So…? Body Mist Candied Berries / Cherry Blossom 100ml RRP £3.99

 

So…? The wonderful juicy, bright and budget friendly brand have recently launched their summer range of Body Mists. I was sent 2 to test out Candied Berries and Cherry Blossom.

The Candied Berries, is a burst of juicy, sweet berries with a soft caramel base. At first spray the top notes are like a mix of summer fruits from raspberry to cherry. Base notes include marshmallow and icing sugar and so as you can imagine this is most definitely for those who love their sweet fragrances. It’s bubbly, refreshing and ideal for your gym bag. 

Cherry Blossom is most definitely a bit more for me. It’s a mixture of floral and berries, still sweet but more country garden than sugary. Top notes include peach and blackcurrant giving it a vivacious start however, this then lends to more warming and comforting base notes of cedarwood and vanilla. 

Both make great travel companions and at only £3.99 each are a bargain too! Check out the reviews from customers on the Boots website or by clicking the link HERE

O.P. Nail Envy® Bubble Bath / Pink To Envy Nail Strengthener Review RRP £21.90

When it comes to strengthening dry, brittle and weak nails, there isn’t any brand that gives results like O.P.I. The original Nail Envy is a cult product that I have personally used since the 90s when discovering the brand on QVC. Now a world-wide leading quality brand on nail colour and specifically treatments, it’s my number one go to when my nails are rigid and brittle. 

Having been through major open back surgery earlier in the year, been on countless medication and putting my nails through gel colour and ‘self removal’ process, my nail health has taken a toll. Brittle, dry and with more ridges than a concertina fan, they’ve been crying out for some TLC. 

Pink To Envy 15ml

I was lucky enough to receive 2 shades from O.P.I (which incidentally stands for (Odontorium Products Inc). Both designed with the Tri-Flex Technology™, which not only treats the nails with nail strengthening ingredients but also protects the nails from further damage. 

Bubble Bath 15ml

The ‘liquid shield’ is designed to work by layering daily on to the nails over a 7 day programme. The formula contains Nitrocellulose and Tribenzoin, ingredients that help protect the nails, condition them whilst allowing them to breathe. 

Other ingredients include Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin which is a polymer and when used in nail products gives strength to weak nails as well as acting as acting as an adhesive, which in turn strengthens and bonds nails, reducing flaking. The formulas are free from chemical nasties such as Formaldehyde, Parabens and other irritants often found in nail colours. 

I tested both colours on my very brittle nails. For the first application you apply 2 thin coats (allowing to dry in between), and thereafter 1 coat daily for a week. At the end of the 7 days, remove and start the process again. 

The Bubble Bath gives a beautiful neutral and very chic pale pink, ideal for every day and a lovely colour for special occasions such as a wedding day. Whilst the Pink To Envy gives a sheer, hint of pink gloss resulting in nails that immediately look healthier. 

I have only started on my journey with these 2 colours and will update in a few weeks. What I will say is that both colours immediately (as you can see from the photo), gave my nails a much needed boost of shine. I have also looked at the reviews and seen from loyal customers that the colours do not chip and do exactly what they say on the bottle!

Both colours are vegan and you can purchase them by clicking the link HERE

Anokha Oatmeal Cleansing Milk 120ml RRP £33.14

 

I’ve not heard of this brand before, it was founded in 2008 by American board-certified plastic surgeon Dr Nina Naidu. An experienced plastic surgeon who is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr Naidu turned her hand to formulating her own brand that contained natural and environmental ingredients, giving clinical results. Every product is made in small batches to ensure that the ingredients remain superior quality. 

The Oatmeal Cleansing Milk is your starter point for skin that is sensitive, acne prone and ideal for all skin types especially hormonal. 

Ingredients include at their purest form:-

• Avena Sativa (Colloidal Oatmeal) - helps lock in moisture so really hydrates dry skin types. It’s soothing qualities is ideal for itchy skin conditions such as eczema. It also acts as a gentle exfoliator removing dead skin cells to reveal a brighter skin. 
• Glycerin - hydrates the skin and relieves dryness. As an emollient it binds water to the skin. It also has antimicrobial properties to protects the skin from environmental aggressors. 
• Glyceryl Stearate - forms as barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss, keeping skin supple.
• Decyl Glucoside - this non-toxic gentle ingredient is plant derived and helps get rid of dirt, grime and makeup. 
• Hydrolyzed Milk Protein - helps firm the skin, keeping it supple and promoting a smooth complexion. 

The milky cleanser is easy to apply, simply massage into a damp skin then remove with warm water (or mitts). Skin is left feeling soft and supple. The award winning product is cruelty free and 100% natural. It’s ideal for men and women and can be used straight after shaving to soothe the skin. 

You can purchase it and see the five star reviews from loyal customers by clicking the link HERE

Sanctuary Spa Signature Sample Review

 

Right now I am feeling pretty low, everything has seemingly gone wrong the last few weeks and I am in need of some nurture, security and comfort. I had reached for my Mint Lindt Chocolate (albeit I’m at the level of Cadbury’s Giant Buttons) however, instead I’ve reached onto my desk and pulled out the Sanctuary Signature range to review. Quite simply, there is no other fragrance that gives me the comfort that the original Sanctuary fragrance does. The vanilla leaves the skin smelling creamy, whilst the jasmine and the grapefruit, is uplifting and mood boosting.

A favourite luxury product, that I have often time and time again gone back to, epitomising my 30s after my pregnancy, my 40s after my marriage split and now at 52 when uncertain changes are happening. The fragrance just wraps me in a soft blanket and cocoons me into a soulful and warm hug.

Signature Natural Oils Salt Scrub 650g RRP £18

I have used this before, and it remains firmly a favourite. Not just for the exfoliation action and ingredients but because it has so many uses. I like to stand up in the bath, exfoliate all over and then let the  oils mix with the water, as I sink into the warm water, it really does give a tension shoulder drop and is truly an indulgent retreat. I also like to use it when my hands are feeling parched, kept next to the sink it lasts ages and there’s no need for hand cream after. It’s full of natural oils such as:-

• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil - anti-inflammatory and full of linoleic acid, which helps strengthen the skin. 
• Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil - helps improve elasticity, so skin feels firmer, more plump and is ideal for dehydrated skin conditions. It doesn’t clog pores so ideal if you suffer from acne.
• Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil - as this is anti-microbial, it helps with wound healing. 
• Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil - antibacterial and has a high content of vitamin E, which helps soften the skin. 
• Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ) Oil - contains vitamin A, B and D alongside fatty acids, that really nourish dry skin and reduces the signs of aging. Again non-comedogenic so doesn’t block pores. It also helps aid in the healing of psoriasis, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. 

The scrub itself is made from Maris Sal (Sea Salt) that gives a really deep exfoliation, ridding the skin of dead skin cells leaving it feeling nourished and conditioned.  I love to use it on my hands, which also means my nails get a decent dose of oils, that helps keep them moisturised and stops flaking, whilst strengthening and improving the condition.

After there is no need for hand cream or body moisturiser. Skin is left feeling supple and glowing. One word of caution, if you are using the in the bath do be careful as it can leave the bath slippery!

Signature Collection Heel Balm 75ml RRP £7

Not that we’ve had much sun however, if you want to be sandal worthy then this is the cream to use. Often we neglect the back of our heels which, in turn, can look dreadful when in mules or opened back shoes. This only takes a minute a day to get rid of those flaky, dry heels and leave your feet in tip top, flip flop (I’m a poet…), showcase condition. 

It was only yesterday I was looking at foot creams for myself. I noticed that there was a huge price difference on various brands and, so of course, I had to look at the ingredients. It seemed that the highest priced foot cream contained Glycerin, as this one does here. Glycerin is a deeply moisturising ingredient that really helps lock in moisture. The foot cream also contains:-

• Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter - anti-inflammatory, helps heal cracked, dry heels. Contains several fatty acids that also help with itchiness, so ideal if you have inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema. 
• Rosa Moschata Seed Oil - helps strengthen the skin’s barrier. Has a high amount of vitamin C that helps brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation. 
• Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil - anti-fungal and anti-septic, this is ideal if you suffer with skin conditions such as athletes foot. As well as treating and healing bacterial conditions, it also helps deodorise feet, leaving them feeling and smelling fresh. 
• Lavandula  Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil - again this helps with inflammatory skin conditions and is very soothing. Likewise with Tea Tree, Lavender is a natural deodorant that stops them smelling. 

You only need a small amount (shown on my hand as I have the widest feet, not blog worthy), to really eradicate dry skin. Applied before bed before putting on cotton socks will give optimum results so that you wake up with soft tootsies in the morning.

Signature Melting Pearls Body Butter 300ml RRP £16

The Melting Pearls Body Butter actually contains micro pearls of Argan Oil. The claims of ‘7 Day Moisture’ I do need to put to the test, but the ingredients look promising. 

Again filled with nourishing, hydrating ingredients such as Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, but also:-

• Argania Spinosa Kernal Oil - helps improve all types of chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Ideal for sensitive skin types as it doesn’t clog pores. It’s easily absorbed and leaves skin feeling nourished, as has a high content of essential fatty acids, as well as vitamin E. 
• Hydrogenated Castor Oil - this emollient keeps water to the skin giving plenty of hydration. Rich in vitamin E, it helps protect the skin from environmental aggressors such as sun and pollution. 
• Salicylate - helps to heal acne and blemishes by unclogging blocked pores and shedding the top layer of the skin. It also helps decrease redness and inflammation. 

You only need a small amount, and you can see that the pearls are very small, they burst upon impact and when massaging into the skin. 

All the products are vegan and cruelty free. You can pick them up from Boots in store but also online by clicking the link HERE - also it’s worth noting that at the time of writing this, they have whopping discounts on their products!

Sensai Make Up Review Total Finish Compact / Lasting Plump Lipstick

 

It’s not often that I get sent such luxury make up as the Japanese brand Sensai however, having reviewed their self-tan recently, I have been kindly sent some of the make up products to review. 

Now before I start, I know that we are in a cost-of-living crisis and, I also know that many of my readers will say the cost is out of their price range. However, we all have choice and there are many people who choose luxury makeup as their ‘treat’. Every year, as a single mother I treat myself on my birthday to a luxury branded product, and having used the likes of Charlotte Tilbury, Victoria Beckham etc, this brand goes above and beyond those brands. It cannot even be classed in the same category, as quite simply it’s because the products are a hybrid of anti-aging ingredients and colour.

Compact Case for Total Finish £22

The Sensai Compact Case for the Total Finish Foundation, is five star quality. It has that wonderful snap shut click, that is sturdy and yet incredibly sleek in design. Inside the compact you will find it’s been split into 3 components. Firstly, a mirror that has been cleverly designed so that it magnifies and gives a very clear reflection. Secondly the foundation refill (see below) and lastly, a dense sponge that gives excellent application. 

It is ideal to take with you travelling whether for work or holiday. It’s also ideal to apply your makeup at home given the excellent quality of the mirror. Since testing this, I’ve used it to apply my makeup rather than my magnifying mirror. 

Total Finish Refill SPF10 11g £42

The Compact Case houses a Total Finish Foundation Refill, available in 9 different shades. On the actual website you have a ‘try it on’ camera feature so you can choose your perfect match. The foundation comes in a powder formula that is designed to feel like a ‘second skin’. It also contains ingredients that help protect your skin including:-

• Zinc Oxide - protects the skin from UV rays, 
• Magnesium Myristate - a natural fatty acid found in coconut oil that helps moisturise the skin.
• Serica Powder - finely pulverised silk that is skin conditioning. 
• Dioscorea Panthaica Root Extract - otherwise known as Yam Extract that helps act as an emollient and keeps skin feeling supple. 

The ultra fine formula glides onto the skin with just one sweep, giving a light coverage and leaves skin looking radiant. It is not a full coverage, but almost a light blurring filter so your skin just looks better naturally. It contains no fragrance and is suitable for all skin types including sensitive. 

Lasting Plump Lipstick Holder £12

This innovative idea, means you can swap and change your lipsticks into a lipstick holder that again, is sleek in design and gives that wonderful ‘click’ snap shut. It comes with a velvet pouch, making sure that your lipstick is protected. The black lacquered design matches the rest of the brand’s compacts and gives a timeless, elegant addition to your make-up collection.

Lasting Plump Lipstick Refill 3.8g £32

This lip conditioning colour marriages beautiful colour with a host of moisturising and nourishing properties. Such ingredients include:-

• Sodium Hyaluronate - a humectant that draws moisture to the lips, preventing chapping and dry, flaky lips.
• Hydrolyzed Silk - anti-bacterial so helps prevent lip conditions such as cold sores, also helps smooth lips and keep them looking plumper and firmer. 
• Hydrogenated Polyisobutene - an emollient that makes lips feel softer and more nourished. 
• Squalane - gives a barrier on the lips to prevent moisture loss and dehydration. 

Here I have tested the Shimmer Nude, a suit all shade for every skin tone. I have taken a picture in the shade and the sunlight and whilst I don’t have ‘model’ lips (I am 52…), you can see it gives a beautiful, shimmer that plumps up the lips.

This suit all shade is ideal for events such as weddings (especially if you are the bride), as it’s incredibly long-lasting. Even after the lipstick had come off, I was left with a satin finish stain that lasted throughout eating and drinking for the afternoon. 

So whilst the brand is expensive, it is not without its reasons. The ingredients that are used to formulate the products are anti-aging and protective. The brand is a huge advocate for sustainability, and as such, use chemically recycled PET, recycled glass and bio-based plastic in much of their packaging. 

The Japanese also commit to

‘To consider a product’s life cycle from creation to dissolution, is a proactive deeply embedded in the tradition of Japanese craftsmanship. This encompasses a deep appreciation of resources and their values, while also reducing waste by repurposing and reimagining their vocation.  From selecting more responsibly sourced materials to innovating thoughtful design, this considerate approach is the silver lining in our efforts to continue being more respectful to the environment. 

The products themselves are far superior to most deluxe brands, and so as you would expect are stocked in high end stores such as Harrods. You can also buy and try (with the interactive camera) by clicking the link to their website HERE