what it's supposed to do, I always find first impressions count and that's where fragrance comes in. Quite simply the products are utterly divine, in it's light, crisp apple scent, this literally makes you want to swish your hair to keep smelling it! It's most certainly a salon scent, upmarket and just scrumptious.

However, what you spending your money on is not the fragrance, nor the basic packaging but the quality of ingredients that work to eradicate any scalp issues from itching, flaking, dandruff, inflammation etc. The main ingredient in the shampoo is:-

• Piroctone Olamine - this ingredient is synthetic and used widely in shampoos to prevent fungal infections, cure dandruff, help prevent hair loss, calm inflammation, soothe eczema and seborrheic dermatitis and is basically the key ingredient to prevent an itchy, flaking scalp. Often you can only use this ingredient a few times a week however, with this shampoo you can use it daily.

The conditioner whilst lightweight, is incredibly moisturising and so apply to your mid-roots and ends only (not near the scalp as it can weigh the hair down). It gives intense hydration, yet at the same time doesn't leave hair feeling greasy or lank. It's ideal if you suffer with greasy roots and drier ends. Key ingredients include:-

• Panthenol - strengthening, prevents hair breakage and acts as an emollient to help smooth hair strands.
• Oenorcarpus Bataua Fruit Oil - nourishing for the hair and scalp, again helps strengthen the hair and prevents hair loss, as well as acting as an anti-dandruff tonic. Native to the Amazon forest, it has a high amount of Oleic Acid that is rich in protein.

Anti-Dandruff Scalp Mask 2 x 20ml RRP £20

An intensive mask that gives immediate relief from a dry, itching and flaking scalp. With similar ingredients to the shampoo (Piroctone Olamine), it also contains:-

• Salicylic Acid - exfoliating, helps get rid of dead skin cells and dandruff.
• Lactic Acid - again exfoliating to the scalp, dissolves product build up such as hairspray, mousse, gel etc that can cling to the scalp.
• Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid - helps seal the cuticle, retains moisture so prevents frizz and gives hair a fuller appearance. 
• Camellia Sinensis (Tea) Leaf Extract - aka Green Tea Extract, adds shine to the hair, stimulates hair growth, is hydrating and helps aid an oily scalp. 
• Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract - prevents hair loss and helps keep follicles nourished.

The mask is suitable for all hair types and is a real 'emergency' product to use when your hair is looking and feeling lacklustre. It's used before you shampoo, so apply to the scalp and hair and leave to absorb for about 20 minutes, follow with the shampoo. 

Anti-Dandruff Scalp Toner 250ml RRP £24

This 'tonic' for the hair can be applied to wet or dry hair to give immediately relief to an itchy scalp. It's water based, fragrance free, vegan and is 'anti-microbial' which means it stops bacteria and fungal infections. One of the key ingredients is 'Camphor' that helps reduce inflammation and redness, and also stimulates the scalp by improving blood circulation.

The products have a huge loyal fanbase - you can check out the five star reviews, and purchase the products on the Philip Kingsley website HERE

The Body Shop All Things Pink Barbie Inspired Make-Up/Product Review

Last night I was searching for props to complete the photos for my make-up review. Props that should have been Barbie DVDs, then I realised with a pang of regret and nostalgia, that I had sold them on Ebay many moons ago. My eldest, now 19 and I used to sit through hours of Barbie when she was younger, and truth be told I think I enjoyed them more than she did. My favourite was by far Barbie and The Nutcracker. 

So delighted I am, that I will be dragging my eldest (not my son, who left Sophia The Princess, firmly at the door when he was 10), to see the latest Barbie movie out shortly. I actually can't wait, as I'm a huge lover of all things pink.

So with the upcoming movie imminent, I have been sent some wonderful products to help get those secret Barbie lovers in the mood for some frivolous, colourful fun.

Free Style Multi-Tasking Colour 15ml RRP £12

Like little matte paint pots for your face, these will bring out the creativity in you. Not only are they incredibly easy to apply, I just dabbed on with my finger and blended out, but you can mix and match, like paint for your true bespoke colour! Get creative and simply apply a dab onto the back of your hand and either blend together with a brush, your finger or apply as a single colour on their own.

I tested Fair and Born, the first being a baby pink and the second a more coral pink.

As you can see I just dabbed on (rather clumsily, as I am always on the go) to where I wanted some colour. The colour can be used as blush, shadow or lipstick, but in my case I just placed a smidgeon on my cheekbone and lips, then with my fingers just lightly buffed out.

As you can see the results are incredibly natural, sheer whilst matte and so you can build the colour up to the density you prefer. I like a natural flush look and so these were ideal. They are matte though and so I would advise prepping your lips first, or applying a gloss after. A little goes a very long way, so use sparingly and try not to squeeze the tube as the product does come out quite fast! There's a huge array of colours to choose from so you can have your full colour spectrum to play with literally at your fingertips.

Swipe It Moisturising Lip Balm 5g RRP £8

I absolutely loved this lip balm. Firstly it contains nourishing Shea Butter, so helps moisturise the lips and keeps them feeling supple. Secondly, the balm tastes like a tropical burst of sweet berries and lastly, it gives lips the most gorgeous sheer pop of colour. A beautiful candy pink shade that stays just put. Whilst I didn't use it for my cheeks, I am sure looking at the ingredients that this could also be used as a sheer, budge proof blush too.

I also loved the chunky, small tube as it made application effortless, so I could apply without looking in the mirror! I think this is the perfect 'Barbie' shade, albeit note that colours will always be different from one person to the next, as our natural lip shades differ.

Peptalk Lipstick Bullet Refill 4g RRP £11

I absolutely love this idea, with over 20 shades to choose from, these are the refill lipsticks that are enriched again with nourishing Fair Trade Shea Butter.  So not only are you wearing a colour, but you're also treating your lips at the same time.  The colours also last over 6 hours and give an incredible 12 hours of moisturisation.   

Peptalk Refillable Aluminium Case £5

The case is easy to use to fit in your chosen Peptalk lipstick and to remove to change the shade. The shades themselves are a perfect mix of matte and satin so are especially flattering if you suffer with dry, lined lips, and by far the best texture for more mature lips. Shea Butter is packed with fatty acids that help improve lip texture and is the perfect ingredient to combat flaking, dry, dehydrated and peeling lips.

Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter 100ml RRP £12

I wish I could think of a better word to describe the cleansing butter, but the fact is, it is indeed 'sumptuous'.  The packaging is utterly feminine and is definitely one to display on the bathroom shelf. Inside the floral tin is compacted:-

• Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) - nourishing, smoothing and moisturising. 
• Olea Europaea (Olive Fruit Oil) - contains essential fatty acids, that help nourish the skin as well as anti-oxidants that help protect the skin from environmental aggressors, such as pollution and the sun.
• Camellia Japonica Seed Oil - contains all of the above as well as Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Magnesium and Zinc. These help protect the skin naturally from UV rays as well as brightening the skin to help give radiance to a dull complexion.
• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil - gives skin a barrier to protect against pollution. Helps smooth and rehydrate dry, dehydrated skin types. 

Vitamin E Moisture Day Cream 50ml RRP £18

"Hands off, until I've written up the review', I yelled at my eldest as she made a beeline for this product. It's by far her favourite moisturiser as it's lightweight and ideal for teenage, slightly oilier skins and especially those who suffer with hormone fluctuations.

Whilst, this is a 'Barbie' inspired piece, and yes the moisturiser is a light, delicate pink shade, this really is the ideal moisturiser for those who suffer with sensitive and hormonal breakouts, whilst not compromising on moisturisation. In fact it's enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, that key wonder ingredient that helps skin retain moisture. It also contains:-

• Rubus Idaeus Seed Oil - aka Raspberry Seed Oil, known for it's anti-inflammatory properties and making it ideal for anyone who suffers with acne, eczema, psoriasis and any skin irritation. It also gives natural sun protection.

I've had great fun testing these products. All of the above are vegan and cruelty free, and use recyclable packaging. You can check out the rest of the range HERE