The Body Shop Out For Love Multi-Tasking Highlighter £15 20ml

 

There are so many different highlighters on the market nowadays that it can often be confusing what one to buy. Not just the colour but the texture and especially key is the amount of shimmer in them - too much shimmer or glitter and they just look downright awful. 

So I was ecstatically surprised when I opened up the post, on my way to physio this morning to receive these new launches from The Body Shop. So ecstatic after swiping them on my hand, that I emailed my PR as I was hobbling off, to let her know that I thought they were amazing! They've even jumped the queue of write-ups (as I do have a small backlog of samples to review). So what makes them so amazing.

Well for starters they don't have any particles of glitter in them. They simply give that inner glow to the skin, that natural beam of radiance and this makes them incredibly youthful.

Secondly, they're multi-tasking - so multi-tasking that I've edited this paragraph and had to make it bullet point format! Use your imagination but here's just some of the uses:-

• Applied to the top of your cheekbones to make them more prominent.
• You can dab on the inner corner of the eyes, to make eyes look more set apart.
• A little dabbed on the eyelid, to make lids 'pop'.
• A smidgeon on your cupids bow to help give the illusion of a fuller pout.
• Mixed with a little body lotion and applied on your collarbone, this looks incredible if you're wearing a strapless evening dress.
• Mixed with your lipstick to take any matte shade to a satin, shimmer (perfect for the evening).
• and here's one that I bet no-one thought of - I massaged into my bare ridged nails to give my nails a natural  golden gleam (and the colour stayed put)!

Available in 3 different colour ways, and whilst all the shades are suitable for all skin tones they can also be used individually to compliment your undertone and eye colour. 

SPACE

This lilac shade is ideal for sallow skins, lilac is known for it's brightening effect for anyone with a dull, yellow undertone in their skin - it also looks amazing on brown eyes. Sallow toned skin is often 'ashy' toned and this colour will liven the complexion.

BAKED

This beautiful golden peach shade is perfect for those with warm undertones. It gives a slight radiance of natural sun-kissed glow to the skin, and looks just incredible on all shades of skin but really works with those who have a tan. It's iridescent with highlights of peach, gold and pink and is quite simply just beautiful. Mixed with a lipstick gives a wonderful 3d chrome effect. 

PEARL

This icy, cool shade is perfect for those with blue/neutral undertones, paler skin types and looks incredible on blondes and grey hair. Again the shade can be used by everyone however, the icy, silver shade really gives drama to pale complexions. 

As with all these highlighters you only need a tiny amount so the tube will last ages, and as with all The Body Shop products these are vegan and cruelty free. The texture isn't sticky and they last all day. However, they are limited edition so I would head to your nearest shop and purchase before they sell out. I'm hoping that they make these a regular addition to their make-up range. If you don't have a shop near you, check them out here at www.thebodyshop.com

Blistex Lip Infusions / Protect. SPF50+ Sample Review prices from RRP £2.79

 

I am often asked  'what are your desert island products'? Aside from sunscreen, tweezers and my dog, I always mention my Blistex Relief Cream. For as far as I can remember, it's the one product I insist on packing and has travelled with me all over the world. 

To me lip conditioner is an absolute must especially with my large lips, they often get dry, cracked and peeling when I'm exposed to the sun. Blistex has long led the way in the 'best lip balm' category, and so it's a brand I always revert back to buying.  I not only use it to moisturise my lips but will often just fill my lips in with a neutral lip pencil, and apply the balm on top to finish off my make up look.

Every year lip balms are re-launched or a new concept appears, and today I was sent the new 'Lip Infusions' RRP £2.99.

The first thing that struck me was the gorgeous, lip smacking smell. The pink 'Nourish' is a berry flavoured balm, that had me re-licking my lips (not a good idea as that instantly dehydrates).  Ingredients include:-

• Coconut Oil - antibacterial - coconut oil provides a barrier to stop bacteria getting into the skin. Moisturising and nourishing, helps heal and prevent chapped lips. 
• Beeswax - lubricating and also puts a protective film across the lips, again stopping bacteria from entering the skin. Conditions lips and prevents flakiness. 
• Vitamin E - boosts circulation and helps skin cell turnover. 

The Soothing Lip Infusion is a delicate flavour cucumber and what, to me smelt like an apple scent. Again contains Coconut oil and Beeswax but also contains:-

• Cucumber Seed Oil - cooling, ideal if your lips have had too much sun.
• Calendula - repairing and nourishing, a must have to keep lips soft and feeling supple.

Both Lip Infusions contain SPF 15 so protect the delicate lip area from UV damage.

If you are going on holiday, be it full summer sun, skiing or exposing your lips to harsh elements such as the sea, then you'll need extra protection on the lips. The Blistex Protect SPF 50+ RRP £2.79 gives optimum lip protection for both children and adults, from both UVA and UVB rays.  It has just a slight scent making it a universal product for both men and women. I keep one in my car just to massage in when I'm on the school run or sitting in traffic - I not only rub it into my lips, but any excess I also put around my cuticles and on my dry and brittle nails. The nourishing vitamins and oils instantly hydrate and nourish the driest of skins. It's infused with antioxidants such as vitamin C & E, which help protect the skin from harsh elements such as city pollution, whilst nourishing, healing and protecting at the same time.

Limited ranges are available to purchase from most major supermarkets and pharmacists, or to view the full range, see here at www.blistex.co.uk

Croma Calming Face Mask Sample Review £48 (8 masks)

 

I'd not heard of the brand Croma before, so it wasn't until I received an email, a few weeks back, asking if I'd like to sample a couple of their products that I discovered the Austrian skincare brand. After a little delving into the website, I realised that this is not your usual 'skincare' company. This family owned company is actually a 'world leading expert' in the field of hyaluronic acid syringes. The skincare line runs alongside their aesthetic medicine, and as such, combines quality ingredients that are clinically proven to give results.

I was sent a sample of the Calming Face Mask. From looking at the website, you get 8 in a box and can choose from a variety of mask types to treat your skin condition. The Calming Face Mask is just that, targeted at treating inflamed, sun damaged, irritated and stressed out skin.

The masks are individually packed and come in sheet format so you can simply remove from the backing sheet and press against your face. This means that you get the right amount of product to apply and none is wasted. Ingredients include:-

• Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract - aka pomegranate enzyme that works to gently exfoliate the skin without causing irritation. Also helps increase cell renewal. 
• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice - Aloe Vera Juice is often used in skin care to help calm inflamed skin. It's naturally cooling, hydrating and is excellent for sun damaged skin. 
• Sodium Hyaluronate - increases skin hydration, so skin looks and feels nourished. 
• Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract - cucumber, cooling, conditioning and again helps calm irritated skin. Incredibly refreshing and revitalizing. 
• Lavandula Angustifolia Oil - lavender is incredibly healing, works well to reduce acne, is anti-bacterial and anti-microbial. 
• Rosa Canina Fruit oil - boosts collagen production, reduces hyperpigmentation and gives radiance to the skin. 

After applying the mask to my face, I left on for 15 minutes. The mask clung well to my skin so I was able to walk around the house (a huge bonus in my busy life). Its cooling effects were immediate and I can just imagine how this would soothe sun damaged skin on a hot day. There was plenty of excess mask in the packet and so after removing my mask, I soaked up the rest and massaged on to my neck and decolletege.

My skin was left glowing and feeling incredibly soft (in fact I didn't even need to put moisturiser on, something that my dry skin always needs).  You can purchase the masks here at www.ukcromaskincareshop.com

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Drops Ice Silver Sample Review RRP £7.49

 

A few weeks ago I was picking up a prescription in Boots, and whilst waiting was glancing at the 'temporary colour' aisle. I'm on a forever ending quest of finding something that will banish my tarnished, golden locks into ashy tones. My natural colour is mid brown however, as I have approached my 50s (this June I turn that golden age), my roots are salt and pepper grey. I can't stay brown as the upkeep is too much, and hence I lighten my hair to blend in with the grey. As I'm naturally brown that ashy toned blonde doesn't come easily - well not until now.

So I was dithering whether to buy these, when by off-chance my lovely PR pinged her latest launch into my email, and by coincidence it was the exact product I had been looking at. So excited to receive these, instead of writing up a blog, I made a very poor Instagram reel (I say poor, as my eldest has her A level in Social Media and, I apparently should also go on a course). That saying, with over 500 views in less than 1/2 an hour, it appears I'm not the only one on a quest to get the perfect ash toned blonde!

So I thought I would take some photos and also ping a quick blog on this wonderful new product, so you can see for yourself just how much of a difference they make! 

Ice Silver is a colour designed for anyone with blonde hair, or even multi tonal brown hair that has orange, yellow and golden undertones, that want to put a bit of ash into their colour. Or for those with very light blonde hair (lucky you), to go that wonderful metallic silver shade.

Application couldn't be easier, simply shampoo your hair, rinse out excess water,  add a few drops of the colour to any conditioner and apply to your hair. Leave for up to 5 minutes then rinse away. The longer you leave the colour on - the more intense the result, and the same with the more drops you use - the more intense the shade.

You can mix with any conditioner, and whilst you should wear gloves (provided), I was a bit slap dash and just put it on with my bare hands, whilst I was in the shower. (The colour is intense so did stain my nails a little). A quick body exfoliation, shave of the legs, body wash and after 2 minutes I just showered off.  Quick, easy and no 'flaffing' about!

Anyway so here is a before photo, note I took both photos in exactly the same light, same place etc and as always absolutely no filters!

My hair is already quite highlighted but I have that definite caramel undertone which, can sometimes look very brassy.  Below are the after photos.

I am thrilled with the results, the drops are far better than my Fanola no Yellow Shampoo and my Olaplex No Yellow Shampoo. This is the result after just under 2 minutes on my hair! It's brightened my highlights and as you can tell has got rid of all that dullness. These drops will definitely be staying next to my conditioner on my bath! You can check out my Instagram reel under 'Askmollybeauty and to purchase online - here at www.superdrug.com

Ringana Skincare Sample Review

 

I'd never heard of this Austrian brand before however, when an email pinged into my inbox a few weeks ago from the PR raving about the brand I asked if I could review some of the skincare. I was intrigued especially as they had recently won the UK Beauty Shortlist Well-being Award.  A few weeks later I received this box full of Ringana samples.

I had of course, looked at their website and read up on the products and their ethos. I had also looked at other reviews on websites to learn more about the company and it's customers. So before I begin this independent review, it appears that there is some mixed reviews on the brand. Those that struggle with the customer service from a 'selling point of view' - there have been quite a few negative feedbacks on Trust Pilot from those who 'buy' into the company as a 'representative' - I am not here to give my review on this. I am not affiliated with any company, write completely independently and don't get paid for reviews - so anything I write needs to be good as I could be walking my dog right now! 

However, the reviews from those that have used the products as customers are five star all the way, and this is what my review is about. As a customer who just wants to purchase one or two items from their website. 

So let me begin - first the packaging. Now Ringana USP (unique selling point) is all about fresh, sustainable, organic and reducing plastic. They care for the environment and lead the way in fresh skincare. They do also supply supplements however, today I am reviewing the skincare. Of course such a company uses only sustainable packaging. As you can see all the packaging including the packing inside is eco-friendly.

Microplastic free, every filling is biodegradable and, even more thoughtfully, the glass bottles are protected from breakages by layering in between each layer a 100% organic towel.  The glass items are all protected, individually by organic cotton hand towels, and once used the bottles can be saved, sent back and will be re-used again. In return for sending back 10 bottles, the customer receives a free skincare gift of their choice.  So you can see that just from the packaging that this company is all about the finer details in caring for our planet. So first impressions were excellent.

Next came the ingredients of products. Again I have looked into every ingredient (as I often do) however, what has really impressed me is the quality. Ingredients are listed with greatest value first, often water is used to bulk up the majority of a product, whilst active ingredients are found nearer the bottom of the list. Not so with the ones I've reviewed. 

Every bottle is clearly labelled 'Fresh', this is to remind you that the ingredients are fresh, organic quality and as such only have a shelf life of 10 weeks, as preservative free. So once opened you need to make sure you use them up within the 2.5 months. 

Fresh Overnight Face Treatment £60.40 30ml

Our skins cells regenerate at peak overnight when we are resting, whilst we are sleeping our skin's blood flow is increasing and so our skin starts healing. Overnight creams help this process by getting vitamins and active ingredients into the skin layers to do their work. This cream contains Aloe Vera as it's base, an excellent anti-inflammatory and skin-smoothing ingredient. It also contains:-

• Limnanthes Alba Seed oil - aka Meadowfoam Seed Oil, hydrating and nourishing this creates a barrier to stop moisture from escaping. 
• Squalane - mimics the skin's natural oils so again very nourishing, and also is a natural anti-oxidant.
• Niacinamide - Vitamin B derivative that helps fade pigmentation spots.
• Lecythis Minor Seed Oil - Prickly Pear Extract, excellent for acne prone skin, blemishes and sensitive skin.

Fresh Tonic Calm £19.66 125ml

One of my favourite products of this line is the Tonic Calm, simply as I love to spritz my face throughout the day to pep my skin up. It has a wonderful easy pump to use, enabling one spray to mist my whole face. Not only does it awaken the skin but also made my dry, hay-fever eyes less irritated! Other uses include refreshing the skin after cleansing off make-up, and also I often use to set my make-up following foundation.  Ingredients include:-

• Aloe Vera Juice - refreshing, anti-inflammatory ideal for if you've been in the sun or your skin feels sensitive and inflamed.
• Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Water - Sweet Orange Water, anti-inflammatory, helps with skin irritations, very calming. 
• Oryza Sativa Bran Water - Rice Hull Extract, helps control excess sebum production, so toning and clarifying on oily skin. 
• Anetholea Anisata Leaf Extract - Australian Aniseed, skin rejuvenating, refreshing and awakening. 

Fresh Cleanser £19.91 125ml

This cleanser has Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Water - aka Orange Water as it's base, together with Sesame Seed Oil. Gentle, effective at removing all impurities without the need for any harsh chemicals or preservatives. It also includes:-

• Xylitol - Birch Sugar, often associated with a natural sweetener for food, sugar is an ideal exfoliant in helping rid skin of dead skin cells. It's gentle to use all on skin types and leaves skin feeling smooth.
• Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil - Almond Kernal Oil, nourishes the skin and is ideal if you suffer with eczema or psoriasis. 
• Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract - aka Green Tea, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, excellent for blemishes, blackheads, acne prone skin whilst treating skin with respect.

Fresh Anti-Wrinkle Serum £51.63 30ml

If anyone was to ask me what we should spend our money on in skincare, then I always suggest serums. Serums are usually the most concentrated of skincare products and where ingredients really show the part they play in skincare. This serum is ideal for anyone who wants a decent anti-aging skin care serum to help target fine lines and wrinkles. It has lots of cell renewal and skin regenerating ingredients, including ones I've not come across such as:-

• Anigozanthos Flavidus Extract - Kangaroo Paw Extract, rich in fatty acids this amazing ingredient helps strengthen the skin, boost collagen production and helps with elasticity, so firms the skin. It's regenerative so will combat those pesky fine lines and helps rev up the skins metabolism. 
• Hexapeptide-11 - Hexapeptides are amino acids, in skin these acids help improve skin tone, encourage collagen renewal and result in plumper, firmer skin conditions. 
• Olea Europaea Callus Culture lysate - Olive Sprout Stem Cell Extract, taken from the olive tree this 100% natural active is excellent for anti-aging and incredibly nourishing for dry, mature skin. 

Fresh Cream Rich £41.28 £50ml (far left)

I've put the other products with this photo so you can see the difference in size. The Fresh Cream Rich is the ideal moisturiser for all skin types, especially dry, irritated skin. It contains lots of nourishing oils that are non-irritating and non-pore clogging. Alongside many anti-oxidants such as:-

• Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract - Elderberry, full of vitamin A and also naturally healing and so good for those with acne prone skin. Has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. 
• Oenothera Biennis Oil - Evening Primrose Oil, helps restore dry skin, rough, chapped, weathered skin and gives comfort to those who suffer with conditions mentioned above, such as eczema. It also helps prevent wrinkles.
• Butyrospermum Parkii Butter - Shea Butter, moisturizing, hydrating and helps keep skin supple.

So you can see from above that I have cherry picked just a few of the ingredients from each item. As mentioned as the ingredients are so fresh, from opening I now have 10 weeks to get the full benefit. The products themselves are pretty much unscented so can be used by both men and women. I also think that with the beautiful glass bottles, thought out packaging that they make a wonderful gift.  I am super impressed and I would urge you to look at the website here www.ringana.com Don't forget that when you go into the website to click onto English so you can see the text and currency in GBP!