Fjor Hydrolytic® Serum 30ml RRP £97

I like to review products spanning a variety of price ranges, as often I do like to compare ingredients especially when the product is of the higher end of the market price. It seems nowadays that we are obsessed with ‘dupes’ and yes, I’ve been there and done that with features. However, often what we find with dupes, is that whilst the packaging is the same, the product may feel the same, that in actual fact the ingredients are certainly not the same. So is it worth investing in a product such as the Fjor Hydrolytic® Serum at £97!

Before I even tested the serum, I knew the answer was a re-soundable yes. Firstly there is not a huge amount of ingredients listed, which means that the quality and quantity of such ingredients is high volume. Secondly, it’s made in Sweden and they have some of the best skin scientists and brands in the world (they also invented FOREO). Looking at some of these ingredients:-

• Glycerin - a humectant that draws water/moisture to the skin, leaving it feeling hydrated. 
• Pentylene Glycol - used as a moisturising agent but is also antimicrobial and helps ward off bacteria, ideal if you have acne. 
• Sodium Hyaluronate - again holds moisture to the skin, leaving skin feeling soft and supple. It helps increase skin hydration and is therefore anti-aging. 
• Mannose - a natural sugar (monosaccharide) that helps soothe irritated skin types and reduces inflammation. 
• Collagen - a protein that helps skin retain its elasticity and youthfulness. With regular use skin looks firmer and plumper, and is an ideal ingredient to help prevent sagging and wrinkles.
• Carpylyl Glycol - found naturally in coconut oil, again this humectant helps moisturise skin. It is also antibacterial, antifungal and helps reduce inflammatory conditions such as eczema. 
• Protease - a type of enzyme that helps protect the skin from environmental aggressors such as sun and pollution. It strengthens the skins barrier and helps with cell turnover, as has a mild exfoliating effect. 
• M-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate - this peptide is wondrous for boosting collagen production. It helps repair and rebuild the skin structure that has been damaged from UV sun exposure. 

The delivery system is by pipette formula that gives precision on application. You only need a couple of drops massaged into your face. Use it morning and evening before moisturiser. 

As a 52 year old post menopausal, stressed out mum of 2 teens, my skin is dehydrated (from medications), tired (from lack of sleep) and gets irritated easily (from hormonal sensitivity).

This feels absolutely amazing on my skin. It’s not tacky but it is heavy enough to make it feel incredibly moisturised (I actually didn’t need a moisturiser after, albeit I should use an SPF). It feels luxurious, and I look forward to seeing results long term.

Dermatologically tested, they offer a 100% money back guarantee on your first order! You can check out the amazing reviews and  purchase the product by clicking their website link HERE

Elegant Touch Salon Spring/Summer Nail Review prices from £5

 

I have regularly reviewed the Elegant Touch however, I always love to receive their latest collections. Many moons ago, I did go through a phase of having acrylic nails, until I realised the damage they cause. I was dubious with the quality back then of fake nails, until I tried this range and then I was converted.

The nails do not budge (see my TikTok video @askmollybeauty). They literally stay put until you soak and ease the off, and they look just like your regular acrylic or gel nail, you cannot tell the difference.

Simply choose the correct size for your nail, add a drop of glue to the centre of your nail and then press the false nail to your natural nail and hold for 5 seconds. The glue applicator is very precise, which is a good thing as it bonds in seconds (do not get on your skin or near your eyes)!

You get 24 nails in each pack with the glue, so there is a size for every nail. You can also choose your preferred shape when purchasing from ‘Stiletto’ which is more pointy, to a variety of ‘Square’ shapes, as well as various lengths.

I have always been super impressed by the final finish. Ideal for weddings, christenings, birthdays, holidays and especially ideal if you cannot afford the upkeep of salon nails. 

The ‘French Tip’ come in sheer, natural, neutral colours some with different degrees of thicker tips, you can be sure to find something that is your personal style. 

They also have a variety of natural coloured nails from Ballerina Pink, a gentle, sheer tint pink to Molten Metallics, a neutral pink with silver squiggle designs. If you prefer to paint your own nails, then they also have clear.

Prices start from just £5 and are available to buy from Superdrug, Amazon, Sainsbury’s, Boots or by clicking the link HERE

L’Occitane En Provence Almond Delicious Shower Cream 200ml RRP £17.50

 

Fans of the L’Occitane Almond range are going to be delighted with their latest launch this May. The Almond Delicious Shower Cream is simply divine and I’ve been raving about it to all my friends, especially those with dry skin types. It’s ideal for those who need a moisture injection into their body care. 

Not only does it smell utterly delectable, sweet, creamy and slightly nutty it has amazing ingredients to really hydrate and nourish dry skin types. Ingredients such as:-

• Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil - contains a high level of Vitamin E, that helps strengthen the skins barrier protecting it from environmental aggressors. Has high antioxidant properties, protects against UV rays and also helps with scarring. Sweet Almond Oil has a high concentration of fatty acids, so really nourishes dry, dehydrated skin types. 
• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil - contains anti-fungal properties that help prevent skin infections. It also contains Oleic and linoleic acids, that help keep the skin firm and is also healing with inflammatory conditions. The high levels of omega-6 fatty acids are soothing and help eradicate redness. 
• Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter - as above, this ingredient soothes the skin, softens dry rough patches and leaves skin refined. It is also good for conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. 
• Sorbitol Olivate - keeps the skin supple. Sorbitol is a humectant that retains moisture so skin is more hydrated. Olivate (Olive Oil) has an abundance of fatty acids again that strengthens the skins barrier, protecting it from harsh weather elements and pollution.

You only need a small amount as it does emulsify well. It goes on like a thick, whipped cream, but once added with water, turns into a milky consistency before it then emulsifies into a gentle lather. 

The formula does not strip the skin of any oils, is non pore clogging and left my hands without the need for hand cream! 

You can check out the other products in the range and see for yourself the 5 star reviews from customers. Visit in-store or by clicking the link HERE

O.P.I Infinite Shine® Spring Nail Polish Review RRP £17.50

O.P.I is a well known trusted brand of nail varnish that gives the quality of a salon finish, it’s long been my favourite nail brand, indeed I bought Nail Envy when it first launched on QVC probably in the 90s! However, I am even more of a fan now they’ve launched their latest formula that includes ‘gel-like wear’ that lasts for up to 11 days. This gives the salon finish of a gel manicure without all the hassle of applying and removing. 

I have recently had major spinal surgery, and as soon as I could sit for 20 minutes (still struggling), I treated myself to a gel manicure at my house. I really wish I hadn’t! As the gel wore off and I, ignoring all the advice I give to others, picked the rest of it off I’ve been left with such damaged nails, that one of them is now glued as keeps splitting. All the drugs in hospital and the shock of the operation has had a huge knock on effect of my skin, nails and hair! So I was delighted to receive some of the latest colours in the new gel-like formula from O.P.I

A Sherbert Thing

A flattering soft, peachy tan shade that suits all skin tones, especially those with golden or warm undertones. It’s a universal colour and suitable for all occasions. 

Faux-Ever Yours

A beautiful opaque, dusty, pastel pink that looks gorgeous for brides, weddings and again a colour that suits all skin tones. It makes nails ‘pop’ if you have a tan but is also soft enough to wear for fair toned skin.

Ready, Sunset Glow

A soft, tangerine orange that is striking for your holiday. The colour immediately gives off vibes of summer, and makes a welcome change from all the dark, brooding colours of winter. It looks fantastic on dark skin tones and with a tan.

Strongevity

A true sky blue, that again will put you into that beach vibe mode. The stunning shade of blue is a show stopper for all skin tones, and a huge on trend for Spring Summer 24. It’s the perfect colour for your toes and looks amazing with white open toed sandals. 

Purple Reign

If you still love to have your darker, mysterious colours then this is a perfect upgrade for Spring. The pearlised amethyst shade is shot through with shimmering highlights of green and silver, and really catches in the sunlight. 

The colour is easily removable with nail varnish remover (no need for filing down and using strong acetone). There’s a huge range of 70 colours to choose from, all the products are vegan and cruelty free. You can check out the range by clicking the link HERE or by visiting major branches of Boots online or in store.

L’Occitane En Provence Barbotine Eau de Parfum 50ml RRP £70

 

I love sourcing unusual fragrances and it’s the biggest compliment when someone asks you what scent you are wearing. However, I always feel a bit possessive when sharing my scent secrets, as I like it to be signature and personal to myself. Unfortunately when reviewing perfumes, I obviously can’t keep the scent to myself, and so I’m reluctantly letting you on to one of my favourite scents. Barbotine by L’Occitane En Provence.

This delicately scented fragrance, is green, crisp with light florals and ideal as we come into the spring and summer. Its aromatic notes give an uplifting and mood enhancing scent. Notes are:-

Top Notes

Bergamot, Mint Leaves, Lily of the Valley

Heart Notes

Golden Button, Chamomile, Ambergris Notes

Base Note

Cedar, Musk, Sandalwood

The refreshing notes come from the Mint Leaves, this definitely comes through even into the middle notes. I can almost detect spearmint that makes it reviving and ideal to wear when you need a pick-me-up. The aromatic note of Golden Button is also known as Cotula Coronopifolia, and has bright yellow flowers that when crushed give off notes similar to lemon verbena. With the Chamomile, this gives a clean, crisp scent that slowly melts into the Ambergris, Cedar, Musk leaving a grounding, earthy scent. Whilst this has a light floral from the Lily of the Valley, it goes marginally undetected, and so I would say it is certainly a scent for both men and women. It is herby, invigorating and try as I have, the only fragrances that I’ve found similar is Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Herba Fresca and Massimo Dutti Chamomile and Sandalwood. 

There is a whole wardrobe of products from this range, so you can layer the scent including Shower Gel £17.50, Body Lotion £26 and Soap £6. You can purchase it by clicking on the link HERE