Dr Teal's Soothe & Sleep Range Sample Review

 

My favourite time of the day is around 8.30pm, it's when I usually manage to have my first sit down for the day to relax (unless I'm typing of course). Up until 8.30pm I am manic busy, school runs, chores, walking the dog, writing etc and so come 8.30pm I make my cuppa and sink into my recliner chair and sigh. The aim is to watch some TV but I usually end of channel hopping and flopping into bed around 9pm utterly exhausted.  Most of the time I fall asleep straight away, as I simply can't keep my eyes open (my alarm clock is off at 6am) however, with this comes the 4 hour sleep cycle, which means by 1am I wake up and spend around 3 hours trying to avoid irrational thinking! I don't have any blue light on, I don't eat sugar, I don't have caffeine and still my sleep cycle in a nutshell is horrendous!

Lack of sleep can affect everything from our mental and physical well-being, to our relationships, our weight, our moods etc and is essential to be able to function. If I'm lucky I get around 5-6 hours a night, and hence why I have that vicious circle of going to bed early.  My sleep patterns are so erratic that they often induce a condition called Sleep Paralysis, a very scary condition which involves lucid dreaming, reality and the inability to move (I've a separate post on this).

So when a PR offers to send me samples of anything that can aid sleep, well it's a 'yes please'! Putting to the test this week is the Dr Teal's Foaming Bath with Pure Epsom Salt, and Dr Teal's Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution. I tested them last night however, took the photos earlier that morning (you don't want to be testing this in the morning unless you've just come off a night shift)!

Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution £7.99 21bs

The salts contain the essential mineral Magnesium Sulfate, a mineral that is vital to help our body function correctly. If you don't have enough magnesium you may experience symptoms such as shaking, restless legs, pins and needles, tiredness, nausea, cramping. Thankfully the salts are 'transdermal' which means they can get quickly into the body via topical (creams) or by adding to the bath, as they can get into the blood stream via the skin. Together with the essential oil of lavender they promote a healthier sleep pattern and an instant tension release. 

The salts can be used by either placing in your warm bath (around a handful), and simply lying back and soaking, or one of my favourite methods is to scoop some up with some coconut oil, massage into the skin for a good exfoliation and then let simply drop into the water. The oil will nourish the skin whilst the salts act as a thorough exfoliant. You can also apply a cup to some warm water and place a flannel in the water, rinse out and use as a compress directly on to aching joints.

As a warning, don't drink alcohol after or put too much in the bath, as I've discovered in the past it can make you feel a little sick!

Foaming Bath With Pure Epsom Salt £8.99 1000ml 

If you love the ritual of a bubble bath, then the Foaming Bath has the best of both worlds. Just a small amount placed under running water, transforms your bath into a frothy oasis of floating bubbles with the wonderful lavender fragrance. In fact I left the bathroom door open so my whole upstairs was scented throughout, to give an air of calm before night fall. Not only does lavender help you sleep but it's well known to be anti-inflammatory, so ideal if you've over done a workout, been in the sun or suffering with acne. It's also anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, detoxifying and can help keep minor cuts, grazes clean from infection.

Both the products make wonderful gifts for a new mum, mum to be, carer, sports person, in fact anyone who just needs a little TLC. Very reasonably priced as the large amount will last ages! You can purchase here at www.boots.com and/or www.amazon.com

The Body Shop Wellness Range Sample Review

 

I was super excited to hear that The Body Shop had launched a new range under the 'wellness' umbrella, as being a stressed out, menopausal, broken ankle (broken record I know), single mum - well anything that advocates well-being and stress relief and my hand is the first up to say yes please!

I was sent some information regarding the new range, it's split into 3 'families', Sleep, Boost and Breathe, each category is catered for by using various active ingredients and essential oils to help ease symptoms and provide relief from mental stress.

I was sent the following:-

Boost Uplifting Hair & Body Wash £12 200ml

I was hoping that the juicy, bright bottle and the promise of a 'Boost' would live up to it's name upon opening and it did. A burst of orange citrus hit my nose and instantly made me feel more alert. I love the fact that you can use it on your hair and all over the body, in fact I took it to the swimming pool and it filled the whole area with an uplifting aroma. Someone even mentioned over the cubicle next to me 'ooh that smells nice'! Some of the ingredients include:-

• Mandarin - rich in Vitamin C, antioxidant and also good for fighting bacteria. 
• Bergamot - uplifting, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and ideal for acne prone skins. Also good for sensitive skin types. 
• Olive Fruit Oil - nourishing and hydrating, contains fatty acids to help combat dry skin. 

Sleep Balmy Body Cream £25 200ml

This luxurious, thick cream glides on like a dream and sinks straight into the skin without leaving it feeling greasy. It's perfect for applying after a warm bath in the evening, or for the softest of feet, slathering on and popping a pair of cotton socks on overnight. Skin looks renewed and supple. 

Of course it's now just about how the skin looks or feels, the dreamy cream contains an abundance of ingredients to help calm the mind such as:-

• Lavender - long been used for it's calming properties, simply the aroma induces instant shoulder drops and releases tension.
• Vetiver - helps regenerate skin cells (which is why it's used in many night time products, as skin cell turnover is highest at night during rest). Also helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and scarring. 
• Sunflower Seed Oil / Olive Fruit oil - again these incredibly nourishing and hydrating oils help to really soften the most parched skins. Ideal for not just using at night but if you've been in the sun, as the ingredients help to fight inflammation and redness.

Breathe Calm Balm £9 15g

What the most minty chewing gum does to your breath, this Eucalyptus & Rosemary balm does to your mind. Just a tiny amount applied to the temples, neck, pulse points gives you an instant re-charge. I keep this in my car to help me on my school runs however, there are so many benefits and uses for this such as:-

• Ideal for drivers, long road journeys, stuck in traffic this is ideal.
• Before a meeting or applied at your desk to stay alert. 
• Before an exam. My 13 year old has his PPE examinations (GCSE pre-mocks), and he absolutely loved applying a small amount on his temples before his exams! It's helped him be alert when he needed to be, and has also helped calm him down (he has high functioning autism). 
• I would also advise using it just on pulse points before a driving/theory test.
• After the death of my father late last year, I started to have a few panic attacks. I'd read chewing gum helps as the smell takes over the senses and can 'bring you back' and out of the anxiety. This also works to help bring you round and your breathing back to normal. I am gifting this to my mother, as she has been unwell with anxiety attacks recently. 

As always the products are vegan, cruelty free and made with 100% natural essential oils.

Please check out the amazing reviews here at www.thebodyshop.com

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Varnish Spring Collection Sample Review £3.99

 

I have very fond memories of the brand Barry M. I know that I've mentioned this several times when writing for the press, that when I was 13 (37 years ago), my mum started up a shop, an Aladdin's cave of trinkets, treasures and makeup!  Her shop, in Brentwood, Essex was one of the first to stock Barry M products. We used to have a rep come to our house, who would open up her little suitcase and from there we would dive right in and test the samples and decide what products to shop. Back then the only nail varnish was bright fluorescent pink, yellow and green, that sold out thanks to the 80s trend. 

So when I say that I have fond memories, I really do and it's one of the reasons why I have always reviewed and stayed loyal to their products (the Natural Dazzle is the best bronzer I've ever tested - and I have tested hundreds)!

So I was delighted to receive the Spring nail collection. Hues of blue, greys, lilac, pink and taupe all in muted shades. They have definitely hit the right degree of the colour spectrum, when it comes to on trend especially with the muted blues. Move over Chanel......

Unfortunately due to ill-health my nails are awful at the moment, but I wanted to swipe the brush on something that would give a truer colour after a couple of layers. Here from left to right (looking at the screen) is Eucalyptus, a light sage green; Periwinkle, an icy, ash toned blue and my favourite Bluebell, a cool, timeless, stone blue. 

Again from left to right (looking at the computer), Honeysuckle, a warm, pink shrimp; Sea Salt, a natural stone; and finally Hibiscus, a sophisticated mauve.

The end result is a high shine finish, that looks classy and covers all imperfections on the nails. The colours are super easy to wear, won't show mistakes, so you can be a little slap dash if you're in a rush. One layer gives just a fine veil of gloss, whilst a couple of layers give the full finish as in the photos. The shades suit all skin tones and as natural, light colours they will go with all outfits. Perfect for spring, and for just £3.99 each an absolute bargain!

You can check out the rest of the range here at www.barrym.com

Floral Street White Rose Scented Candle £34 Sample Review

 

Saturday 26th March 8.30pm is marked in my diary as 'Earth Hour'. This event is where for an hour of the year, awareness is raised to help reduce the cost of our carbon footprint. It's where lights are turned off and millions of people around the world, come together to show unity in passion for saving our planet. 

One British brand who is passionate about sustainable living is Floral Street. The company founded by Michelle Feeney, created her floral oasis combining not just quality ingredients but with ethical sourcing, eco-friendly packaging and kindness to the planet as her goal. Not only did she achieve this by way of her Covent Garden store, but every ingredient, every bit of packaging is countered for. 

The company also works alongside a range of symbols such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), World Land Trust, PETA.  However, what's sold it to me, before I've even tested the candle is the office mascot - Jackson, the Golden Doodle! As a dog lover, I would love to meet him - albeit my Cockapoo may get a tad jealous! Of course it goes with out saying that products are vegan and cruelty free. 

Often when companies spend a lot of money on their packaging, the products themselves can lack in quality, this is not the case with Floral Street. Firstly, lets talk about the beautiful, floral, print box that greeted me first. A sturdy box, that can be re-used for a number of items - I'm thinking of the ideal storage for my Zara scarves and definitely a box to be kept on display!

The actual candle itself comes in an exquisitely designed white rose box, which opens up like a flower budding at first Spring. The essence of rose envelopes the senses immediately, and I was drawn to an imaginative scene that pictures an English countryside rose garden. Heady, floral, strong yet not overpowering, just simply the purest singular note. I didn't even have to light the candle for this stunning aroma to fill my kitchen.

Right now my only regret is that I am still recuperating from a broken ankle, as I am only an hour's journey into Covent Garden where the flagship store is, and I would love to experience the other fragrances. In the meantime I shall make-do browsing the website here at www.floralstreet.com

Please join Floral Street by lighting a candle this coming Saturday 26th March 2022 and unite with millions of people around the world, to show compassion for nature and our beautiful planet. It's only for 1 hour yet the impact this has will be huge. You can see more information on World Earth Hour at www.earthhour.org

L’Occitane En Provence Cherry Blossom Beauty Easter Egg £16 Sample Review

Yesterday I was in Sainsbury’s having a look at all the chocolate Easter eggs for my kiddos, when it dawned on my that this year I’ll be eating my home made, disgusting, almond flour, sugar free, fat free cake. I’ve never mastered the art of sugar free baking however, due to a chronic condition I have to eliminate sugar in most of my diet. Sugar alcohols don’t agree with me and so basically everything is home Molly made - and it’s not nice! 

Thankfully this year L’Occitane have an amazing range of Easter gifts, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive one to review - actually I’ll be gifting it to my mother.  Anyway these wonderful Easter egg tins are filled with travel size products of their best selling ranges.

The Cherry Blossom gift set contains 75ml Bath & Shower Gel: 35ml Shimmering Lotion and 10ml Hand Cream all contained in a beautiful, sturdy, metal tin. The tin itself is ideal for re-using, be it refilling with chocolates and gifting, storing bits and bobs, the ideas are endless!

The products themselves are the perfect size for a long weekend away. The scent is delicate, not too overpowering but lightly sweet and up-lifting. Ingredients include Bitter Cherry, full of vitamins and antioxidants and ideal for dry skin types. The Shimmering Body Lotion gives a natural gleam to the skin, and is a must have for exposing pins during the warmer weather. The light iridescent lotion gives a veil of radiance rather than a full on shimmer. Whilst the Petal-Soft Hand Cream contains Shea Butter that ensures even the driest of hands and cuticles are nourished. 

This makes a wonderful gift and makes a nice change from chocolate! That saying if you want to pop a few chocolates in the tin then that’s a welcoming thought too! Check out the rest of the range here at www.uk.loccitane.com

L'Occitane En Provence Anti-Ageing Face Care Routine Gift Set £92 Sample Review

 

If I could sum up one word that describes the journey of being a mother, then it's 'emotional'. I'm a single mum of 2 teens having brought them up almost single-handed myself the last 10 years, and that journey has been incredibly emotional. At times tested beyond what I fathom are my limits, yet at the same time the bond of unconditional love sees us through. I cannot even type this without tears in my eyes of what traumas both my children have endured, yet here we still are and quite frankly I'm beyond exhausted. So writing Mother's Day features is always a hard task for me however, to soften the sting there is, of course, the utter thrill of being the recipient of some amazing gifts to sample!  

L'Occitane is one of my favourite brands - yes I know I've mentioned this before however, in the past 8 years when I was writing for the press weekly, and on the radio I always featured the brand. I never was paid for writing weekly but the page was my own and I build up a great base, which enabled me to continue writing on-line and across social media. So when I'm taking the time to review a product, it's got to be worth it - especially as I have a sick son upstairs and a broken ankle that needs icing!

The Anti-Ageing Face Care Routine Gift Set is simply an utter joy to open. The sunny, bright box is filled with layers of bright yellow tissue paper inviting to be opened. 

Inside contains a full sized 50ml Immortelle Divine Advanced Youth Care Cream; 200ml Immortelle Essential Water Toner and a 200ml  Oil-To-Milk Facial Make-up Remover. The box contains all you need to treat your skin with active ingredients that will help prevent ageing. The products are designed to treat those who are seeing changes in their skin whether from age, hormones, menopause or stress.

The key ingredient to the products is Helichrysum Italicum aka Curry Plant or otherwise known as Immortelle. It's a flowering plant from the daisy family and is often found in dry ground around the Mediterranean. It has amazing benefits in skin care, being widely used for it's anti-ageing benefits, as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It has anti-oxidant properties and is good for sensitive skin being anti-allergenic. 

The Immortelle Divine Advanced Youth Face Care also contains:-

• Evening Primrose Oil - soothing, balancing and ideal for pre-menopausal skin, reducing itching and sensitive, inflamed skin. 
• Camelina Sativa Seed Oil - contains nourishing ingredients to help keep the skin supple, such as fatty acids and vitamin E. 
• Borage Officinalis Seed Oil - this calming oil is ideal for those that suffer with eczema or rosacea, and helps fight inflammation. 
• Bellis Perennis Flower Extract - daisy flower, helps reduce the appearance of pigmentation/sun spots. Keeps skin looking radiant as has brightening properties. 
• Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract - Rosemary is a powerful astringent that can help swelling, puffy skin and treats skin conditions such as dermatitis.

The Immortelle Precieuse Essential Water, is a toner that is ideal for awakening the skin, especially in the morning or before a night out. Often toners have been used in the past for wiping away the last residue of make-up remover however, this toner treats the skin as well. It contains as above, Immortelle, and also Hyaluronic Acid that alone is incredibly hydrating, nourishing as it binds water to the skin. Just a small amount placed onto cotton wool and wiped over the skin, instantly refreshes and gives skin that supple feel. 

Lastly the Oil-To-Milk Make-Up Remover, is a wonderful ritual that makes cleansing a dream. Simply place a few drops into the palms of your hand and massage into your face, cup a little water and add this to your face and the oil emulsifies into a softening milk. Either splash your face or wipe away with a flannel to see even the most stubborn waterproof make-up be removed. Often cleansers can leave your face feeling tight, but this left mine feeling incredibly nourished and soft. 

Again ingredients include Immortelle and also:-

• Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil - Sunflower Seed Oil - this oil is ideal for a base of make-up remover as it doesn't clog the pores and is non-irritating. It also contains high levels of linoleic acid (found naturally in our skins oil), so provides optimum nourishment. 
• Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract - is soothing and helps calm inflammation, irritation from skin conditions such as eczema. 
• Prunus Armeniaca Kernal Oil - aka Apricot Kernel Oil, helps soothes dry, sensitive skin and diminishes the appearance of fine lines. 
• Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil - otherwise known as Seaberry, this ingredient helps protect the skin from environmental pollutants. It contains an abundance of vitamins such as B, C and E and so is a powerful anti-oxidant.

The gift set has a retail value of £92 but if you were to buy these separately would cost £118. Whilst this makes an excellent present, it would be a hard one to part with! Check out the fantastic reviews here at www.uk.loccitane.com

Erborian Super BB Au Ginseng £39.50 Sample Review

 

I'm a huge lover of BB creams, not just for the natural coverage - something that is universally flattering as we get older, but because they actually treat the skin with actives rather than just providing coverage. 

As we come into Spring, everything is getting lighter and what we put on our skin should reflect this. Of course, coverage is something we all still need as perfect skin is something we often strive for however, I'm a huge advocate of not plastering on the heavy matte foundations.  That saying, I do understand, especially as my eldest suffers with hormonal acne that we want to camouflage and hide our blemishes, but often I do try to persuade her to let her skin breathe and on these occasions a BB cream is the perfect answer.

Erborian  has come up with a solution for those who need more coverage the 'Super BB' cream. This cream morphs into your skin tone and lightly conceals blemishes, smooths uneven skin tone and provides radiance, yet at the same time treats the skin with the following ingredients:-

• Jojoba Seed Oil - anti-inflammatory, ideal for acne prone skin, sensitive skin and is incredibly nourishing, providing moisture where needed.
• Wild Yam Root - helps smooth uneven skin tone, reduces pigmentation and is anti-aging. 
• Ginseng Flower Extract - skin brightening, helps reduce inflammation and contains 3 different types of vitamin B, making it the ideal ingredient to provide anti-oxidants to the skin.
• Niacinamide - helps build the protein Keratin - this protein is found in our skin and keeps it supple. It also helps balance oil production so ideal for oily skin types. 

I have a lot of redness and freckles on my face, here above I've lightly applied a tiny amount to my right side of the face (left side looking at the photo), and you can see it's given the perfect coverage, eradicating the redness whilst letting some of the freckles peek through.

It's a huge thumbs up from me - you can purchase here at www.uk.erborian.com / www.spacenk.com

www.lookfantastic.com

BetterYou Magnesium Mineral Bath Flakes Review £7.95 sample review

 

I first discovered the wonderful benefits of magnesium in my 20s when I was diagnosed with severe spondylitis/stenosis. I have always suffered with back issues due to being super hypermobile and managed the symptoms with exercise and supplements. I also suffered (pre menopause) badly with a painful condition called Endometriosis, and following at least 12 operations sadly suffered until I did pass my menopause. The one thing I always have kept in my cupboard to help alleviate my symptoms is magnesium supplements. Magnesium can help a huge array of symptoms such as :-

• Pre-menstrual Syndrome
• Restless legs
• Aching joints
• Depression/anxiety
• Headaches
• Lowering high blood pressure
• Protection against muscle damage

However, I used to only take as a supplement until I was told by an old physio how in fact the best way to take magnesium is through a bath! Magnesium is actually able to get in through the skin by way of transdermal absorption. It can also get in topically by way of massaging in cream gels/creams too. This means that when having a bath just a handful of flakes will give you instant benefits, much quicker than if you were to take orally.  Such benefits are as above but also include:-

• Good nights sleep
• Aiding prevention of muscle spasms
• Instantly relaxing tight joints and ridding of tension
• Softening the skin and improving skin hydration
• Helping soothe eczema, dermatitis and other skin conditions
• Fight infection
• Improve circulation

Having just recently broken my ankle, I've been suffering with most of the above. Muscles I didn't know existed are tired from compensating for my broken foot. I suffer and always have done with restless legs, a very distressing and irritating condition whereby I'm often flexing my legs through the night, to the point I've only gotten a few hours sleep.  So when an email pinged into my inbox offering to send me some samples I was delighted as knew I would be using them straight away. The Bath Flakes contain 100% natural magnesium chloride, are certified vegan, palm oil derivative free, dermatologically tested and eco-friendly!

BetterYou Magnesium Mineral Bath Flakes come in 3 different varieties, each one giving a completely different sensory journey by way of essential oils, to relieve symptoms -  Relax, Revive and Mind. 

Stressed out, overworked, tired, aching muscles from the gym or suffering from exhaustion and wanting a decent nights sleep - then choose Relax. Containing oils of:-

• Rose Geranium - a balancing oil that can help depression, ease anxiety and perfect for hormone balancing. 
• Bergamot - helps lower bloody pressure, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and is de-stressing.

If you have been unwell, need to clear your head, need to focus then Revive is for you. Containing oils of:-

• Grapefruit - awakening, helps refocussing, has astringing and toning properties.
• Eucalyptus - clears the head, refreshes and is excellent if you have suffered a cold and need to feel revived!

If you've recently suffered a lot of stress, are emotional, or you're just feeling out of sorts, and need to feel recharged then Mind is the one for you. Essential oils include:-

• Sweet Orange - anti-inflammatory, so ideal if you suffer from acne, anti-bacterial and it's aroma is ideal for reducing stress and anxiety. 
• Basil - can alleviate menstrual cramps, is anti-spasmodic so ideal if you have any kind of cramping, and can help with insomnia.

Children can also use magnesium flakes and can help with conditions such as ADHD (always check with your doctor first for contra-indications). Also pregnant women can use magnesium flakes, in fact magnesium is essential for pregnant women - again you must always check with your doctor, and reduce the amount to begin with, and build up gradually.

You can use in a bath or for a relaxing foot soak however, always make sure you drink plenty of water to help the process of flushing out the toxins. 

You can buy here at www.BetterYou.com

Natura Siberica Oblepikha and Pine Body Scrub £6.95 / Oblepikha Body Butter £6.95 Sample Review

 

Once again my photos don't do justice to how pretty this body care set is. You can purchase them separately but I think both together make a lovely Mothers Day Gift for under £15. The packaging is delicate, beautiful and is definitely one for show on the bathroom shelf, not hidden in a cupboard. With the beautiful bright blue, orange pattern, what you can't see on the photos is that it's flecked through with gold swirly ribbons, giving a luxurious feel to the product.

The reason why I chose to review these products was purely based on the scent. I am a huge lover of a more aromatic, herbal fragrance than floral, and upon reviewing I wasn't disappointed!

The Oblepikha and Pine Body Scrub is a thick, rich exfoliant that hosts a huge amount of organic ingredients such as:-

• Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil - aka Sea Buckthorn, this wonder ingredient contains B vitamins, as well as vitamins C and E, is full of anti-oxidants and is very anti-inflammatory.
• Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract - Sage Leaf, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. 
• Hesperis Sibirica Flower Extract - nourishing and moisturising. 
• Siberian Pine Oil - anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-septic.

The base of the scrub is Shea Butter, so incredibly nourishing and just a small handful rubbed into your skin before you shower (I prefer to do this standing in the shower, before I turn it on), doesn't just rid your skin of dead skin cells, but really deeply moisturises. It smells heavenly uplifting and rather zesty!

The Oblepikha Body Butter has a similar fruity fragrance, almost orange scent again that is incredibly refreshing. The texture as you can see from the photo is like a whipped, delectable mousse formula and it glides onto the skin like a dream. It's incredibly buttery and soft, and hands down beats many other body butters on the market yet for a fraction of the price.

Again with similar ingredients such as Sea Buckthorn, the Body Butter also contains:-

• Panax Ginseng Root Extract - hydrating, helps smooth the skin and also helps with uneven skin tone. 
• Rosa Canina Fruit Oil - commonly known as dog rose, this oil is an anti-oxidant and anti-aging.
• Pulmonaria Officinalis Extract - an emollient that is incredibly nourishing, and helps with dry patches of skin. It's also used to help inflamed skin and helps tone with it's astringent properties.

You can visit the website here for more details www.naturasiberica.co.uk

Natura Siberica Taiga Spa Shower Set £10.99 Sample Review

 

I'm sure that I've started reviews off before by saying 'I'm never disappointed when I've received items from this brand'. I don't get paid by them and all my reviews are honest, genuine - if I don't like the product then it doesn't get reviewed.

Natura Siberica have the best gift sets. I like to give them lots of shout outs as I don't think many people (well certainly people I've spoken to them), are aware of just what a fantastic, value for money brand they are. Take this gift set - it makes the perfect Mothers Day present and is just over £10. 

Neatly boxed this gift set contains a full sized Body Cream and full sized Shower Gel, both 200ml. Before I start with the active ingredients, as with most of their products they contain and abundance of organic, active ingredients, are cruelty free and vegan. 

The Shower Gel Scrub is a light weight exfoliant that cleanses the body whilst ridding the skin of dead cells. It's not an abrasive scrub, very gentle and smells lightly floral. Ingredients include:-

• Prunus Armeniaca Seed Powder - organic apricot kernal powder, helps moisturise and nourish dry skin. Helps exfoliate the skin leaving it smooth and soft. 
• Sorbus Aucaparia Fruit Extract - wild harvested rowan berry, a natural skin conditioner. 
• Eleutherococcus Senticosus Extract - wild harvested Siberian ginseng, helps aid circulation and contains vitamins D and b12. 
• Panax Ginseng Root Extract - helps fade uneven skin tone, is anti-ageing and boosts hydration. 
• Rosa Canina Fruit Extract - aka dog rose, an anti-oxidant that protects the skin from environmental pollutions. 

The Tundra Petals Body Cream is a nourishing body cream, that sinks in immediately and is not as heavy as a body butter. It leaves skin feeling soft and smelling delicately rosy! Ingredients include:-

• Butyrospermum Parkii Butter - aka shea butter, incredibly nourishing enriches the skin and leaves it feeling very moisturised. Often used in products as a skin conditioning ingredient.
• Amaranthus Spinosus Seed Oil - helps hydrate, soothe the skin and is full of omega 6 and 9 fatty oils. Gives intense hydration without leaving the skin feeling tacky or oily. 
• Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract - anti-inflammatory and helps skin heal. 

Aside from making your skin feel wonderful, this is a lovely gift and ideal for anyone who likes organic and natural ingredients. Suited for all skin types - definitely check out the huge range of products as quality and value for money is excellent. The website is here at www.naturasiberica.co.uk

HD Brows Pro Pencil Bundle £25 Sample Review

 

I'm huge fan of HD Brows, having met many moons ago founder Karen Betts a few years after she started up the brand. I also have many friends who've been lucky enough to have their training direct from her (indeed, and if I can find the feature I wrote, I will put up on here later). I also have used many a makeup artist who've introduced me to the eyeshadow palettes, and for contouring they're probably the best on the market.  They still sell them as I've just checked on their website. 

Anyway I was sent the Pro Pencil Bundle to review, this contained the Pro Pencil in Black and the Pro Super Shaper. 

The set usually would set you back £30 but you save £5 for buying both together. Now before I review more, I will be honest - I am not a fan of permanent eyebrow make-up (note they stopped calling it semi-permanent many years ago, whereby it was discovered that some of the ink could still stay on the skin after a very long time). So permanent tattooing is just not for me, I think our eyebrows change shape and I've just yet to find someone who does a very natural stroke. So I'm always happy to test brow pencils, shadows as they do make such a difference to the face. The right shape can make your face shape change, not to mention knock years off. Having written about HD in the paper years ago, and reviewing the HD brow treatment, I still recommend it as the best place to get yours shaped.

The HD Pro Pencil is incredibly soft, in fact before I even attempted to sharpen (more on that later), I simply applied very lightly to one brow, a few simple strokes. I was amazed by the quality, especially as my brows usually are too light for 'black', noted the colour is buildable depending on how heavy you use the pencil.

This took less than a few seconds to apply, I also applied it before even sharpening the pencil! You can see it's an incredibly natural black and I would certainly recommend for all brow colours except maybe very fair - it does come in 4 colour ways Ash, Light Brown, Dark Brown and Black. Note reviews on the website say that the Black also suits most shades of hair. The pencil itself has small indentations so you can see just how much to sharpen off too. Which brings me to the sharpener itself.

I admit I had to email the PR and tell her 'I love the pencil it's amazing but I can't get to grips with the sharpener' however, I think my impatience got the better of me. Firstly the sharpener as you can see is on top of the lid. At first I was swiping horizontal (blame my broken ankle stupidity), but in fact you simply just sharpen it vertically into any shape you wish! This ensures you get a needle point or any angle you prefer. Emptying it took a while to get to grips with however, again I was doing it wrong (on this I won't be the first). Simply pull the base away from the lid, do not try and pull the lid away from the base!

Once I'd got to grips with the sharpener I could see why it's such a great idea. It can give the pencil a multitude of desired effects from microbladed to ombre look, whichever is your preference. I decided after to go for a swim and I'm happy to say it is also waterproof and sweat proof. It also lists on the website it contains 'vegan' friendly ingredients. 

As I said above, I'm a huge fan of HD and would invite you to check out their other products at www.hdbrows.com

Sanctuary Spa Signature Showstopper £29.99 Sample Review

 

Sanctuary Spa never disappoint with their gift sets - often when brands compile a gift set they contain a product or two that is often given away, the small hand soap or sample size 'fill in the gap' moisturiser. Well not with Sanctuary Spa. Their gift sets contain items whereby each and every one is begging to be opened and used, and the 'Signature Showstopper' is just that. Filled to the brim with some of their best selling products!

Of course, timing is everything and so I'm aptly reviewing this just before Mothers Day. The gift itself is presented in a beautiful floral peach shaped box (that also makes an ideal storage box). Cocooned into an abundance of orange tissue paper, you'll find full sized and travel sized products from their best selling original range. Included is:-

• Body Wash 250ml - this full sized body wash is filled with little Jojoba beads that dissolve onto your skin and leaves skin feeling refreshed and revitalised. Jojoba Seed Oil is one of the main ingredients, known for it's anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, it's ideal if you are prone to acne. 
• Body Scrub 200ml - a gentle, yet effective body shop that smooths skin with it's natural pumice, ideal to use in preparation for baring legs as we move into warmer weather. Skin will feel pampered and baby soft. 
• Heel Balm 75ml - a little goes a long way with this heel balm. A must if you are suffering from dry, cracked heels, and again to make them sandal ready for the summer. Enriched with nourishing Shea Butter, it also contains Tea Tree oil known for it's anti-fungal properties, so ideal at preventing bacteria from entering into the skin. 
• Body Lotion 75ml - the ideal size for travelling, these 75ml bottles will easily last a long weekend or 5 days. The body lotion has skin calming Aloe Vera so ideal if your skin is exposed too much in the sun. 
• Shower Oil 75ml - Camelina otherwise known as the ingredient called Gold of Pleasure Oil. This rich source of Omega 3 and 6 oils however, it's not a greasy oil and so ideal for all skin types including oily. 
• Hand Cream 75ml - containing Sweet Almond Oil that helps nourish not only dry hands but helps rehydrate dry, cracked cuticles. A must for those that have ridges in their nails and for everyone who's hands are exposed to harsh elements such as cold air. 
• Moisture Burst Face Wash 30ml - a very gentle face wash, so ideal for sensitive skin. Containing various oils such as Geranium (Pelargonium), that can help with inflammation and is soothing, whilst also has a toning effect. 
• Sleep Mist 50ml - having misted this all over my face and body, I can honestly say it has an instant relaxing effect. Containing essences of Patchouli, Jasmine and Frankincense it creates an aroma of instant shoulder drop, tension release and will set you up for a good nights sleep.
• Salt Scrub Sachet 60g - this sachet contains all you need for a full body scrub, bath experience. Light some candles, run your bath warm, then stand in your bath whilst massaging the salts all over. Let them drop into the bath with the nourishing oils of Evening Primrose, Coconut and simply lie back and relax.
• Finally the set also contains a body puff - no need to explain, I couldn't shower without mine!

The set is amazing value as usually retails at £45 almost double the price. All the products are vegan, cruelty-free and eco friendly. Check out on their website at www.uk.sanctuary.com 

Hada Labo Tokyo Intense Hydrating Skin Plumping Gel RRP £19.99 50ml Sample Review

 

Whilst I'm a quarter Japanese (my grandfather was Japanese and Burmese), I have never been to Japan, the closest I have got to Japan is testing beauty products! So I was intrigued to do a little research into the Japanese philosophy 'wabi-sabi', and found out that they celebrate skincare with simplicity and working in harmony with the skin.

Thankfully, you don't have to go far to get a little Japanese skincare into your regime - Hada Labo Tokyo is now being stocked in Superdrug, and it goes without saying that there are mainly 5 star reviews from customers on all of their products.

I was sent the Intense Hydrating Skin Plumping Gel. Filled with many active ingredients such as:-

• Squalane - natural anti-oxidant, helps skin keep it's moisture - derived from Squalene a substance that is naturally made up from your skin's natural oil. 
• Hydrolyzed Collagen - anti-aging helps improve the skins elasticity giving a plumper effect. 
• Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract - anti-aging, anti-bacterial and has astringent, toning properties. Ideal for those who suffer with breakouts and acne prone skin. 
• Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid - helps the skin maintain moisture and is also very regenerative. Helps with inflammation and tissue repair. 
• Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate - skin smoothing, anti-aging and again very good for inflammation. Helps reduce wrinkles and dryness.

I was very impressed with the ingredient list. Of course what matters is how it felt on my face, and having just come back from my first swimming session (broken ankle rehab), my face was feeling taut and tight. This skin plumping gel is incredibly lightweight but sunk in immediately. 

You can see from the photo above that it is not a heavy cream, just a very light gel, making it ideal for all skin types from oily to dry. Upon application it left no sticky residue and my skin immediately felt relieved from the tightness - it was also wonderfully cool to apply. I've taken a photo below so you can see how it sinks in to the back of my hand (the camera just doesn't show it on my face)..

I absolutely love the brand and, as mentioned at the beginning of the review so do many other customers. To see for yourself have a visit at www.superdrug.com